If we polled a large group of die-hard watch fans and asked them to associate a word with Breitling, the answer would be something like “pilot” or “chronograph.” However, if we were to run the same experiment among the general populace, a surprisingly different answer might emerge. It turns out that diving and, in particular, the Superocean Heritage, is a huge crowd-pleaser. Therefore, a revamp of the lineup requires serious consideration and planning.
Today, Breitling announces a new Superocean Heritage collection, and folks, I’ll spoil it right here: the brand nailed it. As we’ll see, the replica watches UK represent an evolution rather than a complete change (the Superocean brought a much-needed wholehearted change), but the updates are still significant. Best of all, and finally, these watches should attract new buyers who struggled to wear the prior generation. I had the chance to see all the variants without time constraints here in London. At the same time, our HQ was able to shoot live photos of five of the models. Our thoughts on one of the brand’s most important collections are as follows.
An automotive analogy to the Superocean Heritage
At one time or another, I’ve worked for all of the Detroit “Big Three” automotive OEMs. Say what you will about these companies, but their pick-up trucks are undisputedly legendary. These highly American vehicles also drive a huge share of the profits and revenues at each of the companies. As someone who worked in procurement, I was always trying to save money by changing things. One lesson I learned very quickly was that I could chip away at just about everything, but I had to stay the hell away from the pick-ups. You see, brand loyalty, market share, and profitability were so important for these vehicles that only an act of God could approve even the smallest change, fearing it would upset the customer. So, why kick off an article about the new Superocean Heritage collection with a distant analogy about trucks? It turns out that this collection of perfect fake Breitling watches is akin to Breitling’s pick-up. They’re that damn important, so when changes come, they’d better be correct.
What I learned in London
During my visit to the Breitling Regent Street boutique, I was fortunate to be hosted by Gavin Murphy, Managing Director of Breitling UK. We discussed the current marketplace and the importance of today’s new launch. First, Breitling has been on a relative tear in the UK, moving up in terms of sales rankings to number five (yes, these numbers are always a bit cloudy, but if the basis hasn’t changed, it shows that the brand is advancing). Second, and perhaps unsurprisingly, the Superocean Heritage is the number-two model line behind the Navitimer in the UK. Finally, the UK is also the largest market for the brand behind the USA. So yes, this watch is crucial.
A bevy of options, including smaller sizes
With a roll-out of a volume model line like the Superocean Heritage, expect many variants. In time-only format, the cheap Breitling copy watches are available in 36mm, 40mm, 42mm, and 44mm diameters. A 42mm chronograph is also available. Aluminum bezel inserts are now a thing of the past, with ceramic coming in as a more apt replacement. Don’t worry; I’ll run down the other dimensions, materials, and chronometer-certified movements shortly. The other big news is that most of the three-hand models use the new caliber B31, which has an exclusive production line at Sellita’s AMT division. As we’ll see, aside from the timekeeping benefits, the movement allows for smaller and thinner cases.
Aside from this, each watch is available with a new, thinner stainless steel mesh bracelet or a dial-colored textured rubber strap. Both use a folding, butterfly-style clasp, and unlike in the past, the ends conform to the case shape, a key detail that cleans up the design.
The dial design
As discussed, the new Superocean Heritage is an evolution and will be instantly recognizable to fans. However, there are thoughtful changes that add up to a more modern (a paradoxical comment considering the retro nature of these watches) and more expensive appearance. The dials have a sunray finish that gleams in the light.
The applied indexes are tapered to a point and filled with Super-LumiNova around the dial’s circumference. The 2020 Superocean Heritage ’57 lends cues to the more detailed hour hand and the circular index at the top of the dial. A rectangular date window with a black-on-white date wheel integrates well at the bottom. Somehow, the 1:1 Breitling fake watches now have more detail but are cleaner and more elegant.
Improved cases
A thinner movement has allowed Breitling to offer a more sculpted case design that conforms to the wrist. Indeed, the watches fit my wrist like a glove, and because of shortened lug-to-lug lengths, I can even comfortably wear the 42mm versions. The polished cases suit the shape and the polished dial hardware. Another nice detail is the new shape of the screw-down crowns. The large, blocky design has been replaced with a subtler, rounded form, reminding us of vintage Borgel crowns. Naturally, the 200m depth rating remains.
Conclusions
We left our visit to the London boutique impressed by the new Superocean Heritage collection. It’s clear the folks at Breitling needed to update the last generation after eight years, but they knew they couldn’t change a still-popular seller too much. With thinner cases, new sizes, case-fitting straps and bracelets, and a better dial design, I think they succeeded on all accounts. Admittedly, I never liked the prior models. Something about them left me cold. However, if I were searching for the new diver with daily top replica Breitling watches sensibilities, the new Superocean Heritage would be high on my list. Well done, Breitling.