The SuperOcean Heritage ’57 is back, just in time for Christmas, this time with colourways that invoke the spirit of the Scottish Highlands.
The Capsule Collections are meant to tell a story, and invoke the spirit of an era. The original SuperOcean Heritage ’57’s were designed as a throwback to the 1957 SuperOcean, and a time of surfing, fun and laid-back lifestyles of the 60’s. In other words, a little bit of retro-cool.
In this latest release, Breitling have re-vsisted their Heritage ’57 capsule Collection, this time, taking cues from the colours of the Scottish Highlands. It’s a far throw from the surfing 60’s, but that’s the beauty of the Capsule collection. They’re designed to be fluid and everchanging. In the words for Breitling CEO, Georges Kern:
“All our capsule collections tell a different story. For the Superocean Heritage ’57 Highlands Capsule Collection, we wanted to evoke a very specific feeling of walking in the Scottish Highlands. From the moment you set out in a tweed jacket and wool sweater, to a day spent roaming windswept cliffs, to that welcome return home to warm up by a crackling fire, dog at your side. The Highlands Capsule Collection is designed to be there every step of the way.”
Georges Kern, Breitling CEO
The new SuperOvean Heritage ’57 Capsule Collection all come in a svelt 38mm size, 42mm lug to lug and less than 10mm thick, 9.35mm to be exact. This puts them in a unisex size range, and based on the colours, will suit both men and women alike. With four colour variants available in green, blue, mustard and beige (more coppery brown) and each comes on a steel Milanese bracelet with bonus interchangeable fabric straps; all tweed-inspired and made of a sumptuous blend of silk and wool.
Each tweed-inspired strap complements its colored dial: the blue version is paired with a dark brown strap, the beige dial with a classic brown strap, and both the green and the mustard-toned dials with a green strap. For those who like to mix and match, an additional blue strap can be purchased separately. Whilst Breitling have not added a quick change mechanism to their watches yet, they provide a springbar tool with each SuperOcean Heritage ’57 Highlands edition so you can swap out the bracelet for the strap when the occasion calls for it.
Each model has a ceramic bidirectional bezel that is encased in an 18k rose gold ring and features a luminescent marker – another throwback to the dive watch heritage of the SuperOcean. Powering the collection is the Breitling Caliber 10, which offers a power reserve of approximately 42 hours when not in use. Each piece, like all Breitling models, are COSC-certified chronometers so you know you can rely on their accuracy when it counts.
Final Thoughts
When the original SuperOcean Heritage ’57 was released, it was quirky and a little irreverent when compared to the rest of Breitling’s lineup. However, the collection quickly found a following and the Special Editions, more specifically the Blue variant with the rainbow markers sold out quickly and commanded well over retail on the secondary market. This was an indicator that Breitling were onto something.
This new collection may not be as quirky now, given it’s been around for a little while, but nonetheless, I feel these will find their niche and collectors who will love them. The blue and green dials with the rose gold accents are classic and always go well together, whereas the mustard and beige will be for those who want something unique on their wrist. At $8,800 AUD, they represent fair value from a brand such as Breitling with their credentials, and in reality, are a pop of fun on the wrist!
Reference: U10340161C1A1 (Blue), U10340361L1A1 (Green), U10340281I1A1 (Mustard) or U10340E31A1A1 (Beige)
Specification
- Case: 38mm, 42mm lug to lug and 9.35mm thick
- Case Material: Stainless steel with 18k rose gold around the bezel
- Dial: Multiple colour variants in Blue, Green, Mustard or Beige. SuperLuminova filled indices and hands
- Crystal: Cambered sapphire, glare-proofed on both sides
- Water Resistance: 100m (10ATM)
- Movement: Breitling Caliber 10. Automatic winding beating at 4Hz / 28,800 VpH and COSC certified with bi-directional rotor
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Bracelet/Strap: Ocean Classic stainless-steel bracelet with butterfly clasp. Additional dark brown fabric strap (blue variant), classic brown fabric strap (Beige/brown variant) and green fabric strap on mustard and green variants.
Australian Recommended Retail Pricing: $8,800 AUD
Availability: Available now from Breitling Boutiques, Authorised Dealers, and online at Breitling.com.au
