Breitling's SuperOcean Heritage 40mm Is A Great Dive Watch

 

You know, as someone who’s been into watches since high school, I’ve always loved a good dive watch. They’re tough, practical, and let’s be honest - they just look cool. But there’s a certain magic when a brand manages to balance tool-watch toughness with a more elegant, everyday vibe.

That’s exactly what Breitling seems to have done with the new SuperOcean Heritage 40mm. It feels like they turned down the volume on the ruggedness just enough to make it more wearable anywhere, whether you’re on a dive boat in Croatia or just grabbing a coffee on a rainy Tuesday.

Source: Hodinkee

A fresh (and more wearable) update

Breitling dropped a whole new set of SuperOcean Heritage models earlier this month. Sizes range from a bold 44mm down to a compact 36mm, plus a 42mm chronograph for those who love timing their pasta boil to the second. But the sweet spot, at least in my book, is this new 40mm version.

It’s based on the B31 movement that Breitling introduced this year in their Top Time B31 watches. There, they turned a beloved chronograph design into a simple three-hander. In the SuperOcean Heritage, this same movement helps keep things slim and tidy - and adds about 78 hours of power reserve.

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The colours

The new 40mm comes in two main colours: black and green. Personally, I think they absolutely nailed the green option. It’s not one of those bright, neon greens that shouts across the room - it’s more subtle, with a slightly sunburst effect that keeps things interesting under different lighting.

The black version, on the other hand, is a safe bet for pretty much anyone. It does have a bit of a blue tint depending on the light, thanks to the anti-reflective coating on the crystal. Breitling fans might notice there isn’t a proper blue dial in this size (yet), which feels like a missed opportunity since their 42mm and 36mm versions do have blue.

For now, if I had to pick, I’d lean green. It has character without being flashy, and it stands out just enough in a sea of black-dial divers.

Source: Hodinkee

The dial details

Sunburst dials are tricky. They can look incredible when the light hits them just right - almost like the watch is alive. But they’re also notorious for being tough to capture accurately in photos. In real life, though, the dial on this watch has that rich, dynamic shimmer that makes you want to keep checking your wrist even when you don’t need to know the time.

One small touch I appreciate is the date window at 6 o’clock. I know date windows divide opinion faster than pineapple on pizza, but here it works. It keeps the symmetry, and the printed outline around it helps you spot it easily without ruining the flow of the dial.

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The movement and dimensions

Let’s talk about the movement now. The B31 calibre is self-winding and keeps ticking for a solid 78 hours if you leave it off over the weekend. It’s also pretty compact, which helps keep the overall case thickness down to around 11.7mm - thin enough to slip under a shirt cuff, but still hefty enough to feel like a dive watch.

In terms of specs, the watch has a 200-meter water resistance rating. So yes, you can absolutely swim and dive with it. The ceramic bezel is unidirectional, as you'd expect, and while it doesn’t have minute markers all the way around like some hardcore dive bezels, that’s fine. This watch isn’t trying to be a no-nonsense tool watch; it’s more about style inspired by the past, with just enough real-world capability.

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The bracelet and straps

The updated mesh bracelet is another highlight. Breitling redesigned it so it sits flush with the case, giving the whole thing a more seamless, integrated look. It uses a butterfly deployant clasp with the Breitling logo and is surprisingly comfortable.

One odd detail: the lug width is listed as 20.05mm - which is a bit weirdly specific - but it basically means you’ll be fine swapping in most 20mm straps if you feel like dressing it down or changing things up.

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The price

Now for the elephant in the room: the price. The 40mm SuperOcean Heritage comes in at around €5,700. That’s not exactly pocket change, and I totally get why some folks might hesitate. Watch prices in general have been creeping up everywhere, and this is no exception.

Personally, I think around €5,000 would feel a little more comfortable, but honestly, that’s wishful thinking. Even at full retail, you’re getting a well-built, nicely finished dive watch from a major Swiss brand with a strong design heritage.

Source: Hodinkee

Who’s it for?

If you’re a diver who wants to track every single minute underwater with maximum legibility, you might still gravitate toward a more classic, utilitarian diver - or one of Breitling’s mainline SuperOceans, which lean more modern and sporty.

But if you want a dive watch that can dress up a bit, that looks just as good at a wedding as it does poolside, this 40mm Heritage is pretty hard to beat.

It’s got enough water resistance and toughness to handle anything most of us throw at it, while the vintage-inspired design and slim profile make it a genuine all-rounder. You could wear this watch every day and never get bored.

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Final thoughts

In the end, the SuperOcean Heritage 40mm feels like Breitling’s way of saying, “Yeah, we remember our roots, but we also know you want something versatile.” It’s not screaming for attention. It’s confident, classy, and just a little sporty - exactly the kind of vibe I love in a daily watch.

If you’re looking for a single dive watch to do it all - to wear to the office, on a date, or on a dive trip - the SuperOcean Heritage 40mm deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Source: Hodinkee