WATCHES & TIMEPIECES 27
The collection was unveiled to media , retailers , and influencers at the Wheels & Waves surf-and-motorcycle festival in Biarritz . The event followed a day of seathemed activities with surprise visits from European surf and screen personalities . Present were surfers Andrew Cotton , Jérémy Florès , and Natxo Gonzalez , along with actors Guillaume Canet from France and Álvaro Morte from Spain .
Speaking from the festival , Breitling CEO Georges Kern said , “ There ’ s a certain sameness to the look of most dive watches , but the Slow Motion always stood out from the crowd . We ’ re so pleased to introduce our modern take on this classic , the all-new Superocean .”
MADE FOR THE SEA
Available in four sizes ( 46 , 44 , 42 , and 36 mm ), the collection ’ s colorful dials are paired with three different case metals — steel , steelgold , and bronze . The special alloy used in the 44 and 42 mm bronze versions has an excellent resistance to corrosion but will still develop a subtle patina over time that makes the watch even more unique . The two strap options ( a sporty rubber strap and a new three-row metal bracelet ) have a folding clasp that allows for micro-adjustments of up to 15 mm for easy wear over rashies and dive suits .
Best of all , the Slow Motion ’ s distinctive square minute hand has made a comeback . So has the high-contrast minute scale . Fans will also remember “ the dot ,” a circular window at 6 o ’ clock that displayed different colors depending on whether the minutes-based chronograph was engaged , paused , or off . In the new Superocean , a circle near the tip of the second hand gives a wink to that much-loved feature .
Aside from looking good , the new Superocean is also a technical marvel . Water-resistant to 300 m ( 1000 ft ), it features broad hands and indexes coated in Super-LumiNova ® that allow for exceptional readability underwater . Its scratchproof ceramic-inlayed bezel means it will never wear or fade . For safety , the bezel is unidirectional on most sizes and bidirectional with a patented lock on the 46 mm . This watch is also shock- , sand- , and saltwater-resistant . Its automatic Breitling Caliber 17 comes with a two-year warranty and an approximate 38-hour power reserve .
Issue 54 2022 THE ART OF LUXURY