If you pardon the pun, the 1950s were a watershed moment for dive watches. A few years apart, three different companies released three of the most enduring classics of modern replica watches: the Rolex Submariner, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, and the Omega Seamaster 300. all of these shared specific essential characteristics – excellent visibility, rotating chronograph bezels, good water resistance – and each became a hallmark of the company that made it. In 1957, this era’s Another classic made its debut: the Breitling Superocean, available in chronograph and non-chronograph versions. 
The earlier Breitling Superocean has become very collectible – the first two models are in good condition. They are now high five-figure timepieces (unlike the crazy amounts of money spent on rare submarines, but still very respectable). This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Superocean, and to mark the occasion, Breitling has released a new version of the fake watch that recalls the original in design but is also very forward-looking in technical terms, including the movement (with modifications) supplied to Breitling by Tudor.
The new model is available in two sizes – 42mm and 46mm, also available as a 46mm chronograph – and all three models are available in brown, blue, or black. We have the blue and brown models in our office, and the brown model has a strap that I’ve been wearing for a week. The blue model with the steel mesh strap is just as handsome as the brown model for the same reasons: straightforward design and excellent color depth. I can only assume that the black model will be just as gorgeous, although the rich colors of the dial and bezel of the blue and brown models are hard to resist if you’re going for color in a fake Rolex watch. (The colors are “copperhead bronze” and “gunmetal blue,” according to Breitling’s official statement.)
The brown version has a rubber-lined leather strap that is quite thick and gives the impression of being almost as durable as a steel mesh strap. Usually, I prefer a less heavy strap. Still, since the 42mm Superocean is 14.35mm thick, the belt works well and harmonizes better with the overall feel of the watch than a thinner strap (for comparison, the Tudor Black Bay is about 14.8mm thick).
