Breitling has announced a new iteration of its Superocean Black Steel collection. The Breitling Superocean 46 Black Steel in green is a limited edition for the United States.
The Release
The Breitling Superocean 46 Black Steel in green shares the 46mm case of the other Black Steel models. It’s got a lug-to-lug of 57.6mm, is 16.8mm thick, and has lugs that are 24mm. Given its size, it may not be a surprise that the watch is water resistant to 2,000m. The case is a rather traditional dive watch shape, brushed throughout, with crown guards around the screwdown crown and slightly curved lugs. It’s black-DLC coated, and the lack of any chamfers or polishing communicates its intention to be used as a tool. The unidirectional bezel features a matte hunter green insert with brushed markings and a lume pip. The watch is attached to a rubber strap taht matches the bezel and features a folding pushbutton clasp. On the reverse, a solid screwdown caseback (also DLC coated) protects the Breitling Caliber 17, a chronometer-certified ETA 2824-2 assembled and regulated by Breitling, with a branded rotor.
The dial features several elements unique to this US limited edition. First and foremost is the green dial, which radiates from a yellowy moss green to a deep hunter green at the edge. The second is the use of Old Radium Super-LumiNova instead of the usual white application. Finally, the date has been removed; that makes it one of 4 Superocean models available without a date. Complimenting the green dial is a black rehaute with yellow minute markings. The bright red seconds hand should help with second-to-second timing, should you need it.
Our Thoughts
The Superocean 46 Black Steel seems to send the message that the brand isn’t backing away from big watches with its recent smaller releases. This model appears to be a translation of the GPHG-nominated Superocean 48 in DLC-coated titanium, an even grander dive watch from Breitling. While I love the green throughout, especially the bezel, putting this design out in 46mm after the 48mm version seems almost useless—why not do a Superocean 42 to widen the appeal?
The Black Steel series are the only Superoceans available at 46mm, as if Breitling felt the black DLC coating necessitated its own case size (other SOs are available from 36-44mm and 48mm). The strap taper should help the case not seem as bulky, but with its case dimensions, it’s going to be big no matter what. The old radium lume color is going to have its detractors, but my thought is if it’s used as a design element instead of to emulate patina (as is the case here), it gets a pass. As aesthetically pleasing as this one is, it will take either a large wrist or a lot of confidence to pull it off.
Availability
The Breitling Superocan 46 Black Steel is priced at $5,950. It is only available in the United States and is limited to 200 pieces. You can find out more and order the watch directly from Breitling.