In the 1950s, at a time when it had already established itself as “official supplier to world aviation”, Breitling took on another challenge by setting out to conquer maritime depths. 1957 thus saw the launch of the famous Superocean, equipped with an ultra-readable dial, an armored glass and a monohull case watertight to a depth of 200 meters (660 ft) – a remarkable feat at that time. Originally designed to equip professional and military divers, and particularly special troops, this model soon gained a following among enthusiasts in the booming field of leisure diving. It subsequently gave rise to a whole line of diver‘s watches and chronographs, which have distinguished themselves over successive generations by their extreme sturdiness as well as their peerless performances – including water resistance to depths of 500, 1,500 and even 2,000 meters. Breitling is now giving fresh impetus to this legendary collection by launching a Superocean with an entirely revamped design.

More youthful, more modern and more dynamic: while the new Superocean makes no compromises on the technical qualities that have consistently distinguished Breitling‘s diver‘s watches, it immediately catches the gaze by its stunning makeover. A fresh, sporting and original look that is bound to be equally at home in the ocean depths as on dry land. The rubber-molded bezel is particularly pleasant to the touch and is enlivened by sloping numerals and a fluted pattern accentuating its technical nature and its adventurous vocation. The strikingly distinctive dial echoes this vigorous geometrical motif with applied hour-markers and numerals standing out clearly against a matt black base. Water-resistant to 1,500 meters (5,000 ft), powered by a selfwinding chronometer-certified movement and available at a particularly competitive price, the new Superocean has exactly what it takes to break the waves and sail across changing trends while keeping several lengths ahead of the competition.

Blue, yellow, red, silver or black: the new Superocean offers a broad spectrum of colors to adorn the beveled inner bezel ring surrounding the Abyss black dial. This bright touch picked up by the tip of the seconds hand gives each model an especially strong personality.

A born diver, the new Superocean confidently faces under-water pressure down to a record depth of 1,500 meters (5,000 ft) thanks to the ultra-sturdy construction of its case, its screw-locked crown and its extremely sophisticated gasket system. The rotating bezel is equipped with a unidirectional rotating device that avoids any inadvertent disturbance of the dive time during an actual diving operation. The case is fitted with lateral reinforcements effectively protecting the crown from the hazards involved in such underwater adventures. The Superocean is also equipped with a safety valve at 10 o‘clock, an unmistakably characteristic feature of professional diving instruments which serves to balance out the differences in pressure inside and outside the watch. As soon as internal overpressure reaches about 3 bars, this valve automatically releases the helium stored up after time spent at great depths, thus preventing the case from exploding.

Extreme conditions call for extreme sturdiness: the Superocean is made from a steel alloy that is particularly resistant to corrosion in a saline environment. The case is formed from a metal bar subjected to a succession of high-pressure stamping and firing operations that have endowed it with peerless endurance. The bezel is slightly hollowed to show off the slightly raised numerals and hour-markers, and then coated in black rubber finely molding the brushed metal surface.

To provide wearers with a free-ranging variety of styles, the Superocean comes with a choice of three sturdy and comfortable wristbands ready to take on all manner of challenges. Originality and boldness are the keynotes for the Ocean Racer rubber strap punctuated with a line of round perforations reminiscent of 1960s racing straps; while the Professional bracelet with its three rows of oblique-cut links radiates a powerfully masculine look; and the new black rubber Diver Pro strap with its raised central ridge exudes a resolutely sporting appeal. The two rubber straps are equipped with a pushbutton-clasp featuring a folding mechanism that enables extremely precise adjustment, and a comfort-enhancing extension system that is adjustable in a few seconds.

Along with its unique appearance and the original style of its numerals, the new Superocean neglects none of the functional qualities that have earned the reputation of all Superocean models – and indeed of all Breitling wrist instruments. Readability, thanks to oversized hands and hour-markers accentuated by a luminescent Super-luminova coating that is visible even in ocean darkness. Security, provided by a thick sapphire crystal glareproofed on both sides to avoid any glinting that might reduce readability in dim light. And last but not least, user-friendliness, ensured by the knurled relief of the bezel that facilitates handling even with gloves – much like the large fluted crown. As befits an authentic Breitling, each and every detail has been designed to ensure a maximum of efficiency and optimal performances.

Movement	:	Breitling Caliber 17, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, selfwinding, high frequency (28,800 vibrations per hour), 25 jewels. Calendar.
Case	:	steel.
Water-resistant	:	to 1,500 meters (5,000 ft).
Crown	:	Screw-locked.
Bezel	:	Unidirectional ratcheted.
Cambered sapphire crystal	:	glareproofed on both sides.
Diameter	:	42 mm.
Dials	:	Abyss Black, Abyss Silver, Abyss Blue, Abyss Red, Abyss Yellow.
Straps/Bracelet	:	rubber Diver Pro or Ocean Racer/steel Professional.