Among a batch of new Superocean watches that includes models with rainbow-colored hour markers, Breitling has also just announced a new ultra-capable rendition of the vintage-inspired Superocean that immediately claims the top spot as the brand’s most purpose-built dive watch. Expanding upon the core concept of the standard 46mm Superocean models, the new Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver is crafted from titanium with an internal anti-magnetic shield, and it features an innovative bezel locking mechanism with an increased depth rating of 1,000 meters.

While the new Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver is based on the fundamental design of the existing Superocean Automatic 46, it features several updates that ultimately make it a tangibly different watch. Rather than being crafted from stainless steel, the pair of new Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver models feature cases made from titanium, and they are slightly thicker than their stainless steel siblings with dimensions that come in at 46mm in diameter by 14.5mm thick, with 24mm lugs and an overall lug-to-lug profile of 52.25mm. The additional case thickness (approximately 1.3mm) is required to house the internal soft-iron shield, which helps protect the movement from disruptive magnetic fields. Additionally, just like the standard 46mm Superocean models, the new Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver foregoes the standard unidirectional bezel that is fitted to its smaller counterparts, and it instead features a bi-directional bezel with a lever-operated locking mechanism integrated into the 9 o’clock side of its case.

The top of the Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver’s case is furnished with a cambered anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and fitted to the titanium bezel ring that surrounds the crystal is an insert made from either green or black ceramic to match the dial of each watch. Like the rest of the current-generation Superocean models, the new Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver features a signed crown set between two rounded guards at the 3 o’clock position, and the reverse side of the watch is fitted with a solid screw-down caseback. However, on the new Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver watches, these two components are now crafted from titanium to match the rest of the case, and this latest pair of pro-spec models also features 1,000 meters of water resistance, which represents a significant increase compared to the 300-meter depth rating that is found among the standard stainless steel 46mm Superocean watches.

At the time of launch, the new Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver is available in either green or black, and both versions feature dials with a camouflage pattern throughout their surfaces. Aside from their different colorways and finishing, the actual design of the dials is the same as what can be found throughout the rest of the current-production Superocean collection, with a time-only layout, applied hour markers, and a large contrasting minute track surrounding the periphery of the display. The overall design of this latest generation of Superocean watches is inspired by the vintage Breitling Superocean Slow Motion from the 1960s and 1970s; however, it reinterprets the aesthetic to be a classic three-handed dive watch, rather than a chronograph like the original vintage model. Additionally, just like the rest of the Superocean lineup, the new Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver features Super-LumiNova on all of its hands and indexes (plus the zero-marker on the bezel) to provide users with easy access to the time in dark settings.

Powering the new Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver is the brand’s Caliber 10 automatic movement, which differs from the Caliber 17 found inside the standard 46mm Superocean models and the rest of the current-generation Superocean lineup. Although both movements are based on familiar ETA designs, the Breitling Cal. 17 is the brand’s version of the ETA 2824, while the Cal. 10 is derived from the superior ETA 2892, and it offers a more slender design and runs at a frequency of 28,800vph (4 Hz) with a slightly longer power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Both movements are COSC-certified chronometers, which means that they are guaranteed to run within the standards of -4/+6 seconds per day, although the thinner design of the Breitling Cal. 10 helps the new Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver models retain a case profile that is only slightly thicker than their standard 46mm siblings, despite featuring internal antimagnetic shields.

Both versions of the Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver are available with either a rubber strap or a matching titanium bracelet, and both options taper from 24mm at the lugs down to 20mm where they connect to their signed titanium folding clasps. The bracelet appears in the Superocean collection’s usual slanted three-link design with brushed sides accented by high-polished center links. Meanwhile, the rubber strap follows the same textured style as what can be found throughout the rest of the current-production Superocean lineup, and it is available in either dark gray or khaki green to match the colorway of each watch. Additionally, the rubber straps and bracelet for the new Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver are both paired with folding clasps that operate with a double push-button release, and the clasps feature the brand’s latest generation of integrated extension system that provides users with tool-free incremental adjustment.

Due to their superior movements, increased specifications, and full-titanium construction, the Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver watches are more expensive than their standard 46mm stainless steel siblings, and the new models are priced at $6,300 USD when paired with a rubber strap or $6,950 USD should buyers opt for the matching titanium bracelet. Given that the original Superocean Automatic 46 models already included this innovative bezel locking mechanism, I always found it slightly unusual that they didn’t offer superior specifications compared to their smaller siblings. However, the new Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver is significantly more capable than the standard 46mm models from the collection, and these latest additions to the lineup now represent the most purpose-built and professionally oriented divers in Breitling’s current catalog. For more information on the Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver, please visit the brand’s website.