Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver Watch Review
The Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver is the latest creation to emerge from Grenchen. Generously-sized but ultra-light, courtesy of its titanium torso, this subaquatic tool watch features a COSC-certified movement and an unusual bidirectional bezel with a patented safety lock. Furthermore, it is endowed with an on-trend camo-themed dial.
Breitling Superocean first released in 1957
Naming a product often proves a challenge for marketing professionals and sometimes necessitates looking to the heavens for inspiration or, worse still, staying late at the office, burning the midnight oil. Choosing a suitable name for a watch is a protracted process but it probably explains why ‘Beryl’, ‘Fluffy’, ‘Mungo’ and ‘Parsley’ have never made the grade.
In 1957, Breitling released the inaugural ‘Superocean’. The marketing team’s brainstorming has clearly paid off. The chosen soubriquet immediately conjures up thoughts of vast seas, adventure and exploration. Over the years, the collection has proved a popular choice for both men and women.
Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver case
Now, the Grenchen-based watch firm has just released a new addition to the Superocean family, the Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver, a watch that promises to live up to its name. This latest ‘Super Diver’ brims with masculinity. It’s housed in a 46 mm case that’s formed of lightweight titanium, a material that’s strong and hypoallergenic. Furthermore, it’s water-resistant to 1000 m which should surpass the needs of the most intrepid subaquatic explorer.
Breitling bidirectional bezel
The watch is equipped with a bezel incorporating a scratch-resistant ceramic inlay and marked with a count-up scale. Unusually, the bezel is bidirectional, breaking with divers’ watch convention; however, don’t worry, the ‘Super Diver’ fulfils its subaquatic duties courtesy of a ‘patented safety lock’. As Breitling explains, ‘the clever feature ensures that every twist counts and stays put, guarding against unintended adjustments so you can focus on the wonders of the deep without worrying.’
Breitling Caliber 10
A self-winding movement, the Breitling Caliber 10, is at the heart of this latest creation. The movement sits within a soft-iron cage, protecting it from the adverse affects of magnetism and is COSC-certified, providing independent assurance that it will deliver chronometric excellence.
Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver dial
Available in two colourways, black or green, the central dial area is dressed in camouflage. This may sound strange for a divers’ watch but the Marketing Department knows that ‘Super Diver’ clients will spend more time on terra firma than underwater. Moroever, market research says that Camo is very much on trend at the moment.
Rest assured, Breitling has not sacrificed legibility on the altar of style. Plump hour and minute hands, chunky indexes, a centre seconds hand with a lollipop outlined in yellow and a highly lucid flange-mounted minute track efficiently converse with the wearer. The liberal application of Super-LumiNova also aids readability; a useful attribute whether underwater or in a night club.
Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver – closing remarks
Both dial options come with a choice of a colour-coordinating rubber strap (grey or khaki) or a matching three-rows titanium bracelet.
Based on first impressions, the Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver lives up to its name. Robust, precise and highly legible, the Super Diver has all the necessary prerequisites for underwater use. Furthermore, when on terra firma, this model promises to make a huge statement. It’s no shrinking violet, indicates the prevailing time with billboard efficiency and even promises to look sharp on the dance floor with its camo-chic dialscape.
I look forward to getting to grips with a Breitling Superocean in the coming months and confirming what I already suspect, this is a watch that is suitably named and not merely the product of marketing hyperbole.
Further reading
Technical Specifications
- Model: Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver
- Reference: E10379351B1S1, E10379351B1E1, E10379D31L1S1 or E10379D31L1E1
- Case: titanium, diameter 46 mm, height 14.5 mm, water resistant to 100 bar (1000 metres); sapphire crystal to front and solid caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, centre seconds
- Movement: Breitling Caliber 10, self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), power reserve approximately 42 hours.
- Strap: grey or khaki-green rubber strap (24/20 mm) with titanium folding clasp or titanium bracelet with
- folding clasp
- Price: £5,200 on strap or £5,750 on bracelet (as of 13.6.2024)