Breitling Superocean Automatic 44 A17376211C1 is a luxury dive watch that offers both style and functionality. As with any timepiece, there are pros and cons to consider before making a purchase. In this 4000-word guide, we will explore the various aspects of the Breitling Superocean Automatic 44 A17376211C1, discussing its features, design, performance, and overall value.
Pros:
- High-Quality Construction: Breitling is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, and the Superocean Automatic 44 is no exception. It is constructed with top-grade materials, including a robust stainless steel case and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, ensuring durability and longevity.
- Water Resistance: Designed specifically for diving, this watch has impressive water resistance up to 1000 meters (3300 feet). It features a screw-down crown and case-back to create a tight seal, making it suitable for professional divers or anyone who enjoys water sports.
- Iconic Design: The Superocean collection has a distinct aesthetic that is both rugged and elegant. The A17376211C1 model features a classic black dial with large luminescent hour markers and hands for excellent legibility even in low-light conditions. The unidirectional rotating bezel adds a sporty touch and allows for easy tracking of dive time.
- Swiss Automatic Movement: This watch is powered by a reliable Swiss automatic movement, providing accurate timekeeping without the need for batteries. Automatic movements are highly regarded in the watchmaking industry for their precision and long-term reliability.
- COSC Certification: The Superocean Automatic 44 A17376211C1 is COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) certified, indicating that it has undergone rigorous testing to ensure exceptional accuracy in various conditions. This certification adds a layer of confidence to the watch’s timekeeping capabilities.
- Bracelet and Strap Options: The Superocean Automatic 44 comes with a stainless steel bracelet that matches the case, giving it a cohesive look. Additionally, Breitling offers various strap options, including rubber and leather, allowing you to customize the watch to your preference or activity.
- Superlative Lume: The luminescent coating on the hour markers and hands is exceptionally bright and long-lasting. The Superluminova material used by Breitling ensures excellent legibility, even in complete darkness, making it an ideal companion for divers exploring the depths.
- Screw-Down Pushers: The Superocean Automatic 44 features screw-down pushers, enhancing the watch’s water resistance and ensuring the chronograph functions operate smoothly and reliably. These pushers are easy to operate, yet highly secure when sealed, preventing any water from entering the case.
- Power Reserve: The watch boasts a power reserve of approximately 38 hours, allowing it to keep accurate time even if left unworn for a day and a half.
- Brand Reputation: Breitling is a well-established and respected brand in the luxury watch industry. Known for their commitment to quality, precision, and innovation, Breitling timepieces are highly regarded and often sought after by watch enthusiasts and collectors.
Cons:
- Size and Weight: The Superocean Automatic 44 is a large and robust watch, measuring 44mm in diameter and approximately 14mm in thickness. While this size is fitting for a dive watch, it may feel too bulky for those with smaller wrists or those who prefer more understated timepieces. Additionally, the weight of the watch can be noticeable, especially for those not accustomed to larger, heavier watches.
- Price: Luxury watches like the Breitling Superocean Automatic 44 come with a higher price tag. While the quality, craftsmanship, and brand reputation justify the price, it may be a significant investment for some individuals. It’s important to consider your budget and personal preferences before making a purchase.
- Limited Bezel Options: While the Superocean Automatic 44 offers a unidirectional rotating bezel, some customers may prefer additional bezel options, such as a ceramic or a two-tone variation. However, the stainless steel bezel featured on this model is durable and functional, matching the overall design of the watch.
- Limited Strap Adjustability: The stainless steel bracelet included with the watch may require resizing to perfectly fit your wrist. This adjustment can be a bit challenging without the help of a professional, potentially leading to additional costs or hassle.
- Market Competition: The luxury dive watch market is highly competitive, with various brands offering similar features and designs. While the Breitling Superocean Automatic 44 is undoubtedly a quality timepiece, it’s worth considering other options within the same price range to ensure you find the watch that best fits your preferences.
- Continuous Second Hand Movement: Some individuals prefer a continuous sweeping motion of the second hand, which is a characteristic of high-beat mechanical movements. The Superocean Automatic 44, like many other Swiss automatic watches, has a lower beat rate, resulting in a semi-continuous second hand movement. Although this doesn’t affect the watch’s timekeeping accuracy, it may be a preference for some.
In conclusion, the Breitling Superocean Automatic 44 A17376211C1 offers numerous advantages, including its high-quality construction, water resistance, iconic design, Swiss automatic movement, and COSC certification. It also provides various strap options, superlative lume, screw-down pushers, an adequate power reserve, and benefits from Breitling’s reputable brand image. However, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks such as size and weight, limited bezel options, pricing, limited strap adjustability, market competition, and the semi-continuous second hand movement. By carefully weighing these pros and cons, you can make an informed decision to determine if the Breitling Superocean Automatic 44 A17376211C1 is the right watch for you.