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ReviewIn-depth review of the Breitling Superocean II 44

With a water resistance to 1000m, the Breitling Superocean II 44 is taking over the Sea

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“You simply don’t become official supplier to world aviation by chance”

Of course, you don’t! It is a known fact that Breitling is definitely the go-to brand for any and all your aviation needs in the world of Haute Horlogerie. They have emerged as a superpower in the world of aviation and played an important part in the development of the wrist chronograph. After such revolutionary timepieces, it is safe to say that they have officially conquered the skies. Interestingly though, Breitling is master of more than just the skies. Their Superocean collection is an established diver’s series that houses sturdy, reliable and high-performance timepieces.

A true diver’s watch, the Breitling Superocean II 44 is an efficient timepiece
A true diver’s watch, the Breitling Superocean II 44 is an efficient, high-performance timepiece.

History of the Superocean collection

With the launch of the Superocean collection in 1957, Breitling shifted their focus on building a true diver’s watch that guaranteed a water resistance to 200 metres (660 feet), an impressive feat for that time. Initially designed to equip military and professional divers, the Superocean quickly garnered a lot of fan following among leisure divers too, making it a huge success. Through the years, Breitling has enriched the original collection with more efficient and better developed timepieces boasting a water resistance to depths of 500, 1500 and even 2000 metres. The successive generations of Breitling Superocean have changed the course for Breitling’s stronghold of just the skies. Today, Breitling is easily pegged as one of the most trustworthy and leading watch brands creating masterpieces for land, sky and the sea.

Breitling Superocean-II 44 - A true diver's watch
The successive generations of Breitling Superocean have changed the course for Breitling’s stronghold of the sky. Today, Breitling is easily pegged as one of the most trustworthy and leading watch brands creating masterpieces for land, sky and the sea.

The watch in question

The Breitling Superocean II 44 is a watch that has distinguished itself by its technically innovative features and flawless functionality and readability. A true diver’s watch, the Breitling Superocean II 44 is a performance timepiece that boasts of immaculate technical accomplishments and spectacular design details. I know all of this is a great incentive that could make you hit the store and buy one for yourself, however, buying a watch is a complicated process that needs research, a basic understanding of the functions and an interest in the internal and external workings of a watch. So the basic question you need to ask is, what to look for when buying a diver’s watch and what you can get with the Breitling Superocean II 44?

The ultra-sporty Breitling Superocean-II 44
The Breitling Superocean II 44 offers outstanding performance combined with an ultra-sporty aesthetic.

Here’s what to look for Vs what you get with the Superocean II 44:

1. Water Resistance:

What to look for?

Firstly, it is imperative for a diver’s watch to be resistant to a number of factors like water, pressure and even temperature (it gets really cold down under). Once you have an estimation of how deep you will be taking your watch, find one whose water resistance exceeds the determined depth. A watch with a water resistance of 100m is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, bathing and surfing, but for deep sea diving, you will be needing a watch with a water resistance of up to 300m or more.

What you get:

The Breitling Superocean II 44 is water resistant to a whopping 1000m which is approximately 3300 ft. This not only ensures the watch to be resistant to such depths but also proves strong enough to withstand the water pressure felt at a depth of 1000m. An impressive achievement manufactured by Breitling. The watch is not just a marvel underwater, its shock and temperature resistant features can be used on land too!

A 360-degree view of the Breitling Superocean II 44
A 360-degree view of the Breitling Superocean II 44.

2. Legibility underwater:

What to look for?

Diving has its risks and one needs to understand the risks involved when choosing a watch. An ideal watch is one that has a high readability quotient underwater. There is no point how water resistant the watch is if you cannot read it underwater. The deeper you dive, the faster light is absorbed and before you know it, the clear water on shore could get very murky and dark. Hence it is vital that a diver’s watch ensures clear readability underwater.

What you get:

The Breitling Superocean II 44 features luminescent markers to aid the diver. The bezel houses a clearly visible numeral ring with large numbers for easy readability underwater and a triangle luminescent marker at 12 o’ clock.  The visibility of the dial is also accentuated by large Arabic numerals which are further enhanced by white luminescent coating. The hour and minute hands are also coated with luminescence that glows in the dark, resulting in an easy and efficient reading of the watch.

A diving marvel- Breitling Superocean II 44 (ref no. A17392D7/BD68/162A)
A diving marvel – Breitling Superocean II 44 (ref no. A17392D7/BD68/162A).
Breitling Superocean-II 44 with a power reserve of 40 hours
The 44mm watch clocks in a power reserve of 40 hours and is inserted with 25 jewels, accurate to 1/8th of a second with 28,800 v.p.h.

3. Case:

What to look for?

Before you plunge right in (pun intended), you also need to make sure that the watch is well-built, especially the case. A diver’s watch needs to be sturdy and be able to withstand extreme temperatures, shocks and pressure. The case back should be screwed in or should have a full seal to avoid any leakage.

What you get:

Apart from an ultra-sporty look and design, the Breitling Superocean II 44 is a sturdy piece of Haute Horlogerie. The case back is screwed in with a screw-locked crown and two gaskets, hence leakages are very rare and unheard of. The polished lugs are manufactured from the highest quality of steel and with great precision. The case also includes a helium escape valve to ensure the watch equalizes the difference in the pressure inside and outside the case of the watch. The dial is covered with the best of the best cambered and glare-proofed sapphire crystal. Use of top-most quality steel and sapphire crystal ensure a smooth and trouble-free experience under water.

Breitling Superocean II 44
The case includes a helium escape valve to ensure the watch equalizes the difference in the pressure inside and outside the watch.
Breitling Superocean-II 44
The case back should be screwed in or should have a full seal to avoid any leakage.

 4. Bezel:

What to look for?

If you know how to work a diver’s watch, then you understand the importance of the bezel. For all those who don’t, the bezel is a vital part (and I mean the life and death kind) of a diver’s watch. It helps a diver determine the amount of time he/she has spent underwater and the amount of time left before he/she heads on back to the surface. A unidirectional bezel is the only option you should go with. It prevents your watch from accidentally moving backwards which could get very risky (in accordance with your air supply). It is always better to ensure that the bezel moves easily and is clearly readable.

What you get:

The bezel of the Breitling Superocean II 44 is a fluted rubber-moulded unidirectional rotating one. The best of its kind! The numerals on the bezel are displayed in large fonts to ensure visibility. It also contains a countdown of the last 15-minute dive and a triangle with a luminescent marker at 12 o’ clock.

The graduated bezel of Breitling Superocean-II 44
The bezel contains a countdown of the last 15-minute dive and a triangle with a luminescent marker at 12 o’ clock.

5. The workings:

What to look for?

Now that we have clarity on the bezel, the build of the watch, readability, and case structure, let’s move on to the inner workings of a watch. For any watch, especially a diver’s watch, precision is key. A few seconds could very well be the difference between life and death.

What you get:

The Breitling Superocean II 44 is powered by their in-house, chronometer certified (by the COSC – Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute, the highest industry benchmark), mechanical self-winding Caliber Breitling 17 movement. The 44mm watch clocks in a power reserve of 40 hours and is inserted with 25 jewels, accurate to 1/8th of a second with 28,800 v.p.h. Outshining in reliability and precision, the Breitling Superocean is the perfect and safest accessory for all your diving expeditions. The Breitling Superocean is available in a polished steel bracelet as well as a sporty Ocean Racer rubber strap option.

Breitling Superocean-II Technical Specifications
An overview of the technical specifications of the Breitling Superocean II 44.
Breitling Superocean-II 44 screw-locked crown
The case back is screwed in with a screw-locked crown and two gaskets, hence leakages are very rare and unheard of.

Final thoughts

With a history of outstanding performance, the Breitling Superocean II 44 is a good looking watch that can be worn for many other occasions apart from the occasional diving adventures. It’s ultra-sporty aesthetics and features are perfect for everyday use. The style of the watch is very distinct, with a flawless amalgamation of performance and design. Breitling has consistently augmented the Superocean with technical and functional innovations time and again and the Breitling Superocean II 44 does not disappoint.

And finally, just FYI, while a diver’s watch is always very helpful while taking a plunge into the deep blue sea, always make sure you have read and understood the instructions. Also, make sure you know how to operate it and practice before you dive in.

What do you look for in a diver’s watch and what do you usually get? Let us know in the comments section below!

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