The idea of reissuing luxury watches from past archives is nothing new in the watch world, to the point that you could argue that it’s one of the longest-running trends in modern watchmaking. Case sizes, dial colors, and materials have all had their ups and downs, but even back in the ’90s we were seeing brands launching anniversary reissue models of some of their past classics. With that in mind, few brands have been as consistently impressive in this category within the last handful of years as Breitling watches.
Throughout Breitling history, the brand has been doing various Navitimer reissues for decades, but more recently we’re seeing an increasing number of vintage references and influences making their way into their present collections. The real question here is why.
What’s in Breitling’s secret watchmaking sauce that makes each and every one of these reissues such a hit? After all, we’re talking about a category where some pieces garner songs of high praise, and others are lambasted for trying too hard or not hard enough. We’re going to have a look at a couple of these recent Breitling heritage pieces in an attempt to decipher what makes them so appealing to the collecting community at large.
Superocean Heritage
The Breitling Superocean Heritage collection pays tribute to the brand’s iconic dive watch introduced in 1957, combining timeless design elements with modern performance. Inspired by the original, the Heritage models retain the vintage aesthetic with their clean dial, distinctive triangle-tipped hour hand, and minimalist bezel. This nod to Breitling’s storied past is complemented by modern features like scratch-resistant ceramic bezels, sapphire crystals, and enhanced water resistance, making the Superocean Heritage both a stylish and functional choice for diving enthusiasts and watch collectors alike.
In the comparison of Superocean vs. Superocean Heritage, what sets Superocean Heritage apart is its seamless fusion of retro charm and advanced technology. While staying true to its vintage-inspired design, the Superocean Heritage is equipped with modern movements, including Breitling’s in-house B20 caliber, which offers precise timekeeping and a power reserve of up to 70 hours. The Superocean Heritage collection also provides a range of sizes and materials, from stainless steel to luxurious rose gold, giving wearers a versatile choice that aligns with both their style and practical needs.
In terms of versatility, the Superocean Heritage stands out for its ability to transition from underwater exploration to daily wear effortlessly. Its classic design, paired with modern technology, ensures that the Superocean Heritage is not only a functional dive watch but also a sophisticated accessory for any occasion. Whether you’re drawn to the ruggedness of the Superocean or the vintage allure of the Superocean Heritage, both collections offer Breitling’s renowned performance and craftsmanship.
The Superocean Heritage also offers a variety of strap options, including the signature Milanese mesh bracelet, which enhances its vintage appeal, and rubber straps for a more sporty look. Breitling’s attention to detail in both design and functionality makes the Superocean Heritage a standout in the world of dive watches. Whether you’re drawn to it for its historical significance, its technical prowess, or its distinctive aesthetic, the Breitling Superocean Heritage continues to uphold the brand’s legacy while appealing to modern tastes and demands.
Breitling Navitimer ref. 806 1959 Edition
This sleek reissue of the Breitling Navitimer that surfaced last year arrived in an edition of (you guessed it) 1959 pieces on the ’60th anniversary of the initial launch of the model. For this specific example, Breitling made the uncommon choice of going as directly accurate as possible in recreating the original model. This means its dial, hands, case, crystal, and every other trivial detail are effectively true to the original.
The Breitling Navitimer gains a slight boost in water resistance (30m) and features Super-LumiNova for its luminous material, staying true to its roots with only a few modern updates. In our Breitling Navitimer review, it’s clear that aside from these enhancements, you’re essentially looking at a near replica of the 1959 model. One surprising detail is the use of Plexiglass crystal instead of sapphire, and while some might prefer the modern resilience of sapphire, the acrylic crystal adds to the watch’s authentic vintage appeal. The piece is driven by the B09 in-house chronograph caliber, a manually wound version of the automatic B01, bringing modern engineering to a classic design.
What got people talking here more than anything was how perfectly accurate this reissue is to the original. What we see so often is at the very least a change in case size, nominal changes in indices (faux patina lume colors), or even repositioned elements like moving a date window to accommodate an available existing caliber, but from stem to stern this model was entirely spot-on.
Breitling Top Time Zorro
This latest model from Breitling is a departure from past reissues in many respects, but yet again one that works exceptionally well. It’s a Zorro dial of the Breitling Top Time collection – a classic from the ’60s and ’70s whose purpose was to be an affordable gentleman’s alternative to the iconic Navitimer. Rather than following suit with a specific reference, this piece was done as more of a tribute.
The Breitling Top Time steals many details from vintage Breitling references, incorporating specific dial elements and hands, while adding modern upgrades like a sapphire crystal and a compact 41mm case diameter. In this Breitling Top Time review, it’s clear the watch shares a design philosophy with the now-discontinued Transocean chronograph, often considered a hidden gem in the Breitling lineup. Released as a limited edition of 2000 pieces, the model draws inspiration from references 2000, 2002, and 2003, blending classic design with contemporary features.
Unlike its counterpart, there’s a huge appeal to this mishmash design idea that Breitling ran with on this model. Consider this more of a ‘Resto-Mod’ rather than a ‘Classic’ for those of you familiar with the car collector world. It has all that vintage charm without fussing over the little details of a specific historically significant piece. It’s super wearable given its size and the use of a sapphire crystal, but most importantly it’s an affordable Breitling watch. That’s right, Breitling listed this guy at under six grand retail. It’s the kind of piece you can just buy and enjoy and wear, rather than locking it away for safekeeping.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Breitling’s heritage reissue watches succeed because they masterfully blend vintage design with modern technology. By paying homage to iconic models from the brand’s past, they capture the nostalgia and timeless appeal that watch enthusiasts crave while integrating contemporary innovations like improved movements, materials, and durability. This delicate balance allows Breitling to offer the best of both worlds – classic aesthetics paired with cutting-edge functionality – making these reissues both a tribute to history and a compelling choice for today’s collectors. Their limited-edition status further adds to their allure, ensuring that Breitling’s heritage reissue watches remain highly sought-after pieces in any collection.
*All images courtesy of Breitling
