The world of luxury dive watches is a crowded one, dominated by iconic names like Rolex. However, Breitling has consistently carved out a significant niche with its Superocean line, offering robust, reliable, and stylish timepieces at a compelling price point. Recently, I acquired a Breitling Superocean Abyss 42, and having owned a Rolex Sea-Dweller (SD) for several years, I found comparing these two titans of the dive watch world to be a fascinating exercise. While the Rolex commands a significantly higher price and enjoys a legendary status, the Breitling Abyss 42 presents a compelling alternative, offering many similar features at a more accessible price point. This review will delve into the specifics of the Abyss 42, exploring its design, performance, and overall value proposition.
Breitling Superocean Abyss 42: First Impressions
Unboxing the Breitling Superocean Abyss 42 is an experience in itself. The weighty box, the meticulous presentation, and the watch itself all speak to a commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The Abyss 42 immediately commands attention with its substantial presence on the wrist. The 42mm case, while not excessively large, feels substantial and reassuring, reflecting its intended purpose as a professional-grade dive watch. The polished stainless steel case is flawlessly finished, with crisp lines and a robust feel. The unidirectional rotating bezel, a crucial element for any dive watch, operates with a satisfying click, providing precise timing during dives. The sapphire crystal is highly scratch-resistant and offers excellent clarity, ensuring readability even in low-light conditions.
The dial is where the Abyss 42 truly shines. Depending on the specific model, you'll find a range of color options, each with its own distinct character. The luminous hands and markers are exceptionally bright, ensuring excellent visibility even in the deepest, darkest waters. The date window, subtly integrated at 3 o'clock, doesn't detract from the overall aesthetic. The overall design is clean, functional, and undeniably stylish, blending classic dive watch aesthetics with a modern sensibility.
Breitling Automatic 42: Heart of the Beast
Powering the Breitling Superocean Abyss 42 is a self-winding Breitling Caliber 17 movement (based on ETA 2824-2). This is a workhorse movement known for its reliability and accuracy. While not as prestigious as some of the in-house movements found in higher-end watches, the Caliber 17 offers excellent performance at a more accessible price point. The automatic winding mechanism ensures that the watch is always powered, eliminating the need for manual winding. During my testing period, the Abyss 42 exhibited excellent timekeeping, remaining within acceptable tolerances. The power reserve is a respectable 40 hours, offering sufficient runtime even if the watch is not worn for an extended period. This is a significant advantage over some other movements in this price range.
Breitling Superocean 42 Review: Comparing to the Rolex SD
As mentioned earlier, I own a Rolex Sea-Dweller. The comparison between these two watches is inevitable, given their overlapping functionalities. Both are robust dive watches capable of withstanding significant depth and pressure. The Rolex, however, carries a significantly higher price tag, reflecting its heritage, exclusivity, and use of an in-house movement. The Sea-Dweller boasts superior water resistance (up to 1220 meters compared to the Abyss 42's 500 meters), a more substantial case, and a generally more refined feel. However, the difference in price is substantial.
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