Breitling Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 44 Watch Review
The Breitling Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 44 is one of several new ‘sea watches’ from the Swiss luxury marque headquartered in Grenchen. US-based Meehna Goldsmith takes a deep dive into the history of the Superocean before exploring the company’s latest seafaring references.
Image – the new Breitling Superocean Heritage collection
Breitling Superocean Heritage collection (1957)
Breitling wasn’t the first one to the party when consumer dive watches hit the market in the 1950s. But when the brand debuted the Superocean Heritage collection in 1957, it brought a stylish vibe to the genre, along with true diving creds. For the first time, a professional diving watch could travel the underwater seas, and once topside, look right at home at a beachside resort or on a yacht deck. Dive watches hadn’t reached the level of lifestyle pieces just yet, but Breitling primed the pump.
Image – Breitling Superocean Heritage Automatic 36 featuring the Breitling Caliber 10
Prior to releasing the Superocean Heritage collection, Breitling had a strong position in the aviation tool watch market. The new Ref. 1004 and Ref. 807 diving watches leaned into its brand DNA with minimalist design that presented a sleeker and more refined case. The anodised, rotating bezel also had a clean interface without extra ornamentation, while the dials featured bold broad arrow hands or straight baton hands, depending on the production run. Furthermore, markers were also heavily coated with lume. All these characteristics were designed to enhance underwater visibility. Interesting note: the Superocean Heritage was the introduction of the combination of the arrow type hand with the baton hand that have become a signature for Breitling’s dive watches.
Image – Breitling Superocean B01 Chronograph 42
While the time only Ref. 1004 was positioned as Breitling’s first dive watch to compete with Rolex and Blancpain, the Ref. 807 was a purpose-built dive watch combined with a chronograph, a first in the industry that showcased Breitling’s technical prowess. Although Audemars Piguet is credited with establishing the ‘luxury sport’ watch category with the Royal Oak, the Superocean Heritage should be recognised as a precursor, forecasting the term before it existed.
Image – Breitling Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 44
Breitling Superocean Heritage – refreshed for 2025
Over the years, the Superocean evolved in style and pushed into more professional dive categories, such as the Superocean Professional with depth ratings of 500 m, 1000 m and 1500 m. In 2007, Breitling decided to revive the style of the 1957 originals when it dropped the Superocean Heritage line. Now, in 2025, Breitling gives the Heritage line another refresh, blending retro styling with technical firepower.
Image – Breitling Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 44
Breitling Superocean Heritage – colours
Aloha, welcome to Hawaii. The latest Superocean Heritage update hulas over to the lush and vibrant tropical islands as the aesthetic backdrop, channeling the laidback vibe of surf culture. The colour palette is tight and focused with core black, blue and green dials complemented by a matching ceramic-inlaid bezel to keep your watch free from scratches. Some models incorporate responsibly sourced 18k red-gold to the outer bezels. It’s done in a low-key manner that doesn’t disturb the refined appearance.
Matching tone on tone sub-dials complete the stealthy monochromatic look, keeping the design cohesive, chic and elegant. A date aperture is tucked away at 6 o’clock with black numbers set against a white frame echoing the lumed indexes that appear white in daylight. As you might expect, arrow and spear hands for timekeeping circle the dial. More refinements include a thinner, better fitted integrated mesh-metal and mesh rubber bracelets to increase watertight fitness, secured to the wrist with folding clasps.
Breitling Superocean Heritage B31 – new Manufacture movement
The newly released Superocean Heritage models include a dive watch combined with a chronograph (obviously), and automatic models in various sizes, including the automatic 44 mm, the boldest diameter that manages to stay within the sweet spot of proportion and balance. What’s so special about this model is the inclusion of Breitling’s first-ever three-hand manufacture calibre B31. Launched a few months ago in March in the Top Time B31, it’s COSC-certified and runs continuously for 78 hours.
More than just functional, the movement has decorative flourishes as well. Seen through the sapphire case back is a skeletonised rotor, while the bridges come alive with Côtes de Genève and the baseplate with perlage. The release of another manufacture calibre further demonstrates Breitling’s commitment to advancing technically and developing that technology in-house. If you want to have the B31 ticking inside your diver, then you can choose from the 44 mm, 42 mm and 40 mm iterations.
Image – Breitling Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 44
Breitling Superocean Heritage B31 – closing remarks
The modern Superocean Heritage line pays homage to Breitling’s retro style roots. It also tips a hat to the brand’s historic release of a dive watch with a chronograph, flexing its technical muscle. The B31 is a testament that Breitling continues to innovate. With the Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 44 on your wrist, you’ll get the best of both worlds: fashionable, retro style on land with modern functionality under the hood.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Breitling Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 44
- References: AB3112241B1S1, AB3112241B1A1, AB3112361L1S1, AB3112361L1A1, UB3112161C1S1 or UB3112161C1A1
- Case: stainless steel, diameter 44 mm, height 12.17 mm, water resistant to 20 bar (200 metres); sapphire crystal to front and exhibition caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, centre seconds, date
- Movement: Breitling Manufacture Caliber B31, self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), power reserve approximately 78 hours.
- Strap: Black, green or blue rubber strap with folding buckle (22/ 18 mm) or Ocean Classic stainless-steel bracelet with butterfly clasp
- Prices from £5,200 (RRP as of 18.6.2025)