Breitling Superocean-Models and History

Breitling the famous name in watches and chronographs was founded in Saint –Imier, Switzerland by Leon Breitling in 1884. The company moved to La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1892. Over the years the name Breitling became associated with the aviation industry. In 1936 it became the official supplier to the Royal Air Force. Since then Breitling was associated with flying and its watches and chronometers evolved with the aviation industry. Breitling clocks were by now a regular feature in aircraft cockpits.
It had an identity as an airman’s watch.
Breitling changed that with the introduction of the Superocean in 1957. It was a desire to rule the deep seas as well as the already conquered skies that led to the new line of chronometers called the Superocean. The watch was waterproof till a depth of 200 meters or 660 feet under sea. It had an armoured dial glass specially coated with anti glare and a case which was mono hull stainless steel and the dial was superbly readable underwater. The earlier versions had a mineral crystal while the later versions had a sapphire glass. The modern versions are watertight till a depth of 1500meters.
A great feature of the Breitling Superocean is the Helium valve. It is a feature of deep sea diving that despite all efforts a little helium might sneak in to the watch. This can expand as the diver begins to go towards the sea surface and can cause the glass to explode. The helium valve opens when the pressure reaches 3 bars, thus protecting the watch. The watch was powered by the unique 17 calibre self winding mechanical movement.
The Superocean was the vanguard of a sequence of great watches which are now categorized under the Aeromarine category. The models are thus-original Superocean which had large oversized triangular hour and minute hands; Chrono Superocean which is a diving chronometer with day and date. It is water resistant up to 500 meters. It comes in contrasting dials and sub dials. Superocean Steelfish was watertight to a depth of 2000 meters and had the helium safety valve. Superocean Heritage 46 is actually the size of the casing which is of 46mm and it has a central seconds hand and the date is placed at six o’clock. Superocean Heritage 38 has a 38mm casing and the seconds are in a sub dial at the six o’clock position and the date is shifted to the three o’clock position. Superocean Heritage Chronographe and the Superocean Heritage Chronographe limited edition. After these the series changes to the Colt.
An essential part of the Superocean is the strap or bracelet. The three section steel band was standard equipment for a long time, later replaced by many versions including the rubber band. The steel band also had the micro clasp adjustment. The bands are handsomely crafted and are considered the best amongst connoisseurs. The watch comes in a superb box with all the certifications and once the buyer confirms his registration with the company he gets a Breitling cap as a gift.