Although the revised Breitling SuperOcean Chronograph II doesn’t look as dramatic as the 2009 SuperOcean Heritage Chronograph 125th Anniversary, the new luxury diver is more in line with their current model range.
As usual, the timekeeper is animated by yet another derivative of the legendary ETA Valjoux 7750 chronograph.
In this particular case, no pun intended, it is the Breitling 13 automatic caliber that we have already seen in other numerous models from the Swiss-based watchmaking brand.
Featuring the same power reserve of 42 hours and beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph (a de facto industry standard), this chronometer-grade movement was rebuilt using the finest components and easily passed the mandatory certification procedure developed and performed by the Swiss certification authority COSC.
Compared to the aforementioned SuperOcean 125th Anniversary model, the second-generation chronograph has shrunk by whole two millimeters and now measures the more socially acceptable size of just 44 millimeters in diameter. To my taste, the watch is just a trifle too thick (even for a Breitling), but I can excuse this minor problem for its WR rating.
The unidirectional rotating bezel has also been updated with a more ergonomic diving scale, which is still coming sans any sort of a luminous compound, which is a pity for a diving watch that is rated for impressive water resistance of whole 500 meters.
The problem is slightly compensated with extra-broad hour and minute hands, as well as hour markers of the same width: the parts are generously covered with Superluminova and will possibly be easy to read even in the murkiest waters.
The outstanding water resistance was achieved not only with an extremely watertight solid case back, but also with its screw-locked crown and chronograph push-pieces that make sure that the chronograph function will not be accidentally operated while deep underwater.
Perhaps, the main problem of this timekeeper is that it looks too generic with only the famous winged logo telling us that this is not just another run-of-the-mill medium-priced diver from a second-tier brand, but a real Breitling with all the mojo that the name bears.
The SuperOcean Chronograph II will be a limited edition of *ahem* just 2000 pieces.
See also: Breitling Colt 33 with Sahara Leather Straps
Photos: Breitling
Breitling SuperOcean Chronograph II specification
Price: $4600 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, caliber Breitling 13, base ETA Valjoux 7750, COSC-certified chronometer, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 25
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Power reserve: 42 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds, chronograph, date
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Size: 44.00 mm
Case height: 17.00 mm
Lug width: 22 mm
Dial: Black
Numerals: Arabic
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 500 meters
Strap: Barenia or Superocean leather straps; rubber Ocean Racer (perforated) or Diver Pro (with raised central ridge) bands; Professional bracelet in steel
Crystal: Sapphire, cambered, antireflective on both sides
Back: Solid steel