In the world of luxury timepieces,
Breitling has long stood as a paragon of precision, style, and innovation. Renowned for its pioneering spirit, the brand's latest offering, the Superocean Heritage ’57 Highlands Capsule Collection, represents not just a continuation of this legacy, but a vibrant homage to both history and nature. This first part of our two-part series delves into the rich tapestry of Breitling's history and the unique inspiration behind this captivating collection.
To fully appreciate the nuances of the Superocean Heritage ’57 Highlands, one must first understand Breitling's journey. Founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling, the Swiss company quickly established itself as a specialist in chronographs and precision counters for scientific and industrial purposes. However, it was in the 1930s and 1940s that Breitling truly became synonymous with aviation, providing onboard chronographs for aircraft cockpits and later, wrist chronographs for pilots.
Courtesy of Breitling
This golden era of aeronautical achievement laid the groundwork for what would become one of Breitling's most iconic lines: the SuperOcean. Launched in the 1950s, the SuperOcean was a dive watch par excellence, seamlessly blending functionality with elegance. Its ability to transition from deep-sea exploration to high-society gatherings encapsulated the adventurous spirit of the era.
Fast forward to the present, and the Superocean Heritage ’57 Highlands Capsule Collection is Breitling's ode to another rugged and romantic landscape: the Scottish Highlands. Breitling CEO Georges Kern eloquently captures this sentiment, likening the collection to the experience of traversing the Highlands, from the bracing start of a journey in wool and tweed to the comforting end by a fireside with a faithful dog.
The collection is more than a set of timepieces; it's a narrative woven from the fabric of nature and the essence of exploration. The earth-toned hues, from beige to mustard, reflect the varied palette of the Scottish landscape, while the dial colors echo the interplay of land and sea that is so characteristic of the Highlands.
Each watch in this limited-edition collection is a testament to Breitling's commitment to craftsmanship and aesthetic finesse. The 38 mm diameter models are perfect for both a bold statement and comfortable wear. The dials, in their vibrant colors, are complemented by triangular indexes that hark back to their mid-century predecessors.
Courtesy of Breitling
A standout feature of the Highlands collection is the tweed-inspired fabric strap. This unique element pays homage to the Scottish heritage, crafted from a luxurious blend of silk and wool. The tactile pleasure of the strap adds a dimension of comfort and style, a nod to the traditional tweed jackets synonymous with Highland attire. Each watch comes with a metal mesh bracelet, with the fabric strap provided in a separate pouch, accompanied by a springboard tool for effortless changes.
Underneath the elegant exterior, the Superocean Heritage ’57 Highlands is powered by the Breitling Caliber 10. This self-winding mechanical movement, with a power reserve of approximately 42 hours, is a marvel of engineering. The COSC-certified chronometer status of each watch is a testament to Breitling's unwavering commitment to precision.
Moreover, the design intricacies, like the bidirectional rotating bezel with a luminescent dot and the stainless-steel case rimmed in 18k red gold, reflect both the heritage and the evolution of the Superocean line. The cambered sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides, ensures durability and clarity in all conditions.
Each model in the Highlands collection tells its own story through color and design. The vibrant dial colors - beige, green, mustard, and blue - are more than just aesthetic choices; they are an embodiment of the Scottish Highlands' diverse palette. The beige dial, for example, mirrors the misty moors, while the green reflects the lush vegetation. Mustard hues capture the golden glow of the sun on the hills, and blue represents the vast, open skies.
The dials themselves are a marvel of design. The oversized indexes and arrow-shaped hour hand, reminiscent of the 1957 original, offer a vintage feel with a modern twist. The bidirectional rotating bezel, with its luminescent dot, is not only functional but also adds a flair of elegance. The concave ceramic bezel is a subtle yet significant detail, enhancing the overall look while providing durability.
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the collection is the tweed-inspired fabric straps. These straps are not just straps; they are a narrative element, telling the story of the Highlands with every thread. Made from a sumptuous blend of silk and wool, they are both luxurious and practical. The speckled texture provides a tactile dimension, while the color choices perfectly complement the dials. Each watch is sold with a metal mesh bracelet, and the fabric strap is an additional accessory, allowing wearers to personalize their timepiece.
Courtesy of Breitling
At the core of each watch in the Highlands collection is the Breitling Caliber 10. This self-winding mechanical movement, vibrating at 28,800 v.p.h with 25 jewels, is a testament to Breitling's engineering prowess. The power reserve of approximately 42 hours ensures reliability, whether you're hiking the rugged trails of the Highlands or navigating the urban jungle.
The COSC certification of each timepiece is not just a mark of quality; it's a promise of accuracy and precision. In a world where digital devices dominate, the mechanical prowess of the Breitling Caliber 10 stands out as a tribute to traditional watchmaking.
The case of the Superocean Heritage ’57 Highlands is a fusion of aesthetics and resilience. Crafted from stainless steel and rimmed in 18k red gold, the case is both elegant and sturdy. The screw-in caseback adds to the water resistance, making the watch a reliable companion in diverse environments, be it a rainy day in the Highlands or a sunny afternoon at the beach.
The cambered sapphire crystal, glare-proofed on both sides, is not just a functional element; it's a window into the soul of the watch. The clarity and durability of the crystal ensure that the intricate details of the dial are always visible and protected.
The thoughtfulness in design extends to the dimensions of the watch. With a diameter of 38.0 mm and a thickness of 9.3 mm, the watch strikes a perfect balance between presence and comfort. The lug width of 18.0 mm ensures that the watch sits comfortably on the wrist, making it suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Courtesy of Breitling
The watch's weight, 110.5 g (44.6 g watch-head weight), is a testament to its substantial quality without being overly burdensome. The curved lugs are a subtle yet important detail, allowing the watch to conform naturally to the wearer's wrist.
In concluding our exploration of the Superocean Heritage ’57 Highlands Capsule Collection, it's clear that Breitling has created more than just timepieces. Each watch in this collection is a storyteller, a companion for life's adventures, and a testament to the art of watchmaking.