An iconic dive watch, the Breitling Superocean has gone from being a utilitarian instrument to an advocate for ocean conservation

The Superocean is Breitling’s answer to a professional dive watch

In the 1950s, a booming dive market led to the surfacing of a slew of dive wristwatch models—the Rolex Submariner, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, the Omega Seamaster and, of course, the Breitling Superocean. These names have since become classics in their own right and continue to thrill enthusiasts today.

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The original Superocean watches from 1957
Above The original Superocean watches from 1957

In the case of the Superocean, it marked a departure from the pilot watches that Breitling had long been known for when it was introduced in 1957, and it made quite a buzz for being able to dive into a depth of up to 600ft (or 183m).

Today’s Superocean is more robust than ever, complete with COSC-certified movements. At the recent Baselworld, Breitling has widened the offering to several case sizes—48mm, 46mm, 44mm, 42mm, as well as a 36mm designed specially for women.

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Superocean 48mm with DLC titanium case
Above The new Superocean 48mm in DLC titanium case

Breitling has also upped the ante in terms of water-resistance, with the 46mm model capable of surviving a depth of up to a whopping 2,000m and the 44mm up to 1,000m. The 48mm model is crafted in titanium while the rest are in stainless steel. 

See Also: 10 Watches For The Discerning Gentleman

Going green

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Surfers Squad (from left) Kelly Slater, Sally Fitzgibbons and Stephanie Gilmore
Above Surfers Squad (from left) Kelly Slater, Sally Fitzgibbons and Stephanie Gilmore

Last year was an important one for the Superocean in that it started the ball rolling for its role in ocean conservation. First there was the collaboration with sustainable clothing company Outerknown co-founded by Kelly Slater.

As an 11-time surfing champion and a member of Breitling’s Surfers Squad, Slater understands the importance of healthy oceans for the survival of our eco-system. The outcome of the collaboration was the Superocean Heritage II Chronograph 44 Outerknown fitted with a strap fashioned out of ECONYL yarn, which in turn was created from recycled fishing nets salvaged from the bottom of the oceans. Outerknown uses ECONYL to make a lot of its apparel.

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The Superocean Heritage II with ECONYL strap printed with the Outerknown logo
Above The Superocean Heritage II with ECONYL strap printed with the Outerknown logo

Slater also works with Ocean Conservancy to raise awareness about the pressing issue of marine waste. The organisation takes a lead role in protecting the oceans by working across different sectors— conservationists, governments and business owners—to find lasting solutions.

Ocean Conservancy has a new partner in Breitling and the latter has pledged to be an active participant in one of the former’s major initiatives, the International Coastal Cleanup. In June last year, the Swiss watch company organised a beach cleanup with Ocean Conservancy in Marbella, Spain.

Georges Kern, the CEO of Breitling, reiterated: “Our oceans are at risk. Everyone knows it, but the problem sometimes seems so overwhelming that we feel powerless to do anything. Breitling, together with Ocean Conservancy, wants to make it clear that each of us can play a part—not only for ourselves but for future generations.”

Bali high

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The Surfers Squad with Nicholas Mallos of Ocean Conservancy's Trash Free Seas Program at the beach cleanup in Bali
Above The Surfers Squad with Nicholas Mallos (far right) of Ocean Conservancy's Trash Free Seas Program at the beach cleanup in Bali

Which leads us to the recent Breitling x Ocean Conservancy beach cleanup in Bali. Earlier this month, the partners organised the activity at Mertasari Beach in Sanur with hundreds of volunteers including Slater and his Surfers Squad teammates Stephanie Gilmore and Sally Fitzgibbons. The early morning exercise cleared the beach of more than 600kg of trash including plastic, one of the biggest threats to marine life.

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Kelly Slater doing his part in the beach cleanup in Bali
Above Kelly Slater doing his part at the beach cleanup in Bali

Later in the afternoon, Breitling unveiled the Superocean Heritage Ocean Conservancy Limited Edition that celebrates its partnership with Ocean Conservancy. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the watch (limited to 1,000 pieces) will go to support Ocean Conservancy’s fight against marine pollution.

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The limited edition commemorating Breitling's partnership with Ocean Conservancy
Above The limited edition commemorating Breitling's partnership with Ocean Conservancy
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Ocean Conservancy logo on the caseback
Above Ocean Conservancy logo on the caseback

Extremely stylish and functional, the 44mm watch features the COSC-certified Caliber 13 movement, scratch-proof unidirectional bezel as well as Superluminova central dot at ‘12’ and hands – essential elements for a reliable dive watch. The dial is silver, matched with a blue sweeping seconds hand and bezel. The Nato strap made from extremely durable ECONYL yarn is also blue and offered in two variations – stripe and plain.

“This cleanup initiative in Bali underscored the power of our partnership with Ocean Conservancy,” said Kern. “With the launch of this first great watch, we want to add a meaningful and credible element to our partnership and its global projects.”

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