Of late, Breitling has been on a real run with partnership pieces. The last six months alone have seen pieces released in alliance with Ironman, Swissair, Ocean Conservancy, Bentley, and Norton. The latest collaborative model to hit the catalog is the Breitling Superocean Automatic 44 Outerknown watch (reference A17367A11L1W1), which sees the fabled Swiss brand buddy-up with Outerknown, a sustainable apparel brand co-founded by surfing legend and Breitling Surfers Squad member Kelly Slater.
The Kelly Slater link makes a lot of sense from a genesis perspective, but the marriage itself is a little more sensible (and current) than previous partnerships. While the Outerknown philosophies align nicely with those of Ocean Conservancy, they are in stark contrast to the carbon-emitting companies with which the brand has long-standing relationships. And while those slightly anachronistic alliances are still in effect, I think Breitling should be praised for adjusting its partnership focus, rather than chided for a slightly contradictory stance.
The truth is that while environmental issues are increasingly front page news, a large proportion of Breitling’s fan base loves the brand for its aviation history. To drop that esteemed heritage like a hot potato just because of the current media climate would be an overreaction, and any brand attempting a soft transition from the old ways to a new, more sustainable future, should be cut a bit of slack.
Breitling has gone further than just sticking an Outerworn strap on this handsome new Superocean (in trendy olive green following the olive green Avenger released at the Breitling Summit). 18 ecologically responsible straps (six colors across 4 widths, ranging from 18-24mm) have been added to Breitling’s official accessory list. Made from Econyl, a material created from regenerated nylon waste, the Outerknown strap collection is a bright, joyful addition to a brand doing its best to shine a light on our environmental impact.
The straps can be delivered with either uncoated or DLC-coated stainless steel hardware so these straps can dress up a huge array of Breitling references throughout the collection. These straps will be available exclusively through Breitling’s eCommerce platform.The six colors available are: blue/dark blue, light blue/dark blue, yellow/orange, gray/black, red/black, and green/black stripes.
One of the major sources of waste nylon is fishing nets, dragged from the world’s oceans. The Breitling Superocean Automatic 44 Outerknown watch is perfectly equipped to accompany members of a waste recovery team on their aquatic mission. With a 44mm × 14.21mm, finely brushed 316L stainless steel case, water-resistant to 100 meters. Inside the case is the Breitling Caliber 17, which is based on the ETA 2824-2. The power-reserve is thus 38 hours and the time-keeping performance has been adjusted to meet COSC parameters for a reliable experience. The Breitling Superocean Automatic 44 Outerworn watch will be priced at $4,200. Learn more about this partnership and others at breitling.com.
