Inspired by the original Superocean from 1957, the Superocean Heritage Chronograph 44 stands as a quintessential example of Swiss watchmaking excellence, successfully merging classic aesthetics with modern performance. As a tribute to the brand’s diving legacy, this timepiece captures the essence of vintage dive watches while incorporating cutting-edge materials and the added functionality of a chronograph.
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The Ultimate Breitling Aerospace
Equipped with the iconic sword and arrow hands as well as a unidirectional bezel with a polished ceramic insert, the Superocean Heritage Chronograph is a sporty and elegant looking diver’s chronograph. The model featured here is a step further in class, with its 18K red gold bezel flange and dial highlights.
Beneath the finely cambered sapphire crystal—with AR that only Breilting can deliver—the timepiece is fitted with a deep black glossy dial that corresponds with the ceramic bezel insert. Onto this have been applied red gold wedge markers and matching hands. The sub-register surrounds are lined in the material, and the brand logo is also a red gold appliqué. There is a colour-matched day/date window at 3 o’clock and only three lines of text. In the outer chapter ring, there is a minute track punctuated by lume plots on the hours where—along with the handset and bezel pip—there is a healthy application of Swiss Super-LumiNova.
If this isn’t enough bling, perhaps the fully polished case—buffed to a mirror-like shine—will do it for you. Built like a tank at 44mm in diameter, with a lug to lug of 54.5mm, and a thickness of 15.6mm, this will not be a watch conducive to all wrists. Nonetheless, if you can pull it off, its presence will be unmistakable.
The watch is available on a mesh-styled rubber strap or, as seen here, a polished and tapered mesh bracelet. The bracelet is very well engineered with screwed links to remove lower sections and allow for easy resizing. The clasp is a fold-over.
This iteration is powered by the Breitling Caliber 13, which is a COSC-certified chronometer with a 48-hour power reserve and a 4Hz beat rate.
True to its diving heritage, the chronograph offers a laudable 200m water resistance, making it a suitable companion for aquatic adventures. With its screw down crown and case back, the watch can handle recreational diving activities while maintaining its performance and integrity.
SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel /w 18K Red Gold 44mm Diameter 54.5mm Lug to Lug 15.6mm Thick 22mm Lug Width Screw Down Crown & Case Back Uni-directional Ceramic Dive Bezel 200m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Crystal /w AR Glossy Dial Applied Markers Sword and Broad Arrow Handset Sub-dials @ 3, 6, and 9 Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Breitling 13 (Valjoux 7750 Base) Central Chronograph /w 1/4 Seconds, 30 Minute Register & 12 Hour Counter 25 Jewels 28 800bph 48-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Stainless Steel Tapered Mesh /w Folding Clasp |
Breitling Superocean Heritage Chronograph 44
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Of Interest
No matter how you feel about the size, the design of the Superocean Heritage Chronograph is a fine balance between vintage charm and contemporary sophistication. The watch’s stainless steel case exudes a robust and substantial presence on the wrist. The unidirectional rotating bezel, with its polished ceramic insert, not only adds a dash of modernity but also enhances its functionality. The classic dial layout, with well-proportioned sub-registers and luminescent hour markers, pays homage to the Superocean legacy while ensuring optimal readability. And the use of red gold elevates the design in sophistication and elegance.
Quibbles
Unlike the Heritage B01, this watch uses a Valjoux 7750-based calibre. Arguably, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the workhorse Valjoux-based B13. There is a reason the calibre has been alive and ticking since 1973. And like the B01, it is COSC-certified. However, the B01 is a modern (launched in 2009), in-house, column wheel movement with a vertical clutch system. If the technological gap does not bother you then you’ll save yourself $1750USD by sticking with the B13.
I would also note that despite the excellent bracelet, I expected more from the clasp–micro-adjust, a diver’s extension, etc.
Final Thoughts
The Breitling Superocean Heritage Chronograph 44 transcends the boundaries of time, seamlessly blending a historic design with contemporary advancements in watchmaking. It’s big and it’s brash in its use of polish and precious metal. But it is also vigorous and manifests quality in its details and finish. Whether you’re a diving enthusiast, a collector of vintage-inspired timepieces, or someone who appreciates the fusion of form and function, this watch is an embodiment of Breitling’s dedication to both heritage and innovation. With its impressive performance, iconic aesthetics, and versatile design, the Superocean Heritage Chronograph is a testimony to Breitling’s watchmaking mastery, but also its own aesthetic vision that does not quickly follow fads and trends in the market. It’s a Breitling. And you can tell.
The Breitling Superocean Heritage Chronograph 44 in red gold retails for $8200USD. For more information, please visit the brand website.
About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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