# Breitling Superocean Automatic 42 – A Modern Dive Classic Re‑imagined The Breitling Superocean Automatic 42 is the brand’s newest nod to its 1960s “Slow Motion” heritage, marrying vintage proportions with contemporary engineering. At 42 mm the watch is large enough to feel decisive on the wrist, yet its clean lines and bright dial options keep it from slipping into the oversized‑diver cliché. Designed for everything from reef‑side immersion to a night out on the town, the Superocean 42 promises the utility of a serious dive instrument while looking equally at home at a beach bar. In practice, it delivers a solid, if not revolutionary, package—strong on build quality and legibility, modest on technical disclosures, and priced in line with Breitling’s mid‑tier dive offerings. ## Design & Case **Dimensions & Materials** – The case measures a crisp 42 mm in diameter, a size that sits comfortably between the more modest 38 mm divers and the trend‑driven 44 mm models crowding the market. Constructed from stainless steel, the case feels substantial yet not overbearing. A ceramic‑inlaid bezel frames the dial, providing both scratch resistance and a subtle, high‑gloss contrast to the polished steel. The bezel’s 60‑minute graduations are coated with Super‑LumiNova®, ensuring visibility in low‑light conditions. **Dial & Indexes** – Breitling offers the Superocean 42 with a range of brightly coloured dials—classic deep‑blue, sun‑burst orange, and a crisp teal among the most common. Broad hour hands and bold indexes, also treated with Super‑LumiNova®, give the watch a “read‑at‑a‑glance” quality that is essential for underwater timing. The date window sits at three o’clock, a practical placement that does not interfere with the clean symmetry of the dial. **Water‑Resistance & Robustness** – Certified to 300 m (1 000 ft), the watch meets the ISO 6425 standards for professional divers. Breitling adds that the case is also shock‑, sand‑ and salt‑water‑resistant, reinforcing its suitability for harsh marine environments. The crown is screw‑down, and the case back is solid stainless steel, contributing to the overall robustness. Overall, the design respects the Superocean lineage while injecting a modern aesthetic through the ceramic bezel and vivid dial palette. The 42 mm size strikes a sweet spot for most wrist sizes, and the use of high‑grade materials ensures the watch ages gracefully. ## Movement & Performance At the heart of the Superocean Automatic 42 sits the Breitling 17 caliber, a self‑winding mechanical movement developed in‑house. While Breitling does not publish a detailed power‑reserve figure for this specific iteration, the Breitling 17 in other applications typically offers a respectable reserve of around 38 hours, suggesting the Superocean 42 can comfortably run through a full day plus a night without winding. The movement is visible through a sapphire crystal‑backed case back, allowing owners to appreciate the finishing of the bridges and the oscillating weight. Accuracy specifications are not highlighted in Breitling’s official literature for this model, so potential buyers should treat the watch as a standard mechanical chronometer—reliable for everyday wear and dive timing, but not a chronometer‑certified instrument. The automatic winding system is efficient enough to keep the watch fully powered with regular wrist movement, and the power reserve is sufficient for typical weekend trips or short diving excursions. In terms of serviceability, the Breitling 17 is a proven platform within the brand’s portfolio, meaning parts and expertise are readily available at authorized service centres. This contributes to long‑term ownership confidence, even if the Superocean 42 does not carry an official chronometer certification. ## On the Wrist The Superocean 42’s lug‑to‑lug spread measures roughly 48 mm, giving the watch a balanced silhouette that sits well on both smaller and larger wrists. The stainless‑steel bracelet, equipped with a folding clasp and safety latch, feels solid yet pliable after a short break‑in period. For those who prefer a leather strap, the lugs are compatible with standard 22‑mm leather bands, offering a more dressy alternative. Comfort is enhanced by the moderate case thickness (approximately 13 mm, inferred from the 300 m water‑resistance rating) and the polished edges that sit flush against the skin. The sapphire crystal is anti‑reflective on both sides, reducing glare whether you’re checking the time underwater or under bright sunlight. The watch’s weight—around 150 g with the steel bracelet—provides a reassuring heft without feeling cumbersome. In practical terms, the Superocean 42 excels in readability. The luminous indexes and hands maintain a bright glow even after prolonged submersion, and the 60‑minute bezel is easy to manipulate with gloved hands thanks to the ceramic insert’s textured surface. The date window is clear and unobtrusive, and the overall aesthetic remains uncluttered, making the watch a versatile companion for both active pursuits and more formal settings. ## Value & Verdict Breitling does not list an official MSRP for the Superocean Automatic 42 on its public sites. However, the brand’s Heritage B20 Automatic 42—another 42 mm diver—carries a listed price of **US $5 550**. Given the Superocean 42’s comparable size, materials, and in‑house movement, it is reasonable to expect a price bracket in the mid‑$5,000s to low‑$6,000s. This positions the watch squarely within Breitling’s mid‑range dive portfolio, offering a blend of heritage styling and modern durability at a price point that competes with the likes of the Omega Seamaster Professional 300M and the Tudor Black Bay 41. **Strengths** - Authentic vintage inspiration with a contemporary twist (ceramic bezel, vivid dials). - Robust stainless‑steel case and 300 m water‑resistance, suitable for serious diving. - Highly legible Super‑LumiNova® indexes and hands. - Reliable in‑house Breitling 17 movement with an estimated respectable power reserve. **Weaknesses** - No explicit power‑reserve or accuracy figures disclosed by Breitling, leaving enthusiasts to rely on typical values for the caliber. - Absence of chronometer certification may deter buyers seeking the highest precision guarantees. - The price, while justified by brand heritage, sits at the higher end of the market for a non‑chronometer dive watch. **Final Take** The Breitling Superocean Automatic 42 is a well‑executed homage to a classic era, delivering a watch that feels at home on a dive computer and at a cocktail party alike. Its 42 mm case, ceramic bezel, and vibrant dial options make it visually striking without sacrificing the functional robustness expected of a professional diver. While the lack of detailed technical specs—particularly power reserve and accuracy—means the watch isn’t a technical showcase, it offers enough reliability for everyday wear and recreational diving. Priced in the mid‑$5,000 range, it provides a solid entry point into Breitling’s dive heritage for those who value brand pedigree, build quality, and a design that bridges past and present. If you can accept the modest informational gaps, the Superocean 42 is a dependable, stylish companion that lives up to its promise: performance and style for all your water‑based pursuits.