With its bold black dial, striking white markers, and purpose-built design, the Breitling Superocean Automatic 42 is a modern diver that doesn’t shy away from its tool watch roots. Originally launched in the 1950s during the golden age of recreational diving, the Superocean has since evolved into a rugged, reliable, and highly wearable daily companion for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
This 42mm version keeps things clean and functional with a brushed stainless steel case, unidirectional ceramic bezel, and COSC-certified chronometer movement—offering the kind of precision and durability you'd expect from a name like Breitling.
While it ships on a sporty rubber strap, the Superocean's versatile case shape and minimalist dial design open up a world of possibilities when it comes to leather pairings. Whether you're dressing it up for dinner or dressing it down for the weekend, a good leather strap can add a whole new layer of personality to this dive-ready classic.
Here are some of our favourite leather straps to elevate the look and feel of the Breitling Superocean.
Best Straps for Breitling Superocean
Original Vintage Highley Genuine Leather Watch Strap

If there’s one strap in the WatchGecko collection that deserves a place on just about any watch, it’s the Original Vintage Highley. This best-selling leather strap has become a bit of a legend—thanks to its thick, rugged build and beautifully waxed pull-up leather that ages like a good pair of boots. On the Superocean, it instantly dials up the vintage charm while keeping a purposeful, masculine edge.
Available in a rich spectrum of colours from earthy browns to deeper blacks and more vibrant tones, the Highley gives you the freedom to complement or contrast the stark monochrome dial of the Superocean. It’s especially well-suited to the 42mm case thanks to its padded profile and generous taper, which balance out the watch’s bold proportions without overwhelming the wrist. If you're after that perfect middle ground between vintage character and everyday wearability, the Highley is an easy win.
Rochefort Flat Patina Calf Leather Watch Strap

For those who want to bring a more refined, sartorial touch to the Breitling Superocean, the Rochefort strap is a natural fit. Crafted from premium calf leather with a smooth, subtly patinated finish, it leans more toward elegance than ruggedness—yet still feels right at home on a serious dive watch like the Superocean. It’s a reminder that tool watches don’t always have to look like they’re fresh off a boat deck.
What sets the Rochefort apart is its slim, unpadded design and soft matte surface, which catches the light in just the right way. Whether you go for a classic tan, warm fauve, or a moodier shade, this strap adds a level of sophistication that makes the Superocean feel equally appropriate in more formal settings. If you're looking to dress up your diver without trying too hard, the Rochefort is the kind of quiet upgrade that does exactly that.
Bourton Hand-Stitched Genuine Italian Leather Watch Strap

There’s something timeless about a strap that gets the little details just right—and the Bourton is exactly that. With its hand-stitched detailing, soft Italian leather, and classic proportions, this strap brings a grounded, vintage-inspired look that plays perfectly against the Superocean’s modern diver aesthetic. It’s the kind of strap that feels like it’s been part of your collection forever, even if you’ve just strapped it on.
The Bourton’s slightly glossy finish gives it a hint of formality, while the hand-stitching adds a tactile charm that softens the overall look. It's a great way to bridge the gap between the Superocean’s sporty nature and a more every day, casual-smart style. Whether you're headed to the office or grabbing drinks after a weekend dive, this strap adapts with ease—and it looks just as good doing it.
Whitby Vintage Padded Leather Watch Strap

If comfort and vintage appeal are high on your list, the Whitby delivers both in generous measure. This strap combines a soft, lightly distressed leather with a gently padded profile that wears beautifully on the wrist—especially paired with the solid, reassuring case of the Breitling Superocean. The vintage effect adds instant character without feeling overdone, making it a great way to give the watch a more lived-in, heritage-inspired look.
The Whitby’s slightly rounded shape and contrast stitching help soften the bold lines of the Superocean, creating a more relaxed aesthetic that still feels purposeful. Available in a range of muted tones from sandy beige to darker browns and greys, it brings warmth and texture to the dial without stealing the spotlight. For those looking to tone down the Superocean's modern edge and lean into a classic, easygoing vibe, the Whitby is a top contender.
Newham Inverted Horween Shell Cordovan Watch Strap

For a strap that oozes luxury without being flashy, the Newham Inverted Cordovan is a serious upgrade. Made from world-renowned Horween shell cordovan, this strap flips tradition by showcasing the suede-like reverse side of the leather. The result is a beautifully textured, matte surface with a velvety finish that pairs surprisingly well with the Superocean’s crisp, high-contrast dial.
The Newham feels effortlessly refined yet thoroughly modern, offering a tactile, organic quality that softens the Superocean’s technical edges. It's slim, unpadded, and beautifully cut, letting the material speak for itself. Whether you opt for a lighter shade to contrast the dial or a richer tone to add depth, this is the strap for those who appreciate craftsmanship at its most understated. If you’re looking to give your Superocean a bit of a contemporary, high-end twist, the Newham is hard to beat.
Laverton Padded Patina Calf Leather Watch Strap

Rounding things out with a touch of refinement, the Laverton offers a more polished take on vintage style. Made from patina-finished calf leather and subtly padded for comfort, it has a smooth, almost suede-like texture that instantly elevates the Superocean without losing its rugged soul. It’s a strap that feels quietly luxurious—ideal for those moments when you want your diver to look just a little more dressed up.
What makes the Laverton stand out is its balance of softness and structure. The gentle sheen and tonal stitching bring a refined edge, while the overall profile still feels substantial enough to suit the Superocean’s robust case. Available in an understated palette of warm, muted tones, this is a strap that adds depth and elegance without shouting for attention. It’s the perfect closer to a collection that proves the Superocean is far more versatile than its rubber strap might suggest.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—our top leather strap picks to elevate the Breitling Superocean. Each strap offers a unique take on the Superocean's rugged elegance, whether you're after vintage charm, modern luxury, or military-inspired practicality. Which pairing is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!
If you're craving more strap inspiration, be sure to explore our full leather strap collection, along with our strap showcases for popular models like the Rolex Submariner, Christopher Ward C65 Dune Aeolian, and Hamilton Pilot Pioneer Mechanical. There’s a perfect strap waiting for every watch enthusiast in the WatchGecko collection!