Breitling Updates Its Colorful Superocean Line and Releases a 46mm Super Diver Worthy of the Name

Once again, the quirky Wheels and Waves festival in the unexpected surf mecca of Biarritz, France, was the scene for the latest Superocean news, just as it was when watchmaker Breitling re-envisioned the entire timepiece line back in 2022.

Let’s just say that the latest Superocean additions did not disappoint the stylish motorcycle fans, fun-loving surfers, and serious divers who attended.

Drawing inspiration from the storied Breitling SuperOcean Slow Motion dive watches of the 1960s and ‘70s, the next-gen of Superoceans take that timepiece’s stripped-down design into new arenas; and in the case of these 2024 additions, those arenas include redefining both “deep-diving” and “eye-popping.”

With a water resistance of up to 1,000 meters (which is over 3,000 feet), the new Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver models can go far deeper below the surface of the waves than any recreational diver would ever go (unless they finagle a ride aboard an experimental submersible).
 

That spec alone puts the new Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver into the category of one of the most extreme dive watches on the market. However, these models have several other features that might land one of these understated 46mm titanium beauties on your wrist.

Powered by the COSC-certified Breitling Calibre 10 automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve, you’ll have your pick between a black or deep green dial approach (both with a subtle camo pattern motif and color-matched ceramic bi-directional bezels with patented safety locks).
 

Then, merely choose between a matching gray or khaki green textured rubber strap with an elevated center rib or a classic three-link titanium bracelet, and it’s “diver down” (and deep) for you.

Borrowing the retro-techy larger squared and rectangular indices, blunt hour hand, blocky hammer-shaped minute hand, and yellow-tipped second hand (all bathed in Super-LumiNova) from the revived Superocean line, these new models feature a soft-iron inner case to offer even more protection from magnetic fields, as well.
 

The new Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver retails for $6,300 on a rubber strap. Meanwhile, on a titanium bracelet, it costs $6,950.

A new version of Breitling’s 44mm steel turquoise-dial Superocean (one of the best-sellers from the initial 2022 re-launch) also rides the waves; however, this time, the model adds a stunning tone-on-tone strap option to its previously black-only option.

Based on the 38-hour reserve Breitling Calibre 17 movement with a 300-meter depth rating, it’s a natural, more color-connecting addition to the collection for $5,250. But that’s just the beginning of the light show.
 

Eye-catching use of vibrant rainbow hand-and-index colors on the steel 42mm and 36mm iterations of the Superocean inject a big dose of fashion sense and fun to the Superocean family. Moreover, with its markers and hands coated in Super-LumiNova, the jet-black dial of the 42mm version somehow projects sense of whimsy the way only a ROYGBIV colorway can.
 

Fold in a selection of colorful rubber strap options, and you can amplify your hue of choice from this alluring spectrum (turquoise, aquamarine, orange, or yellow straps are available). Regardless of strap color, expect 300-meter water resistance and the rock solid performance of the Calibre 17 self-winding movement.

The rainbow Superocean Automatic 44mm timepieces list for $5,200.

In what might just be the sleeper hit of the new offerings, the Superocean Automatic 36mm employs a similar hand-and-index graduated color spectrum design, this time shining off a superbly clean white dial approach.
 

Add in a ratcheted white ceramic unidirectional bezel framed with an 18k red gold outer grab ring, a gorgeous red gold crown, and a sleek white rubber strap, and this watch serves the visual purpose of a sophisticated jeweled timepiece with nary a gemstone set anywhere. Thus, it is also eminently less fussy and more dive-ready (to a depth of 300m) than an elegant “just-for-show” jeweled dive watch.
 

The rainbow steel-and-red gold Superocean Automatic 36mm goes for $7,300.

In concert with these Superocean line extensions, Breitling, in partnership with fine book publisher Rizzoli, has released a marvelous coffee-table volume to chronicle the brand’s cultivated alignment with surf culture. The Breitling Book of Surfing tells the tale of wave-riding adventures across the globe, as told by 16 of the watchmaker’s surf ambassadors.