The Breitling Aeromarine Superocean Heritage 46 Men's watch is more than just a timepiece; it's a statement. A statement of classic elegance, robust capability, and a deep connection to the adventurous spirit of diving. Inspired by the original Superocean of 1957, this collection seamlessly blends vintage aesthetics with modern watchmaking technology, creating a watch that is both stylish and functional. Whether you're a seasoned diver, a watch collector, or simply someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, the Superocean Heritage 46 deserves a closer look.
This article will delve into the various aspects of the Breitling Aeromarine Superocean Heritage 46, exploring its design, features, functionality, and the different models within the collection. We'll discuss its appeal, its potential drawbacks, and help you decide if this watch is the right fit for your wrist. We'll also touch upon topics like the Breitling Superocean Heritage 46 price, review, chronograph variants, blacksteel editions, and the coveted Superocean Heritage B20 Automatic 46. Finally, we'll address some frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive overview of this iconic timepiece.
A Nod to the Past, Built for the Present:
The Breitling Superocean Heritage collection, and the 46mm variant in particular, pays homage to the brand's rich history in producing dive watches. The original Superocean was designed for professional and recreational divers, and the Heritage models capture the essence of that pioneering spirit. However, unlike some heritage re-issues that are purely nostalgic, the Superocean Heritage 46 incorporates modern materials, movements, and construction techniques, making it a reliable and contemporary timepiece.
Design and Aesthetics: A Perfect Balance of Vintage and Modern
The Superocean Heritage 46 is instantly recognizable thanks to its clean, uncluttered dial, its distinctive triangular hour hand, and its broad, unidirectional rotating bezel. These design elements, inspired by the 1957 original, give the watch a classic and timeless appeal.
* Case: The 46mm stainless steel case is meticulously polished, lending it a sophisticated and luxurious feel. Its robust construction ensures water resistance, typically rated at 200 meters (660 feet), making it suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and recreational diving. The case is also available in a blacksteel version, offering a more contemporary and stealthy aesthetic.
* Dial: The dial is available in a variety of colors, including black, blue, silver, and bronze, each offering a unique character. The applied hour markers and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, providing excellent legibility in low-light conditions. The date window, usually positioned at the 3 o'clock position, is discreetly integrated into the dial.
* Bezel: The unidirectional rotating bezel is a crucial feature for divers, allowing them to track elapsed time underwater. The bezel is typically made of ceramic, a material that is highly scratch-resistant and durable. The engraved numerals and markers on the bezel are clear and easy to read, even underwater.
* Crystal: The watch features a cambered sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. This ensures excellent clarity and minimizes glare, making the dial easy to read in all lighting conditions. Sapphire crystal is also highly scratch-resistant, protecting the dial from damage.
* Bracelet/Strap: The Superocean Heritage 46 is available with a variety of bracelet and strap options, including a stainless steel mesh bracelet, a rubber strap, and a leather strap. The mesh bracelet is particularly popular, as it complements the watch's vintage aesthetic. The rubber strap is a practical choice for diving, while the leather strap adds a touch of elegance.
Movement: The Heart of the Watch
The Superocean Heritage 46 is powered by either a Breitling caliber or a modified ETA movement. Both are known for their reliability and accuracy.
* Breitling Caliber 17: This is the standard movement found in many Superocean Heritage 46 models. It is a robust and reliable automatic movement based on the ETA 2824-2, a workhorse movement known for its longevity and ease of servicing. It offers a power reserve of approximately 38 hours.
* Breitling Caliber B20: The Superocean Heritage B20 Automatic 46 is equipped with the Breitling Caliber B20, a movement based on the Tudor MT5612. This movement offers a longer power reserve of approximately 70 hours and is COSC-certified, guaranteeing its accuracy and precision. The B20 is often seen as a step up from the Caliber 17, offering improved performance and reliability.
Functionality: More Than Just a Pretty Face
While the Superocean Heritage 46 is undeniably stylish, it is also a highly functional timepiece.
* Timekeeping: The watch accurately displays hours, minutes, and seconds.
* Date: The date window provides a convenient reference for the current date.
* Unidirectional Rotating Bezel: This bezel allows divers to track elapsed time underwater, ensuring they stay within their safe dive limits.
* Water Resistance: With a water resistance rating of 200 meters (660 feet), the Superocean Heritage 46 is suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and recreational diving.