They did but this year they have decided to further extend the SOH family to include a number of new models with 44mm cases including some baller (no, not baller these are very classy) two-tone versions in 18k Red Gold and Stainless steel –
one of which can be had as a 42mm. It can be distinguished from the 44mm version by its white-framed date window.
Breitling have created both three-hands and chronograph models in B01, B20 and Cal. 13 flavors to suit, plus a whole slew of lovely dial options of which there is a sexy silver (looks more Titanium to me) chrono dial with black sub-dials among others.
The Superocean name dates back to 1957, when it was first used for the brand’s earliest professional diver’s model which Breitling say soon became popular among both professional and amateur SCUBA divers – no doubt! ;)
The name has been used for a number of different models over the decades including some of the brand’s more contemporary dive watches but it is the Héritage line with its direct use of vintage design cues that has garnered the most attention.
Like any half decent retro diver, the 2017 / 18 SOH takes an old school style and combines it with the brand’s most cutting-edge technologies such as the watch’s ultra-hard high-tech ceramic bezel inlay. No biggie really, but you wouldn’t be without a ceramic inlay these days.
While Breitling have breathed new life into the SOH’s design, they were careful to retain all those characteristics that had made the historic models so special.
Take for instance the unusual shape of the hands (harpoon for the hours and sword-like for the minutes), along with the slightly cone-shaped hour markers, DNA taken directly from the earliest SO but exaggerated so that they are able to accommodate even more lume.
For 2018, the Superocean Héritage II collection has been extended to include these handsome new 44mm models. . .
The Superocean Héritage II B01 Chronograph 44 which is unquestionably the line’s flagship model. Powered by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, it has been constructed in two versions, both with robust Stainless-steel cases.
One model features a striking black dial and is presented on a black Aero Classic rubber strap; the other has a bold blue dial and an Ocean Classic Stainless-steel bracelet.
The Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, has already established itself as one of the most reliable mechanical watch movements. It is visible through the watch’s Sapphire exhibition caseback. It boasts an impressive power reserve of more than 70 hours and has these cute panda-like sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock.
There are also three new Superocean Héritage II Chronograph 44 models, powered by the workhorse that is the Breitling Caliber 13 automatic movement. They have a different sub-dial configuration from the B01’s and are located at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock which along with the day / date window at 3 o’clock, offer perhaps a more youthful and sportier look. Honestly, not a fan of day indictors, though. :(
There are two Stainless-steel versions of the Superocean Héritage II Chronograph 44: one has a black dial and an Ocean Classic Stainless-steel bracelet, while the other features a blue dial and a blue Aero Classic rubber strap designed to perfectly match its dial.
The Stainless-steel and 18k Red Gold model with its black dial is particularly fetching. This beautiful chronograph is presented on an Ocean Classic Stainless-steel bracelet.
Next up is the Superocean Héritage II B20 Automatic 44, a sleek and striking new interpretation of the SOH family in a three hand version of the watch powered by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber B20. There are also two subtle Stainless-steel designs: one with a black dial and a black Aero Ocean Classic rubber strap, the other with a blue dial and an Ocean Classic stainless-steel bracelet.
The Stainless-steel and gold Superocean Héritage II B20 Automatic 44 has a black dial and a black Aero Classic Rubber strap which as mentioned above is also available in a 42mm variant. Each member of the Superocean Héritage II B20 family has a date window at 6 o’clock.
The Breitling Manufacture Caliber B20 powering the COSC-certified Superocean Héritage II 44 is a robust automatic movement with a 70-hour power reserve. It is based Tudor’s in-house Caliber MT5612 and features exclusive finishing reflecting the collaboration between two brands that are now pooling their expertise in the development and production of selected mechanical movements.
The robust Stainless-steel case with its screw-down crown is water-resistant to 200 meters. Its fluted unidirectional rotational diver’s bezel, with a luminescent dot at 12 o’clock, is fitted with a 120-click cycle for increased accuracy.
So what do you think of the new Superocean Héritage II 44mm models?
The SOH has never looked better imho. The two-tone versions are going to cause much salivation – images of these should only be expanded when properly armed with a fresh box of Kleenex and accompanied by a healthy bank statement.
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