For a brand most famous for its vintage and modern aviation watches, Breitling has been no stranger over the past 60 years to branching outside its usual airborne comfort zone. It all began in 1957 with the company’s release of a dive watch constructed to compete with some of that era?s greats, the original Breitling Superocean. Upon the arrival of the Omega Seamasters, Rolex Submariners, and Blancpain Fifty Fathomses, the growing trend of hobby diving ripened the market for new players and new designs, and with this in mind Breitling sought out and succeeded to carve itself a name under the sea as well as in the sky. Today, the Superocean series (or more accurately the Superocean II series), is a collection of robust and highly visible dive watches that combines the styles of dial complexity and rugged construction the brand is best known for. Now, first in 2007 with the Superocean Heritage, and again this year with the Superocean Heritage II, Breitling is once again returning to the roots of the series to produce a watch inspired by the utilitarian pieces that started it all. Breitling Superocean Heritage II (right) next to its 1957 predecessor
Arriving to boutiques in both 42-mm and 46-mm steel variations, the new watches feature an array of interesting color combinations ? six for both sizes, 120 total if including options for straps. Offering this level of customization is a practice that has long made this brand a fan favorite. Its case uses long, sli...