Refreshed classic watch with an in-house movement and refined styling.
Breitling has long been revered for its bold aviator chronographs, but the Superocean Heritage stands out as the brand’s stylish nod to classic dive watches. The original Superocean, introduced in 1957, was a sleek and sophisticated sea watch with distinctive spear-and-arrow hands and an anodized rotating bezel. It appealed as much to early surfers and adventurers as to professional divers.
Now in mid-2025 Breitling reinvigorates the Superocean Heritage line with the new B31 Automatic series. These models preserve the beloved retro cues – from the spear-and-arrow hands to the slim profile – while adding contemporary touches and a new in-house movement. As Breitling describes it, the Heritage’s spirit of style-at-sea remains intact, reflecting the brand’s commitment to sporty elegance.
Key features:
- Three case sizes (40, 42, 44 mm) in stainless steel, with some models in steel and 18K red gold.
- Unidirectional bezel with a scratch-resistant ceramic insert.
- Sunburst dials in black, green or blue, vintage-style applied markers and luminescent spear-and-arrow hands.
- Breitling Calibre B31 automatic movement (4 Hz, COSC-certified) with 78-hour power reserve.
- 200-metre water resistance.
- Milanese mesh bracelet or textured rubber strap options.
Refined Case, Bezel, Dial and Hands
Breitling offers the new Heritage B31 models in three case sizes – 40 mm, 42 mm, and 44 mm – to suit different wrists. All cases are stainless steel, with select references accented by 18-karat red-gold bezels and crowns for a two-tone look. Each case has been subtly redesigned: the lugs now curve smoothly into the strap or bracelet, and the overall profile is slimmer than before. One of the most striking updates is the unidirectional bezel, now with a glossy ceramic inlay prized for its scratch resistance. The crisp, deeply notched edge ensures improved grip and adds a modern contrast to the dial.
Beneath the sapphire crystal, the dial has a sunburst finish in black, green or blue, capturing light with a vibrant pop of colour. The Superocean Heritage DNA is evident: at 12 o’clock a retro “skewered circle” marker pays homage to the 1957 model, while the remaining indexes are polished, faceted swords. The hour and minute hands are substantially broader than before – an arrow and spear design that is fully luminescent for clear night-time visibility. A small date window at 6 o’clock is outlined in white for easy reading without disrupting the symmetry.
A New In-House Movement
Powering the time-and-date models is the new Breitling Calibre B31, the brand’s first exclusive three-hand manufacture movement (co-developed with Sellita). This automatic engine runs at 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and delivers an impressive 78-hour power reserve – more than three days – allowing the owner to set it aside over a weekend without worry. It is COSC chronometer-certified for accuracy and features modern finishing touches: think Geneva striping on the bridges, polished screws, and a skeletonized rotor engraved with the Breitling logo. Breitling has also included shock protection and a silicon balance spring, continuing its tradition of robust engineering.
Each Superocean Heritage B31 can be paired with either a vintage-style stainless-steel Milanese mesh bracelet or a matching-colour rubber strap. Both come with a folding clasp that secures the watch snugly and water-tight at the wrist. The mesh bracelet is especially noteworthy: not only does it recall mid-century style, but Breitling has made it user-friendly with an adjustable, removable-link system (no cutting required). The rubber strap echoes the dial’s hue and texture, and is secured with a classic tang buckle. These options ensure the watch retains a retro vibe, whether worn on steel or rubber.
A Special Tribute Edition
Breitling also collaborates with surfing legend Kelly Slater on a special 40 mm edition limited to 500 pieces. This model channels Hawaiian surf culture with a blue dial featuring a subtle tropical foliage pattern. It shares the steel/red-gold two-tone case of the other mixed-metal versions. Through the clear sapphire caseback, the owner can admire the B31 movement in action, surrounded by engravings that read “One of 500” and “Kelly Slater Limited Edition”. The tribute watch comes on either a matching blue rubber strap or a Milanese bracelet, blending the Heritage’s retro style with island inspiration.
All Superocean Heritage B31 models are water-resistant to 200 metres, reflecting their sport-watch credentials. The new collection is available now at Breitling boutiques and authorized retailers. Prices start at about US$6,200 for the 40 mm steel model on a strap (roughly $8,000 Canadian), rising into the mid-$7,000s for two-tone variants. With its streamlined vintage design and modern engineering, the Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic makes a stylish yet technically robust statement for dive-watch aficionados.
