The Breitling Superocean Chrono 42mm represents a compelling blend of robust functionality, classic design, and undeniable presence on the wrist. At a price point of $3,997.00, it occupies a sweet spot in the luxury watch market, offering a serious piece of horological engineering without breaking the bank (relatively speaking, of course). This in-depth article will delve into every aspect of this impressive timepiece, exploring its features, comparing it to similar models, and ultimately determining whether it deserves a place in your collection.
A Legacy of Diving Excellence: Understanding the Superocean Lineage
Before examining the specifics of the 42mm chronograph, it's crucial to understand the history of the Breitling Superocean line. Introduced in the 1950s, the Superocean was designed for professional divers, emphasizing water resistance, durability, and legibility – essential qualities for a watch intended for use in challenging underwater environments. Over the decades, the Superocean has undergone several iterations, constantly evolving while retaining its core identity as a reliable and stylish dive watch. The current generation, which includes the Chrono 42mm, embodies this legacy with modern refinements and enhanced performance.
The Breitling Superocean Chrono 42mm: A Detailed Examination
The 42mm case size strikes a perfect balance for most wrists, offering a substantial presence without feeling overly bulky. Crafted from stainless steel, the case boasts impressive water resistance, typically rated to at least 500 meters (1650 feet), making it suitable for serious diving expeditions. The unidirectional rotating bezel, a hallmark of diver's watches, is marked with luminous numerals and indices, ensuring clear readability even in low-light conditions. This bezel is crucial for tracking dive time safely, preventing accidental adjustments that could lead to miscalculations during a dive.
The dial is a masterpiece of legibility. Clear, bold hands and markers, often filled with Super-LumiNova, provide excellent contrast against the dial's background, ensuring easy time-telling in any lighting conditions. The chronograph function, a key feature of this model, is neatly integrated into the dial, with sub-dials displaying seconds, minutes, and hours of elapsed time. The date window, usually positioned at 3 o'clock, adds a touch of practicality without compromising the overall aesthetic balance. Various dial colours are available, ranging from classic black and blue to more adventurous shades, allowing for personalization to suit individual preferences.
Powering this impressive timepiece is typically a Breitling Caliber 13, a self-winding automatic movement based on the ETA 7750, known for its reliability and robustness. This movement guarantees accurate timekeeping and smooth operation of the chronograph function. The power reserve generally sits around 42 hours, providing ample time before requiring winding. The movement is visible through a sapphire crystal caseback, allowing watch enthusiasts to admire the intricate mechanics at work. The sapphire crystal itself is highly scratch-resistant, protecting the dial and hands from everyday wear and tear.
Breitling Superocean 42 for Sale: Finding Your Perfect Match
current url:https://bhtkhe.e847z.com/blog/breitling-superocean-chrono-42mm-7176