Breitling Superocean

The History of the Breitling Superocean

Breitling introduced the Superocean in 1957, right at the peak of the dive watch boom. The original was made for professional and military divers who needed a reliable, legible instrument that could handle serious pressure at depth. It featured a bold, easy-to-read dial, a unidirectional rotating bezel, and enough water resistance to function as genuine working equipment.

As the decades passed, materials improved and movement technology evolved. Cases became larger. Aluminum bezels eventually gave way to ceramic. Chronometer certification became standard across the series. Yet the formula never changed too much. The Superocean has always been about reliability first. A dive watch meant to handle real conditions, not just look the part.

Popular Breitling Superocean Models

Six decades of production means there’s real depth to the Superocean catalog. Some references are heavily inspired by the 1957 design language, while others push toward maximum water resistance and bold contemporary styling. If you’re weighing options between the sport-forward models and the more vintage-inspired watches, our Superocean vs. Superocean Heritage comparison breaks it down further. Below are the core models that tend to generate the most interest on the secondary market.

Superocean Heritage

The Superocean Heritage is where vintage aesthetics meet modern watchmaking. Its slim case profile, clean dial, and signature braided mesh steel bracelet are equal parts dressy and sporty. It's one of the few dive watches that can transition from a wetsuit to a suit jacket without missing a beat. The Heritage '57, in particular, captures the spirit of the original 1957 divers with retro-inspired design elements and a slightly more compact case.

Newer Heritage references are powered by the B20 movement, created by Tudor and certified as a chronometer. The 70-hour reserve means you can set it down for a weekend without immediately resetting it. If that upgrade isn’t a priority, the earlier Heritage II models remain strong options and often represent solid value on the pre-owned market. The overall appeal of the collection comes from that mix of classic proportions and contemporary mechanics.

Superocean Automatic

The Superocean Automatic feels distinctly modern compared to the Heritage line. The oversized hands and thicker case give it presence, and the bezel has enough grip to feel functional rather than decorative. It’s clearly designed with legibility and durability in mind.

Breitling offers it in a wide range of sizes, from 36mm through 46mm, which makes finding the right proportions easier than with most dive watches. Dial options range from subtle to bright, depending on how much personality you want on the wrist. As an everyday diver, it’s practical, durable, and easy to wear.

Superocean Steelfish

The Superocean Steelfish is a discontinued fan favorite, and for good reason. This watch was built like an absolute tank. The thick, satin-finished steel case, chunky bezel, and heavy bracelet made it one of the most indestructible-feeling watches of the early 2000s. If you've ever held one, you know exactly what that means.

Because it’s discontinued, clean examples don’t always sit for long. Pricing remains reasonable compared to many other cult dive watches, though demand has been steadily increasing. If you come across a well-preserved Steelfish, it’s worth a serious look.

Superocean Chronograph

The Superocean Chronograph takes a capable dive watch and layers in stopwatch functionality. It has screw-down chronograph pushers for added water resistance, along with sub-dials that give the face a busier, more technical look. It's the right pick for anyone who wants dive watch toughness and timing precision in a single package.

Various iterations of the Chronograph have appeared over the years in 42mm, 44mm, and 46mm case sizes. Some are powered by modified Valjoux movements and others run Breitling's in-house calibers. It's a favorite among collectors who use their watches as active tools rather than display pieces.

Superocean M2000

At the extreme end sits the Superocean M2000. With a 2,000-meter depth rating, it’s engineered for serious conditions. Breitling reinforced the case structure and introduced a magnetic crown system that eliminates the need for a traditional screw-down design.

It’s a large, imposing watch, not something you forget you’re wearing. What truly separates it is the electronic chronograph that can function at extreme depths. It’s specialized, technical, and unapologetically built for performance over minimalism.

Superocean 44 Special

The Superocean 44 Special is a slightly dressier take on the core Superocean design. At 44mm, it still has the bold sizing, but the ceramic bezel, cleaner dial layout, and polished finishing give it a more refined aesthetic. It sits between the tool-forward models and the Heritage line.

On the secondary market, these models often represent strong value. They don’t receive quite as much attention as the Heritage line, which can work in a buyer’s favor. If you want a modern Superocean with versatility, this is a practical middle ground.

Superocean II

The Superocean II served as the mainline dive watch in Breitling's catalog for years. It came in 36mm, 42mm, and 44mm case sizes, giving it a wide range of options. The design was clean and functional, with a satin-finished case, luminous markers, and a firm unidirectional bezel.

Powered by chronometer-rated movements, it earned a reputation for reliability rather than flash. That’s part of the appeal today. On the secondary market, the Superocean II often represents solid value for buyers who want a straightforward Swiss diver without chasing trend-driven references.

Key Breitling Superocean Specifications

Understanding the technical details behind the Superocean collection helps collectors make the right choice. For a deeper dive into what to look for before you buy, check out our comprehensive Breitling Superocean buying guide. Let’s get into the specifications that separate one reference from another.

Materials

The vast majority of Superocean models are made from high-grade stainless steel, finished in either satin, polished, or a combination of both. This is a proven material for dive watches, with excellent corrosion resistance and durability in saltwater environments.

Certain references step outside of steel. Titanium versions wear noticeably lighter, which some buyers appreciate on the larger case sizes. Bronze models bring something different entirely, gradually developing patina the more they’re worn. A handful of Heritage watches introduce gold accents or two-tone configurations, adding refinement without losing the core tool-watch identity.

Movement

For much of its history, the Superocean relied on modified ETA and Sellita base calibers, all carrying COSC chronometer certification. These are robust, well-known Swiss movements that are easy to service and widely respected among watchmakers.

More recently, Breitling introduced the B20 caliber to select models, developed in partnership with Tudor. The B20 brings a 70-hour power reserve and a silicon hairspring into the mix, along with chronometer-level precision. In day-to-day wear, that extended reserve is noticeable, especially if the watch rotates in and out of your collection. The Heritage line, in particular, benefits from this upgrade.

Bezel

Every Superocean features a unidirectional rotating bezel, the standard safety feature on professional dive watches that prevents accidental extension of dive times. Older models used aluminum bezel inserts. They are lightweight and give off a vintage charm but can scratch and fade over time.

Modern Breitlings have shifted to ceramic bezel inserts, which are significantly harder and more resistant to scratching, fading, and UV damage. The transition to ceramic also gives newer Superoceans a sharper, more defined look with crisper markings and richer colors.

Dial

Superocean dials are designed for legibility first. Luminescent hands and hour markers ensure legibility in low-light conditions, both underwater and on the surface. The lume application across the collection is generous, which is exactly what you want from a functional dive watch.

Color options are one of the Superocean's strengths. You'll find dials in black, blue, silver, green, orange, and more depending on the model and generation. That kind of variety gives buyers a lot of room to express personal style while still getting a capable tool watch.

Sizes

The Superocean lineup covers a wide range of wrist sizes. It starts at 36mm for those who prefer a more compact feel and extends through 42mm and 44mm, which tend to be the most commonly traded sizes on the secondary market. Larger 46mm and 48mm references are available as well, designed for maximum presence.

Case thickness generally falls between 12mm and 16mm depending on the model and its depth rating. Lug-to-lug measurements span roughly 42mm to 57mm, and lug widths range from 18mm to 24mm. These are important numbers to check before buying, especially if you're planning to swap straps or bracelets.

Water Resistance

Water resistance across the Superocean lineup varies widely by model. The Heritage is waterproof to 200 meters, more than sufficient for recreational diving and everyday water exposure.

Dedicated tool models push the numbers much higher, with many rated to 500 meters or 1,000 meters. At the top of the range, the M2000 hits a full 2,000-meter rating, putting it in the company of some of the most extreme production dive watches ever made.

Watch Bands

Breitling makes the Superocean on a range of strap and bracelet options. The classic choice is a professional-grade stainless steel bracelet. It’s sturdy, adjustable, and well-suited for daily wear. Heritage models are often paired with the distinctive braided mesh steel bracelet that's become something of a signature for the line.

Sportier Superocean models come on rubber straps with deployant clasps. These are comfortable on the wrist, resistant to saltwater, and easy to swap. NATO and fabric straps are also available as aftermarket or add-on options, offering a lightweight, quick-drying alternative for casual or summer wear.

Breitling Superocean Price Trends & Market Report

Looking at Bob's Watches' completed sales data from 2014 through early 2025, the secondary market story for the Breitling Superocean is clear: demand is climbing. Sales volume for the collection has followed a massive and consistent upward trajectory over the past decade, with activity spiking significantly in the last three to four years. What was once a relatively niche segment of the Breitling catalog has become one of the brand's most actively traded collections on the pre-owned market.

On the pricing side, the Superocean has historically been a very accessible entry point into Swiss luxury dive watches. Average secondary market prices hovered in the low to mid $3,000 range for most of the last decade, making it a strong value proposition compared to other brands in the space. More recently, average prices have started to climb toward the high $3,000s, driven by growing collector interest and the premium that newer Heritage models with B20 movements command. It’s still a collection where you can find serious value, but the window of undervaluation appears to be closing.

How the Superocean Compares

The luxury dive watch market is competitive, and the Breitling Superocean goes head to head with some legendary names. Here's how it stacks up against the two models buyers compare it to most often.

Breitling Superocean vs. OMEGA Seamaster

The OMEGA Seamaster is an obvious comparison. Both collections have chronometer-certified movements, serious water resistance, and multiple size options. On the secondary market, certain Seamaster models, particularly Planet Ocean and Diver 300Ms, can command slightly higher pricing.

Where the Superocean stands out the most, though, is in variety. Breitling offers more case size options, more colorways, and a broader range of models than the Seamaster family. The Superocean also leans harder into a tool-watch aesthetic, while the Seamaster often incorporates more elegant design elements. If you want a dive watch that gives you more flexibility in finding the exact look and size you want, the Superocean has an edge.

Breitling Superocean vs. Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner remains the benchmark for luxury dive watches, and its resale values reflect that reputation. Secondary prices frequently exceed original retail, particularly for in-demand configurations. It’s a strong watch, but the barrier to entry has grown significantly.

The Breitling Superocean delivers many of the same fundamentals: certified movements, robust construction, and established brand heritage. What it doesn’t carry is the same secondary-market premium. For some buyers, that tradeoff makes sense. You may not see the same resale trajectory, but you gain access to a capable Swiss dive watch without waitlists or inflated pricing.

Expert Opinion

"The Breitling Superocean is the ultimate sweet spot between serious diving equipment and a luxury watch you can wear every single day. It delivers professional-grade water resistance and chronometer accuracy at a price point that makes it one of the best values in pre-owned Swiss dive watches."

- Paul Altieri, CEO of Bob's Watches

Why Buy Your Superocean From Bob's Watches

Buying pre-owned always comes down to trust. At Bob’s Watches, everything is in stock on site, and there’s no uncertainty about sourcing. Each Breitling Superocean goes through inspection and authentication by our in-house watchmakers before it’s listed.

Pricing is based on real-time market data, not guesswork. We provide clear photos, detailed condition notes, and stand behind what we sell. When you purchase from Bob’s Watches, you receive:

• 100% authenticity guarantee on every watch we sell.
• Fast, fully insured shipping with tracking to your door.
• Market-driven pricing updated to reflect real-time secondary market values.
• Hassle-free returns if you're not completely satisfied with your purchase.

Sell Your Pre-Owned Breitling Superocean

If you own a Breitling Superocean that no longer gets wrist time, the current market is active. Demand has increased, and well-maintained examples continue to perform steadily on the secondary market. Bob’s Watches offers competitive valuations based on up-to-date data.

Getting started is simple. Submit your Breitling Superocean through our Sell Breitling Watch form, and our team will provide a competitive quote based on current market conditions. Once we receive and verify your watch, you get paid immediately. No waiting. No consignment games. Just a straightforward transaction with a trusted name in the industry.