Breitling has updated its trendy SuperOcean line. The 2013 Breitling SuperOcean 42 Mariner Blue is a limited-edition model that will feature a new Mariner Blue color scheme.
Since this is just a limited edition run, not a facelift, the new offering from Breitling seems to be identical to the last year’s SuperOcean 42 White Water in every aspect, but the color of its dial and the unidirectional bezel.
The new watch, too, comes in a massive stainless steel body 42 millimeters in diameter, features the same layout of its dial with 8 bold Arabic numerals, three luminous hour markers at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock, and a small date aperture at 3 hours.
All three hands are covered with a generous amount of Superluminova, while the indices are accompanied by 12 rectangular dots on the inner bezel flange.
Thanks to the chosen color scheme, the dial is easy to read even in twilight, although the luminous compound that most European watchmakers love so much, is still no match for the good old set of tritium tubes.
Offered by such watchmakers as Ball Watches, Deep Blue, and Luminox, the tiny tubes filled with radioactive gas are truly elements of choice when it comes to serious diving.
If Breitling indeed plans to keep offering their SuperOcean line (which is, by the way, rated for pretty much impressive 1500 meters of water resistance), they should consider making an LLT (or some other similar tech) -powered model. Compared to the recent batch of Omega Seamaster divers that this new watch targets, the 2013 SuperOcean 42 doesn’t look as refined, but that’s probably okay since it gives more options when it comes to choosing a new timekeeper in terms of general styling. The fact that is also smaller, too, helps.
The SuperOcean 42 Mariner Blue sports the same Breitling caliber 17 automatic movement.
Based on the well-known ETA 2824-2 blank caliber, the mechanism comprises carefully selected parts that allow the mechanism to pass strict tests set by the Swiss authority COSC and thus qualify as a chronometer, meaning that it is not only as accurate as an M16 but is also as reliable as an AK-47: a combination of qualities that a pro diver needs.
I can’t give you any information regarding the new model’s pricing, but the watch will probably be offered at an MSRP of some $3500, which is quite okay for a model limited to just 2000 numbered pieces.
See also: Montblanc TimeWalker Voyager UTC
Photos: Breitling
Breitling SuperOcean 42 Mariner Blue specification
Price: $3700
Movement: Automatic, Breitling caliber 17 (base ETA 2824-2), COSC-certified chronometer, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 25
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Power reserve: 42 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds date
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Size: 42.00 mm
Case height: 15.00 mm
Dial: Mariner Blue
Numerals: Arabic
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 1500 meters
Strap: Black Diver Pro II rubber strap
Crystal: Sapphire, cambered, antireflective on both sides
Back: Stainless steel