Surf’s Up! Breitling’s Superocean Gets an Update Inspired by 1950s Beach Combing

Just weeks after the announcement of the retro-inspired Top Time with a unique “Zorro” dial, Breitling is back with their latest ode to ’50s and ’60s style and culture with the introduction of the Superocean Heritage ‘57 Capsule Collection. This series of fun, surf-inspired divers is not limited editions, per se, but will only be produced for a limited time (they aren’t individually numbered, with one notable exception that we’ll get to below). While they are clearly inspired by the original Superocean introduced in 1957, these watches have an identity and style all their own, and make the standard Superocean look sober by comparison.

Breitling Superocean Heritage ‘57 Capsule Collection

• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Dial: Black, blue
• Dimensions: 42 x 9.99mm
• Crystal: Sapphire      
• Water Resistance: 100 meters 
• Crown: Push/pull                
• Movement: Breitling Caliber 10 
• Strap/bracelet: Leather, nylon, stainless steel 
• Price: $4,380 – $5,690
• Reference Number: A10370121, A10370161, U10370121, A103701A1
• Expected Release: May 

In this collection, Breitling has sought to bring to life the vibe of surf culture from the 1950s and 60s. Breitling wants you to associate these watches with the cars, music, and laid back vibe of what we now think of a simpler time. This is done largely through the dial, which has been given quite a makeover. Blue and black dials are available (along with one reference that includes red gold accents), and each features truly dynamic hour markers at the cardinal positions that are really this watch’s defining feature. The oversized circular hour indices at 12, 3, 6, and 9 each have a stick down the middle of them, and the minute markers in-between are longer than average, a definite vintage throwback that’s also playful and right in line with the stated goals of the collection.  

The other key design element here is the concave bezel, with an insert made of ceramic, which slopes down toward the dial. This, along with the oversized markers, give the piece a dramatic sense of depth. It’s also plainly a design choice to make the watch look a certain way, and a reminder that this version of the Superocean, even with a dive bezel and 100 meters of water resistance, is not exactly a tool watch. This is very much a piece of design meant to evoke something very specific from our collective past. 

To really drive that point home, Breitling is making one piece of this collection truly limited, in the not-so-creatively named Superocean Heritage ‘57 Limited Edition. This one keeps the black dial, but the hour markers have gone full rainbow, which brings to mind tie-dye clothing and Woodstock, something we don’t typically see referenced in the world of Swiss luxury watches. For that reason alone, the Limited Edition is a genuine curiosity, and will surely inspire some fierce debate among Breitling fans on social media and the watch forums, which I personally look forward to monitoring. 

Watches in this series are powered by the Breitling Caliber 10 movement, and range in price from $4,380 to $5,690. The multi-colored limited edition is limited to 250 pieces, and the watches are available on leather or nylon straps, or the traditional Superocean mesh bracelet. Breitling