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Breitling Superocean (2022 Edition); My Not So Obvious Hot Take
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ก.ค. 2022
- #NSOW #breitling #opinion
My hot take on the new for 2022 Breitling Superocean. Note, I haven't been hands on with this so everything is still open to review - I make that pretty clear in the video also.
I was shocked at how long this was, I suspect that has a lot to do with how into this watch I appear to be. I think also Breitling is doing so much that they've also given us a lot to talk about (or me at least).
For your awareness some things about me and the channel.
Im an engineer whose into human behavior, loves the ideas behind art and sees watches as a mix or science, craft, art, business, history, technology, philosophy and psychology. As a result my videos cover all that ground.
Just to be clear, I hate the expression "its just a watch". If you got this far watches matter to you and they represent a bridge between us - dismissing them as unimportant seems wrong and disrespectful. That doesn't mean we cant and don't have fun, it just means we should not be totally mindless of others.
I'm a watch collector and curator - I like my collections to have a theme. My collection has several themes:
1. Vintage Alpina watches
2. Travel watches (GMT. UTC, world timers, home times, dual times)
3. Seiko Prospex dive watches
4. Breitling chronographs
5. Stuff I just really like.
I often forget wristchecks so if you want to see what I'm wearing, my collection and other random bits of my life check out my instagram:
@not.so.obvious.watches / not.so.obvious.watches
You can email me at not.so.obvious.watches@gmail.com
virtually all the music you'll hear on my channel I get from BenSound - www.bensound.com/
also my stock images and videos tend to come from either snappa (snappa.com/app) or pexels (www.pexels.com/)
This new SuperOcean lineup is flatout gorgeous … fresh air in a somewhat stagnant industry. Too many brands are scared to employ bold colors & step outside of the same template. Love the orange, yellow, & aqua color schemes. 👍🏻 Breitling continues to produce excellent watches.
Absolutely loved this! What a great video of so much detail. I love this watch, there is something in this watch for everyone. I can could pick a number of the variations, my wife even said just this morning, it's grown on her too. She didn't initially love it, but now she thinks it's pretty cool and again it's because they have offered a model to suit nearly everyone.
I'm loving what Breitling are doing with logos, using the family B on most pieces, but using the winged B only on the Professional and Avenger lines, and using the AOPA logo only on the Navitimer 1. They've finally got their act together on this and I applaud them. It was always dumb seeing a pair of wings on a dive watch, and I've been saying that in comments for years. Looks like they finally listened to pedantic pricks like me. I also love that they have ditched the date - another thing I had been asking for.
It’s a fun watch from an increasingly fun brand. That said not quite for me. The blocky indices and the minute hand, although distinctive, aren’t my style.
Do love that orange, the no date, and the 42mm version is an ideal size for me.
If they modernized the design a bit more it might fit me, but I doubt it would sell as well as this one. I imagine those wanting something both bold and unique, yet with a vintage vibe are going to love this model.
Own two thirty-year Breitling watches bought in the 1990s. A Shark and a Colt Ocean. Only a little has caught my eye since then until I saw this new Superocean. A bold, courageous, welcomed shift with an acknowledgement of historic DNA. A stunning watch that captures yesterday, today and tomorrow. The yellow dial Superocean with the red second-hand is breathtaking. Dates are for calendars and cell phones. Watches are about time and personality. Stunning.
The Kelly Slater is the perfect orange dial watch for my collection. I really enjoyed elements of the last iteration of the SuperOcean but couldn't get beyond the cheap bezel material, the lack of a "3" on the dial, and the unnecessary date complication. The Kelly Slater is like a perfect marriage of the last iteration with the Doxa Sub 300 Professional, and I am over the moon about it.
Making something unique in a very crowded and competitive sector, as well as rebuilding a brand is one heck of a challenge. I see Breitling trying very hard to achieve this, with all their releases, for which I applaud them. Pleasing all the customers all of the time is impossible, but this design really intrigues me enough to go to my AD and try some on and I think that is the toughest part. If a brand can get you to go and try on some products, they have already got you thinking about them. The big plus point for me are the proportions on the bigger sizes. You can see they are aiming for refinement and sophistication by keeping them slim and short. Great video by the way and a refreshing presentation.
Smaller dial, same movement they use for 20 years with (today) paltry 38 hours power reserve, no anti magnetic properties, lower water resistance, a confusing minute hand, and all of that for more money than a comparable Tudor or Omega? Hmmm, tough sell. But since George Kern said: his customers don't care for moevments...... I really don't like this watch and hope they will find a better way than to live from the reputation of old and overcharge customers. But I really like the bracelet and rubber/clasp combo.
Very different and objective prospective. Also very interesting background on the company itself. Well done. I’m actually going to look at it in person today. I agree that that’s the best way to form an opinion.
So glad you’ve taken the time to really unpack this. When I saw it on other channels, I wrote comments like “at first it’s a no, but then I’m well aware of knee jerks whenever a brand does something brave and takes something familiar and revamps it. Over time, I’ve really come round to designs that at first I ‘hated’”. Already even after just a few days I’m finding more and more to appreciate about what George and his team has done here. 👍🏼 I personally don’t mind the movement / price ratio - given the slim form factor and other design elements - albeit they are pushing that value prop a bit. The contribution I’d like to make here is that - in the same way you can get an Aquis with the calibre 400, I’d love to see Breitling offer the B20 as an option at each of the sizes (though the 36mm might be impractical). Would I pay an extra grand on top for 70hrs power and embrace a bit more heft… actually I think I would!
Appreciate the insight on the renders. I feel the same way. I like the design but I need to hold it. Thanks for the informative video!
The retro design elements (based on Breitling's Slow Motion) give this watch a lot of appeal with its modern retro look and makes it unique and fun to wear.
In terms of design, the only thing I find challenging is how big and white the extended rehaut with the printed numerals is. It definitely wouldn't be someone's daily driver I wouldn't have thought, but a second watch for the weekend, and something you can take with you on holidays. It spells fun, it's not a 9-5 business piece. I guess you could have a Grand Seiko or Rolex for your 9-5 M-F, and pop this one on for the weekend. I think it'll be good for that. And in that respect it doesn't matter on bit if it's 38hrs or 70 or 80hr power reserve as no matter what you're going to have to set it on that Saturday, and if that's the case, I'd much rather have the workhorse reliable SW200-1 that's super easy to service, than some esoteric in-house movement. There's no date so there's no ETA/Sellita 9PM - 3AM quickset date change stuff-ups so all good. I'm really liking what they are doing here.
In saying that, I have other watches that fit my "fun weekend diver pieces" from Seiko which are a lot cheaper - Seiko Turtle and some modded SKX's, so I can't justify having this piece at all. But if someone wanted top quality chronometer accuracy no matter what day of the week, then yeah this is a very attractive piece (besides the polished centre links but I guess there's always the rubber option).
Based on first impressions from choice, photos, specs and price, I am really impressed. Looks like a great watch with something to appeal to a wide choice of watch buyers.
I am more than tempted!
Love the brand strategy commentary! Keep up the great work, this is much better than all the dozens of rehash reviews saying nothing unique.
Much appreciated!
I just tried this watch yesterday at a Breitling boutique. What pictures and videos can’t communicate is how a watch feels on the wrist. Frankly, it felt great. Better than my Black Bay. The new Superocean is relatively slim, it hugs the wrist, and the bracelet is very comfortable. So while there are some challenges with the “lower grade” movement, it may allow for a lower profile and better “fit”. The rep at the store also hinted that Tudor and Rolex were not particularly being generous with sharing movements across product lines.
Fantastic review. Thorough and balanced. I just subbed. Look forward to watching more from you.
A really fine and balanced review. I do like the look of these watches, but would like to see, well, essentially better specs. Anti-magnetism, better power reserve etc.
Would you choose this instead of Oris which also offers fun colours?
Hey Pete. Well done. I love my last gen BSO and love the 44mm Brown dial latest iteration. Breitling may be becoming my favorite brand. Kern is a genius.
It's fascinating watching the wildly different takes on this.
In the flesh it’s a beautiful watch, and I love it in the 42. For summer, it’s perfect. I’ve tried it on in two different boutiques now and I’m very close to getting one. What’s holding me back is that I’ve only recently just bought a IWC MKXX blue dial. 🙈
Wow, that lime green lume on that chronograph is cool as
Very cool,modern but not cheap looking, definitely a young person’s watch, I love the avenger.
I am in no shape of form of a Breitling fans, but i do really like this "new design" of the Super Ocean. I like the fact that it does not look like any other dive watch in the market! every brand have their own take on the dive watch design and most of them just have a very familiar looking, i cant tell which part it is but this one just scream Breitling for me. Although there is some elements i dont like( the huge minute track/the totally different minute and hour hand) they are more like a special design for me rather than a deal breaker, give me some time and i think i will enjoy this watch.
Reminds me at first glance of a compressor style. I feel like there should be a second crown to rotate the rehaut.
I think it looks absolutely great. Same as your presentation if it looks as good in the flesh will be very tempted to buy one.
I like the design language a lot. The retail price is a bit much for me compared to what you can get in some competitors. So how much will these be discounted? This has hurt Breitling in the past a lot.
Great review. I like the overall look of the watch… except for the minute hand.
I would never have thought of Breitling a few years ago now I think their one of the best out there. I got the new Premier Blue dial (Give it to my Dad) it is stunning no other words for it. That don't have a Date either. Screw Down Crown its like a Sporty Dress watch man, like a big blue eye looking at ya.
As for the Dive watch ⌚ Get the hideous Wart like thing on that Second Hand ,and chuck it at the nearest Tudour Peleagos.
Cool video man
Pete I could go for one of these as it is at my upper price limit and a good substitute for another well know diver.
I know that you are a dive watch guy. Have you ever done an overview in your vids of Oris Doxa, Sinn or Rado dive watches and companies?
I'm thinking of the the Rado Capt Cook specifically.
What are your thoughts?
Regards,
Starlight
I have to say it really excites me. I think bring in Kelly Slater as a brand ambassador is great idea of bring a new group of watch buyers. I would have loved to see the pascal colors in the 46 case range.
Agree with you Pete, why haven’t Breitling released a black dial 36 mm version ?
Is it because, in Breitling’s book, black dials are supposed to appear only on models suited for bigger wrists or because men are not supposed to be interested in 36 mm dive watches ?
After a rapid sequence of watch purchase over the last 10 months, I was not planning to buy anything soon (well, maybe a 38 mm Longines Spirit with champagne dial 😉), but a smaller version of this modern SuperOcean, black dial against white rehaut, would have been nice.
I really like these and pretty much like all the colors. Great video
I can’t get passed the fact that they are using only 50% of the dial and bezel area, unlike the 50s original Slow Motion. I wonder if George Kern’s goals are holding Breitling back. Great hot take, thanks
Fair enough! Though as I said in the video he's increased the value of the company four fold in four years - perhaps he's accelerating them?
@@PeteMcConvill 😂 He’s certainly done that
@@PeteMcConvill HE said he is trying to make Breitling a fashion brand (sort of) - he said in the panel discussion at Dubai Watch Week that his customers buy Brand first, second Design, third movement (if at all)...that of course doesn't go down well with the Breitling enthusiasts of the past. And I wonder how much of the increase of value goes into R&D to make better products? Otherwise he will just milk the past until the company eventually declines. They are giving high discounts again in their boutiques, that could be an indication that not all is well....
@@koolpep every mechanical wristwatch is a fashion watch really. Can you say people don't buy Rolex for the brand and keep a straight face?
@@PeteMcConvill Absolutely. Probably the majority of the Rolex customers don’t care for the movement inside. However, Rolex still puts in the best movement they can make and put a lot into their R&D to develop better movements.
I think this update is an aesthetic and functional improvement over the previous version. Wasnt a fan of that one. The giant numerals and the fact that a tiny date window replaced the three threw me off. Of course when we are looking at watches online, the images are more in our face than when we see them in person. The asymmetry of the dial did not bother me nearly as much when I got to check one out in person earlier this year. Still not my favorite design though. I seem to be in the minority, but I really like this version and for the first time ever I am thinking I may have to add a BSO one day
I did love the last one - I've got a very rare no date version. As for being in the minority? Im not so sure. In my experience their is no correlation between comments and real sentiment. Actually I've found the reverse very often, when the negative comments are really loud its routinely the case that they are the small minority.
I bought the black 46mm on the bracelet & the rubber cause couldn’t decide and I absolutely love it
very happy for you - I went the 44mm Bronze/Brown myself
You know, oddly I thought initially it was a bit of a miss in design compared to its beautiful predecessor. But as time moves on I kind really like the new design and direction. It’s fun, classy and a winner. Oh, and I love your review. Glad I found your channel. Subbed 👍✌️
Same here. Initially I found it a bit messy but it has grown on me. Not everybody will like it but it's bold and non-derivative.
Great take. Thank you.
Agree with the 36 - 42 size gap issue
Got my Slater's Ltd on Thu 21st July 2022. love it.
Hi Pete great rundown on a nice looking watch I'm interested in thank you Roy in the uk
thanks - your welcome
I really liked this watch on first look but I’m now starting to go off it a little. I also don’t understand why they don’t offer all the colours in all the sizes.
thats easy - controlling the number of skus
I always felt the last design simply needed a few tweaks to make it more competitive. Breitling keeps going back to vintage inspired designs, last version had a very modern forward look. I felt the
last Superocean design was one of the last that had a forward looking design but just needed a bit of finesse to make it perfect. This new design is an eye sore. Also, the previous Winged B logo with its anchor was my favorite and a brand logo design favorite amongst fans and watch enthusiasts. Ideal for a brand that wants to emphasize its air/land credentials.
1. Im really on the fence about going back to the future so often. Ive got the current SO and do love it BUT I also love this new direction and frankly Im glad they didnt just warm over the last one. As for the last forward looking Breitling, dont forget the avengers and the entire professional collection.
2. The logo is a really interesting point and a real lilghting rod for enthusiasts - again Im a real fence sitter here. I do really like the winged B but I also really like the family B. For me I really welcome embracing the broader, more interesting family heritage so Im comfortable with the family logo. Just as well because Breitling are digging their heels in on this one.
As a watch enthusiast, I would have a lot more appreciated the reedition of the slow mover. Imagine, using it for boiling your breakfast eggs in the morning.
When I first saw these I wasn't a fan. They have grown on me since especially at 42mm. I will probably pop along to my Breitling boutique to take a look. In 2022 a state of the art bracelet should have quick release, half-links, screw links and a push button micro-adjust. This can be done on watches costing $1,000 US so why isn't it available on more expensive watches? I tend to be movement agnostic under an arbitrary $5,000 but it's hard to forget that a Seamaster 300M doesn't cost a lot more and has a very impressive movement. Breitling are dancing on the edge of a cliff with this movement and pricing.
Wow, your comments once again generated a cascade of thoughts. As one who came of age in the 70’s consuming Dirk Pitt stories, I first thought “This is the Doxa I’ve been searching for!” I’ve recently traded my Brooks Brothers office attire for comfortable work-at-home clothes, so I fun splash of color with a feature-rich watch is just what I would want. Alas, the bright colored dial and straps are restricted to the ‘women’s’ 36mm model and the quite useful quick-swap, micro-adjust bracelet is MIA. I could accept a SW200 movement in 4K USD watch with these additional features. This Super Ocean is a good course correction, nevertheless.
There's a lot people in the watch community who just can't cope with change or anything new. Perhaps that accounts for some of Rolex's (and McDonald's fast food) popularity. Personally I love change and innovation, and feel a little sorry for those who can't look beyond their own myopia.
The movement choice is disappointing. The "regular" customer will not take note but it is going to leave the enthusiast struggling;ing to see the value.
I think the average buyer of a watch like this sees 'value' outside the movement.
@@PeteMcConvill definitely
For me an added value of a sw200 or an ETA is that any watch maker can fix it in a couple of days. I broke the winding screw on a 7750 riding off-road in Portugal, it was fixed the next day. Try that with an in house movement.
Parts availability is not something that you hear in watch reviews but maybe it should be mention from time to time
I like it! Great looking watch with reasonable specs at an affordable (luxury watch) price from a major brand. If i didn't have a lot of divers already, I'd buy one. I still might, once i have a chance to see and try them on in person. Haters love to hate, but what few of them mention is the ambitious and inclusive approach by Breitling to make the multiple case sizes to suit multiple wrist sizes. These are going to sell very well IMO.
Couldn't care less about in-house movements if I like the look and feel of a watch. My one disappointment with this watch is the lack of on the fly bracelet adjustment, which is indeed an oversight in 2022.
This new SuperOcean is a Train Wreck.
The old version was much better.
Meh, I've got the old one too. There are bits I love and bits Im happy to see go. They are such different watches I'll probably end up with both - if they'd only done an update I probably wouldnt be bothered, then you're in Rolex hellsacpe.
Im curious which inhouse movement were you thinking? Or were you expecting a whole new one?
@@PeteMcConvill B20 for example - He has access to all Kenissi movements thanks to their collaboration so use these as "manufacture" movements. He could make another B01 variant that is time only - the design would allow that, its quite modular in nature. The B01 is also a good movement in general that hits all the points this watch should have.
@@frankv7068 I don't like the previous Superocean at all, and do like this one. To each his own.
You have to think 36 is really for women that are used to to wear 28 34mm dress watches or square watches. It will be big for them but not huge. They are not for men used to wear 38 40 mm watches.
42 is the breitling 40mm ad you said they do big watches wearing small. This one is definitely one with this small dial aperture.
I need your help. Would anyone have a recommendation for a watch? It should have a diameter of 35-38mm and a maximum of 45mm lug to lug, have sapphire glass, 5-10bar, max. 10mm high and a quartz movement or solar with at least 5 years battery life. In terms of price, I imagine around €300. Visually, it should be sporty but also minimalistic. optics such as a gs 263 or rolex op / explorer1 or an omega aqua terra or something in the direction of the Bauhaus style. I hope for a few suggestions. (I already have a tissot prx35 and junghans milano solar would be an option, but maybe you can think of something else.
Greetings from Germany
I got a seiko sur 315. It is a women model according to seiko but it fit your bill exactly.
@@LaFritePerreGoat nice recommandation, i allrady knew this Watch and have a Look at it. The only downside is that it has only a 3 year battery Life.
@@fredsoldi9006 screw down case back so easy to open.
Impressive watch but for such price point i think sw200 movement not acceptable for example you could buy a TUOOR with inhouse movement!!! almost with same price... even an oris aquis with new inhouse movement offers way more vaule for the money with half the price personally i think aquis is superior in term of design and aesthetic..
What's the big deal about in-house movement, especially when wrapped in a boring case.
@@PeteMcConvill
i agree with you sir! actually not a big deal in practice...but mov. is a major part of a watch personality...an inhouse mov. gives exclusivity to your watch.personaly prefer to have watches with inhouse mov. have better feeling about such watches compare to tons of watches using the same ETA or miota.....but in real life inhouse mov. adds nothing special in term of performance and practicality.anyway this is just my personal taste. with respect to your opinion sir🙏
@@pilgrim8610 Im quite the reverse - the shape, case, dial etc is the personality - the movement is necessary but only has to be good enough. ETAs and Sellitas are great movements, reliable, accurate and (very, very importantly) cheap to service. In house is largely just expense, hassle and risk.
In the end the so-called in-house movements don't outperform ETA. At least not by a significant margin. In many cases they're not bug fixed and servicing them is costly because there's no local watchmaker who has the tools and the expertise. That alone might cost you additional $500..$1000 later down the line. Should Breitling charge as much if there are no R&D costs to recoup? Probably not but if they sell watches good on them. Nothing wrong with Tudor but their designs are quite derivative and to me even the Submariner (despite its status) looks quite boring.
It’s a “close, but no cigar” watch for me.
At this price point it’s into Tudor territory but lacking chronometer rating.
Size wise, I agree - I’d need to try the 42mm on my wrist before saying it’s too big. 39 or 40mm is still the sweet spot for me.
every single breitling is a chronometer
@@PeteMcConvill I did not know that!
You will like the breitling. 42 for them wears like a 40mm.
West coast surfers gonna dig this 7k watch. They cannot even afford rent.
It’s a dive watch. 41mm is ridiculous with the already small lug to lug measurement of the 42mm. It wears like a 41mm
It borrows design elements from a retro dive watch but if you board a diving boat nowadays, only 1 in 10 people wears a watch. Let's not fool ourselves, this is a casual sports watch for people who can afford to spend some extra cash. Actual divers use dive computers that can be bought for $200. The rest of the money is better spent on travel and other equipment. You could enjoy a memorable holiday on Pulau Sipadan for that kind of money and it would even pay your diving license.
If it is good enough for K. Slater the GOAT is it good enough for anyone else.
No wonder these models will look smaller, as the "real" dial is no more than 24mm, even in the big ones. But personally, no model so far made by Breitling speaks to me. Their design language may be fascinating in your eyes, but mine, not. As you say in the vid, there are (always...) some "smack you in the face elements" that don't match my esthetics. Specifically though, this one ain't bad, won't make me cheer either, so i'll stay here.
Cheers mate, be well.
Dive watches is a misnomer. It's really not a category any more. No-one I know dives using a Submariner, Breitling or a DOXA or any other kind of mechanical watch. As a diver, you don't wear a watch like this any longer. The truth is that they are light water activity watches these days. Surfing, Skiing, snorkelling, Jet skiing, Paragliding, fishing, swimming - but diving - nah. Calling them "dive watches" is simply marketing. Breitling would have been better driving the broadness of its water based versatility by a more ongoing focus to those involved in the broader water leisure/sports activity imho. I can see that's what is behind this, but there is too much implied - get after it Breitling and state what it is an all purpose water based watch. Do I like it? Not at first but after this review I now have a context for me to like it in...but The Breitling Calibre 17 movement (utilized in most of the brand’s diver watches) is still based on the ETA 2824-2 movement is a relatively inexpensive ebauche movement. However, to be fair, It is tuned with a Nivarex mainspring and Glycodur balance, but I have to agree ion Peter's view regarding price and movement.
Btw, another great analysis, Pete.
thanks
Spot on on the strategy. The true definition of an 'entry' watch. Breitling desperately needs that. That said, I think the strategy is trying as hard as the clasp design. About as carefree as a 40 something, $200k a year surf bum. The watch itself doesn't interest me - it's neither convincingly serious, nor beautiful; its design is disposable - to be junked the second the marketing winds change. Technically, it's ok. Quality ok. But that's not good enough for $5k. This should not cost (a lot) more than a Tudor. It's not in the same ball park of quality. Who wants to be ripped off? I'm surprise by the minute hand. Very divisive. Weird hands put people off Tudor (snowflake) and the Hydroconquest. It makes the watch less legible, draws down the power (already weak) and will put off more than it attracts. But they'll have done plenty of focus, so let's see. 'Individuality' and 'distinctive' probably came through. Just like that VW camper, eh.
But, I disagree on the 36. It is critical and needed. Women are coming into this market more and more, yet all they're given is ice and candy. 36 is still a big watch for a very small wrist - you can see the photos. There are virtually no small divers on the market anymore and my daughter or wife would go for it in a heartbeat. That said, I agree there should be some darker colours in the 36, but hey, no pink or diamonds at least. Streets ahead of Oris, Longines, Tudor; even Omega and Rolex here: critical to draw in 50% of the population. And almost no competition.
As for the gap between 36 and 42. Yep, bizarre, but then Rolex has a 36-41mm gap in most ranges too. 42 will wear small, so fit most, 46 keeps the old BrightBling fans happy and 44 serves the 'I don't need the small one' mentally of most male consumers.
My experience with tudors both agrees and disagree with your assessment. From a specs POV you are right, the Breitling has no business in that fight - why did it bother turning up? OTOH the Tudor is clearly a homage and has no business being assessed against a watch that isnt - better with Jody at JOMW. For finishing and execution - line ball in the past but this case (acknowledging I havent had it in hand and am relying on images) look in a higher class than anything tudor has managed so far.
The looks are an interesting feature - judging by the comments it splits pretty hard for or against. One thing though - a watch doesnt have to appeal to everyone, just the people you hope to sell it to and Im picking up an odd tenor in comment here and elsewhere around this watch - the very things 50% or the people really hate about this watch are making the other 50% want to buy it. We'll know pretty soon, Breitling has proven ruthless in catalog management, if it doesnt sell it will be gone within a few years.
It's a miss for me. The price and the movement are non-starters, made more critical by the clunkyness of the design.
I think "for this money what could I get?" A Tudor Peligos comes to mind!
Strikes me as a watch that might sell well to tourists at the duty free shop!
If a tudor pelagos appeals to you then this is never going to be your watch - your comparing a day doing spreadsheets with a day at the beach.
@@PeteMcConvill True maybe, but on paper at least they beg comparison. Both comparable price wise, largish dive watches.
But, the Tudor has a much better movement, titanium Vs. Steel, and a more balanced presentation. I really just chose the Pelly as an example, there's others that might compare more favorably (Fortis Marinemaster?) The point being, it's a bit pricey for what they are offering.
Movement is absolute fail, 38hr is a joke at this price point
I hate the new Super Ocean. First, the depth rating is 200m where the old one was 500m. Second the movement is less than the previous one. Third, it has no date which is a dealbreaker for me. Forth, it’s more expensive than the previous model and of lesser quality. Finally, the face is just to busy and ugly.
OK - if the aesthetics arent for you that arent for you and if you want a date this simply isnt for you but a lot of what you've said is simply factually wrong. 1 the movement is the same as the outgoing model. 2. The WR is 300m not 200, this is less than you got on the previous 42 and 44 but more than you got on the previous 36 and 46. 3 The new model is far, far more complex than the old one - if you value design and execution effort this is higher quality not less. But if you dont care about case design (for example) then perhaps not an issue.
Seriously I think the older model is on most fronts a better watch. All the three hands are ugly as f*** on the new model.
The readability on the older model was way better and to make it worse the made some kind of inner ring (don't know the purpose for it). I don't like the shiny bezel and polished centerlinks either. The Superocean has gone from a robust very nice looking toolwatch to a kitschy piece of jewelery.
The (out-house) movement is cheaper then the previous one. They gone from 500m to 300m WR not that many people need that but it has to say something about the robustness of the watch. And then they dare to make the new model more expensive..!?🤔
Besides all of this I liked the Breitling-wings but thats personal. This new model is just a completely different watch and this kind of big changes only ruins a line. This is why for example a Submariner is so iconic: subtle improvements.
The only good thing about this watch is the on the fly adjustment of the clasp on the steel bracelet.
Thanks for the comment - got to say I disagree with 90% of it but thanks anyway. Some of your comments are just factually wrong:
1. same movement as previous watch
2. new adjustment is on all bands/bracelets
3. the new watch is far more complex, thinner and better finished than the previous model which would have been much cheaper to make
On the more subjective areas I think what we are seeing between you and I a couple of the great divides in the watch community.
I think EVERY watch is jewelry
I think 'iconic' is generally a euphamism for creatively moribund
Let's agree to (mostly) disagree but;
1. It is a fact that Breitling is not using the ETA2824-2 anymore but a cheaper Sellita SW200.
2. The old model had the choice between the rubber bracelet with quick adjustment and the steel bracelet without it. The new model has the quick adjustment on both bracelets so the only upgrade is the quick adjustment on the steel bracelet.
3. I agree the new model has some refinements here and but mostly to make the watch more an eyecatcher. But like I said for me personally this makes the watch just more kitschy.