There can be no doubting the importance of the Superocean Heritage ‘57 line to the well-roundedness of Breitling’s catalogue. Amidst a sea of heritage-inspired reissues, the Superocean Heritage ‘57 stands out. Alongside the similarly satisfying AVI 765 re-release, the Heritage ‘57 paints Breitling as a company sympathetic to its past and aware of its legacy’s essentialness to its future.
Breitling Superocean ‘57 Highlands Capsule Collection - Credit Breitling
The Superocean Heritage ‘57 has benefitted from the advances in manufacturing techniques and the application of more modern materials (the ceramic bezel insert in particular) more than most other watches. As an almost blow-for-blow remake, it could have come off sterile and lacking the same heart as the original. While that could be said for the AVI 765 (which is perhaps a good candidate for proving my old mantra, “in watchmaking, better isn’t always better”), somehow (and I’ve never been quite sure how), the Superocean Heritage ‘57 made a much bigger impact than the sum of its parts suggested it would.
Breitling Superocean ‘57 Highlands Capsule Collection - Credit Breitling
That charm, naivety almost, is what makes the Superocean Heritage ‘57 line. So great It is almost goofy in comparison to the other re-editions in the collection, but, by being so, it brings a smile to your face. It very much feels like a throwback to a simpler time. Breitling’s decision to leave the design effectively untouched was an example of maturely exercised restraint.
Since the Superocean Heritage ‘57 debuted a few years ago, we’ve been treated to a few special editions that were, perhaps in part thanks to the rabid buying climate at the time of their release, snapped up in the blink of an eye. Now, we are treated to a colourful capsule collection inspired by...the Scottish Highlands.
Yes, that’s right: Scotland. Tweed and bagpipes. Mist and moorland. Dramatic scenery and dulcet tones. It is, in my humble opinion, one of the (if not the) most beautiful countries on Earth, but how on the same planet did it end up inspiring a capsule collection for Swiss watchmaker Breitling?
Breitling Superocean ‘57 Highlands Capsule Collection - Credit Breitling
Georges Kern explains: “All our capsule collections tell a different story. For the Superocean Heritage ’57 Highlands Capsule Collection, we wanted to evoke a very specific feeling of walking in the Scottish Highlands. From the moment you set out in a tweed jacket and wool sweater, to a day spent roaming windswept cliffs, to that welcome return home to warm up by a crackling fire, dog at your side. The Highlands Capsule Collection is designed to be there every step of the way.”
To summarize, there’s absolutely no reason why Breitling has decided to use the Scottish Highlands as the inspiration for this watch other than they just fancied it. And I guess, perhaps because of the upfront admission that Breitling just thinks Scotland is cool, that’s fair enough…
Breitling Superocean ‘57 Highlands Capsule Collection - Credit Breitling
Ripley Sellers of aBlogtoWatch makes a good point with his write-up of the release by mentioning that the Superocean Heritage ‘57 is the least spec-driven family in the Breitling collection and therefore the ripest canvas for creative expression. And Breitling has done rather well in expressing itself here. The 18-karat red gold bezels and colour-matched indices enhance the autumnal tones woven throughout this earthy collection. The mustard dial is the highlight for me, with it being hands down the most interesting of these pieces and a watch that works equally well on the mesh bracelet or the supplied tweed strap.
All four watches (blue, green, mustard, and brown) measure 38 mm in diameter and 9.35 mm thick, are COSC-certified and water resistant to 100 meters. They are available now but will only be produced in limited volumes and for a limited time.
- Brand: Breitling
- Model: Superocean ‘57 Highlands Capsule Collection, U10340161C1A1, U10340361L1A1, U10340281I1A1 or U10340E31A1A1
- Price: $6,250 excluding VAT
- Material: Stainless steel
- Movement: Breitling Caliber 10
- Complications: Time only
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Dial: Blue, green, mustard, brown
- Size: 38 mm diameter, 9.35 mm thickness
- When the reviewer would personally wear it: Apparently when walking through the Scottish Highlands or when imagining I’m doing so.
- Best characteristics of the watch: The mustard dial is really quite special. It’s an unusual colour and a lot of fun. It really plays well with the smaller size of these watches. Although 38 mm isn’t minuscule, the broad, concave bezel makes them appear pretty petite on the wrist and that’s a wonderful complement to a colourway that oozes vintage appeal.
- The worst characteristics of the watch: The tweed straps do not look as good quality as the watch. I’d be tempted to swap them out for a top-grade tweed strap from Sugar Free Straps in the UK or something more traditional like a cognac leather band with shoulder stitching.
