The Brand
Founded in 1884 in Grenchen, Breitling are one of the last independent, family-run Swiss watchmakers. With a tradition of fine-precision chronometers designed with the aviation industry in mind, Breitling have long been considered at the forefront of quality watchmaking.
How does it look and feel?
The first time you put this watch on your wrist, you can feel the quality just oozing out of it! The steel mesh bracelet looks amazing and sets off the watch nicely. The face, available in a deep blue or stylish black, is understated and easy to read. The hour and minute hands are sensibly sized, whilst the second hand is finished in a polished silver that can be difficult to see in certain light.
The hour and minute hands are luminous, although not the second-hand or, indeed, the bezel markers. There are luminous hour markers on all but the 3 and 9 o’clock positions.
The chronograph seconds, minutes and hours sub-dials are also easy to read, with white numbering on a black face. The date window, at the 3 o’clock position, features black numbering on a white face.
At 46mm in diameter and with a thickness of 16mm, it feels solid, without being ‘chunky’. The base plate is convex, which makes it very comfortable to wear.
In action
The operation of the watch is smooth, as you would expect. The buttons are solid with a satisfying action and the crown signed with the traditional ‘B’ for Breitling! One criticism would be that the clasp on the bracelet can be a little fiddly to open and close, but I am just splitting hairs here! I will put up with that, as the bracelet really is that nice!
The watch is water-resistant to 200m (20ATM), so can be used for swimming and diving. You can find out more about water resitance here.
Crucially for any watch, but in particular when you are spending this amount of money, is that the watch is accurate and maintains that accuracy. The Superocean does this better than most,
Conclusion
Quality comes at a price, but the Breitling Superocean Heritage Chrono 46 still represents good value for money, even at £4,270. It is hard to find fault and, if you can afford a high-end watch, you can not go far wrong with this one!
Find the best price here.
Pros:
- Highly accurate
- Water-resistant
- Fabulous bracelet
Cons:
- Fiddly clasp
The technical bit!
- Self-winding mechanical movement
- Official Certified Swiss Chronometer C.O.S.C.
- Min 42 hour power reserve
- 1/4th second, 30 minute, 12 hour chronograph
- Unidirectional ratcheted divers bezel
- 200 meteres water-resistant
- Screw-locked double gasket crown
- Black baton dial
- Sapphire Crystal glare-proof glass
- 100% Swiss made
- Diameter: 46mm
- Thickness: 16.4mm
- Weight (without strap): 147.4 gr
- Rubber ocean racer pin buckle strap
I want this watch! The perfect color and design. I always like blue with silver finish. I also like the style of the bracelet, it’s not plain and boring. With the size of my wrist, a 46 mm diameter is perfect. I have found many watches to be usually too large. What is your overall assessment of this watch compared to other watches?
I may be slightly biased, as I am particularly partial to Breitling. But,to try to be impartial, I would still say that, compared to other similarly priced models of any brand, this stands up very well.
David
Hi there!
A great review on the Breitling Superocean Heritage Chrono 46. I must say this, what a fine watch! Though I do find this watch to be a bit on the pricey side. Not too sure if I could bear to spend on the money on getting one. One question, does the watch feels heavy on the waist when worn?
I take your point with regards to the cost but, if you can afford it, I say go for it!
With regards to the weight, it feels sufficiently heavy to remind you that you have a quality watch on your wrist, without being uncomfortable or cumbersome.
David
Really nice post, I certainly love this website, keep on it.
Thanks for your kind words