In 1957, after Breitling's mastery in creating aviation watches was already undisputed, the brand turned its attention to the depths of the sea with the introduction of the SuperOcean series.
Upon its debut, the collection included two specialized models—a classic three-hand diving watch and an automatic chronograph. With their water resistance of up to 200 meters, they represented a serious technical achievement for the era and laid the foundation for one of the longest-running lines in Breitling's catalog.
Created to meet the needs of professional divers, the SuperOcean soon attracted the attention of an ever-widening circle of underwater sports enthusiasts. In the following decades, Breitling developed the series in numerous directions, introducing both classic three-hand models and chronographs, and in some versions, the water resistance reached an impressive 2000 meters.
Regardless of the differences between generations, SuperOcean models have always been distinguished by several key qualities—a robust construction, excellent legibility, and a distinctly instrumental character.
Today, we have the pleasure of presenting an elegant representative of the second generation Superocean Heritage—a collection through which Breitling pays homage to its original diving watches from 1957:
The second generation of the Superocean Heritage was introduced in 2017 on the occasion of the series' 60th anniversary. It preserves the most characteristic design elements of the historical models but combines them with contemporary materials, serious water resistance, and a modern automatic movement.
This particular timepiece is offered in the exceptionally comfortable and versatile 42 mm size. The case is crafted from stainless steel, and the unidirectional rotating bezel combines solid 18-karat rose gold with a scratch-resistant black ceramic insert.
The combination of steel, rose gold, and black ceramic gives the watch a more refined look than that of a typical professional diver's watch. It retains its sporty character but can easily be worn in a significantly more formal setting.
The black dial is clean and perfectly balanced. The characteristic triangular hands and elongated hour indices are a direct reference to the first SuperOcean models, but are executed in a warm golden tone that harmonizes with the rose gold bezel.
The hands and hour markers are coated with a luminescent material, ensuring good legibility in low light and underwater. The date window is symmetrically positioned at 6 o'clock and does not disrupt the clean composition of the dial.
The slightly domed sapphire crystal is treated with an anti-reflective coating on both sides. This significantly reduces unwanted reflections and allows for easy reading of the indications at various angles and in different lighting conditions.
The unidirectional rotating bezel has a distinct action and a comfortable grip along its periphery. It can be easily operated even with wet hands or gloves, and the ceramic insert retains its rich black color and is significantly more scratch-resistant than traditional aluminum inserts.
The screw-down crown is large, well-ribbed, and equipped with a double gasket system. Together with the solid screw-down case back, it contributes to the watch's water resistance of up to 200 meters.
At the heart of the model operates the automatic Breitling Manufacture Calibre B20. The movement is based on the architecture of the Tudor MT5612 and has been adapted and finished according to Breitling's specifications.
The caliber operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, features 26 jewels, and offers an approximate 70-hour power reserve. This means the watch can be taken off for the entire weekend and put back on on Monday without needing to be rewound and reset.
The movement uses a silicon balance spring, a variable inertia balance, and a sturdy bridge fixed at two points. It is officially certified as a chronometer by COSC—entirely in keeping with Breitling's tradition of certifying its mechanical movements for accuracy.
Reference UB2010121B1A1 is factory-equipped with the distinctive Ocean Classic steel bracelet. Its woven construction is reminiscent of classic Milanese bracelets and combines the model's maritime heritage with modern durability and comfort.
The presented piece can also be worn with the original black Breitling rubber strap, whose textured surface visually mimics the woven structure of the metal bracelet. It is exceptionally comfortable, water-resistant, and complements the sportier side of the watch's character.
The Breitling Superocean Heritage B20 Automatic 42 is a model that combines two seemingly opposing qualities. On one hand, it is a fully functional diving watch with 200 meters of water resistance, a unidirectional bezel, and excellent legibility. On the other—the combination of polished steel, rose gold, and black ceramic gives it the aura of a true sport-elegant timepiece.
This is a modern "instrument for professionals" that does not need to remain hidden under a diving suit.
