Super Ocean Heritage Comparison

[krpster]

I decided to write this review for a number of reasons. Firstly, the Breitling SuperOcean Heritage is probably my favorite watch of all time. There is something about the simplicity of the design and its fashionable versatility that really appeals to me. Secondly, I have found myself to be in possession of both the V1 and V2 versions of this replication at the same time (long story for that but I won’t elaborate here). And lastly because there is discussion from time to time on what the differences are between these two versions, and while some of the major items are covered, being able to compare both side by side I could see that there were a great number of other differences and I thought that I would share these observations.

SuperOcean Heritage

I won’t go into the details of the history of this watch as it is covered HERE in this awesome review by Seadweller4000. However, I will include this picture of the genuine articles as I will refer to it later when discussing the dial.

Ideally I would love to have had the gen on hand to do a triple comparison but alas I have not yet brought myself to purchase my grail. Instead I will try to use available images to complete the comparison (if any of these images are yours and you don’t want them used please let me know and I will exchange them for others).

Case

Here is a dimensional comparison of the two cases. My disclaimer here is that these are the best measurements I could take using the tools available so please don’t use them as absolute.

Without having seen the two together I never would have thought that there would be such significant differences in the basic dimensions, but they are in fact different sizes. In measuring both of these pieces it seems that no part of the V1 was carried over to the V2.

In the past there have been references to the size or length of the lugs and that they are too short. There is only a 0.3mm difference in overall length but the larger diameter of the V2 by 0.4mm should make the V1 appear to have longer lugs. However, the diameter difference affects the thickness of the lug where it meets the case and add to that the tip of the lug on the V1 is slightly wider which makes the V1 lugs appear “chunkier”, perhaps giving them the shorter appearance. I’ll leave the final judgment up to you but I think that both look OK relative to their case size.

Along with these changes in the case size and relative lug size they have added a dimple to the case between the lugs on the V2 to allow clearance for the strap. Based on what I can gather the gen is also dimpled in this area giving the V2 another leg up on accuracy to the real McCoy.

Also referred to previously is the relief in the area where the crown meets the case. This relief is very slight on the V1 but it is present. The V2 has a more pronounced relief but still it does not appear as clear as the gen. At least they are trying

You can also see that the way the crown secures to the case is different between these two but I will get into that later.

Another difference is the placement of the laser etched code between the lugs at 6 o’clock. On the V1 this code is too low and the bottom edge of the box sits right on the edge of the case. The V2 has it raised up more on the side of the case, although not centered very well. I can’t find a shot of this for the gen but I expect that since the gen has the strap dimple it too must have the code higher on the case.

Case Back

From what I can measure they are exactly the same size. In fact, I was able to install both case backs in either case, so the part is cross compatible. However, this is where the similarity ends.

The obvious difference on the outside is the serial number, so at least they are not using the same one over and over. The more significant difference is in the font used and the spacing of the letters around the circumference “CHRONOMETER SUPEROCEAN EDITION SPECIALE ETANCHE 200M”. When you compare the starting and ending angles of the text the V1 aligns with the corners of the opener flats but the gen falls a little outside of that. The V2 looks to have corrected this to better match the gen.

Another difference is the font used for the model number. Again the V2 is better in this regard with a deeper and thicker font with closer letter spacing.

Now we move to the inside of the case back. Inside the V1 is very clean and has nice perlage but other than that is blank. TheV2 has the inscription “BREITLING SWISS MADE” on the inside, although the perlage is not as clean as the V1. I can only assume that the gen has this inscription as well.

Bezel

Here is a dimensional comparison of the bezel (same disclaimer).

Like the case these two versions have differently sized bezels. Although the V2 bezel is actually larger, it appears smaller due to the fact that the insert diameter is smaller and thinner than the V1, giving the bezel a “chubby” look. In comparison to the gen the V2 appears to be more accurate.

The V1 suffers from a coined edge that has been cut off at the face where as the V2 and the gen have coined edging that wraps around to the top. The size and shape of the coined grooves also seem to be larger, deeper and wider on the V2. So here again the V2 shines with its accuracy to the gen.

Another problem with the V1 is the alignment of the markers as you rotate it around the dial. For whatever reason they only outfitted the V1 bezel with 90 clicks over the full 360 degrees of rotation. What this means is that if you have alignment at 12 then it is impossible to get alignment at 3 and 9. Very strange. Along with the other improvements of the V2 they also modified the bezel so that a full 120 clicks are achieved over the course of one revolution. Albeit at the cost of a very positive feel. The V1 bezel click is very pronounced and it cannot be inadvertently moved, while the V2 click is a little less satisfying.

Dial

There are a significant number of differences between the V1 and V2 dials. Overall the V2 is a very good replication of the genuine but the V1 appears to be an estimate, possibly based on photographs. The main reason I believe this is the way in which the black dial was made. The V1 has a glossy sunburst pattern on the dial (tricky to capture in a picture) but this was only true on the blue and bronze versions (see trio pic above). The black dial is actually a little more flat in sheen and has a very homogenous texture (no radial pattern). The V2 dial has this corrected and looks very good.

Next of course is the dial font. The V1 suffers from a font that is a little too light and thin and is in fact the wrong font all together. The V2 has this fixed. Also, there is the famous alignment of the P & A. This being that the tail of the P in SuperOcean should align to the A in Automatic. The V1 does not but the V2 is spot on.

Next on the dial are the gold hour batons. The overall surface shape of the batons on the V1 is incorrect. The genuine batons have only a slightly curved face but the V1 has these with significantly more arc, especially the ones at 3 and 9. Also, the double baton at 12 is too tall on the V1. The V2 seems to have corrected these issues and looks very accurate in comparison to the gen.

Now let’s review the date font. Again here we see that the V1 has a very basic and un-Breitling type font. As with many of the other items this was corrected on the V2.

Finally the lume. As with most reps the lume dots on both dials are poor. The only difference here with the two versions is that the V1 has thin circles at the lume dot locations where as the V2 seems to have filled in white dots underneath. The main benefit of this is that uncentered lume dots (which are inevitable) are not as noticeable on the V2.

In comparing the performance of the lume I was surprised to see that the hands of the V1 were vastly superior to those on the V2. Here is how they look after initial exposure to a halogen lamp for 20 seconds.

And here they are again a few minutes later.

In spite of this better performance they are both still rep lume quality so neither of these are tool watch material.

Crown

The visual differences here are very subtle but definitely there. As previously shown the V1 crown is a little bit thinner and a little more “plump” then the gen. It seems that this too has been corrected as the V2 crown measures a touch taller (about 0.3mm) and has a more slender gen like appearance.

The more significant difference is in the attachment of the crown to the crown tube. The V1 utilizes an externally threaded crown tube while the V2 has internal threads.

I do not know what the genuine uses but my guess is that the change with the V2 was done to better match the actual watch. Also, this structure seems a lot more robust than the outgoing V1 type when tightening the crown to the case.

The only other item of note with the crown is the “play” of the crown on the stem. The V1 is very stable when loosened off to winding position while the V2 seems to “wobble” quite a bit. It seems that this is due to the way that the crown is attached to the stem. It functions just fine but feels a little “inadequate”.

Movement

The genuine is made using a modified and decorated ETA 2824-2 movement called the B17. Notice that the balance is using a standard Incabloc shock protection system.

The V1 that I have is equipped with an ETA 2824-2 while the V2 has the asian clone. This is one of the only areas where the V1 is superior to the V2 and what makes it closer to the gen since it is using the same basic movement. It is a shame that the V2 is not available with the ETA movement from our dealers. Regardless, let’s have a peek inside these pieces.

V1 ETA 2824-2

Here we see that it is in fact equipped with a nickel plated ETA 2824-2. The balance has a Novodiac shock protection system which is not how the gen is equipped. I’m not sure if Breitling changes it or just has a different version delivered from ETA. The rotor is undecorated and non-marked, a little bland. Overall condition inside this case is very good and very clean. I am impressed.

EDIT: Since writing this I have learned that this movement is not a genuine ETA. Zig posted a great investigation HERE. After reading it I decided to have a closer look at this movement and found that the identifiers peg this as a Seagull with ETA markings The balance jewel has only one notch for spring removal and the bridges are drilled for the alignment pins. I bought it as an ETA as I suspect the original owner did too. Disappointing to find this but not all together unexpected. I would imagine any of these nickel plated "swiss" movements in the V1 are in fact Seagulls...so buyers beware.

V2 Asian Clone 2824

In this one we see a similarly plated movement. Notice that there are no markings under the balance so it is not even pretending to be ETA. Overall appearance however is very good and looks almost exactly as the genuine ETA. The nice touch here of course is the decorated rotor. This aspect is very true to the gen even down to the coloured inner bearing race. Nice!

EDIT: Along the lines of the above investigation I took a closer look at this movement as well. This one in fact is closer to a gen ETA then the falsified ETA in the V1. While the balance jewel spring also only has one notch the bridges are NOT drilled. Seems in this case the V2 wins again for accuracy to the gen.

Strap

Both of these watches are outfitted with a rep OR strap with deployant clasp, and they appear to be the same, so I won’t go into any comparison here. However, I must admit that I am very impressed with the replication of this strap.

The clasp of the deployant is smooth and easy to operate and provides very secure engagement. The rubber of the strap seems to fend off dust very well, which is a problem I know other rep rubber straps suffer from. My only complaint is that over time the rubber begins to develop “micro cracks” and the surface begins to dull.

I am not sure if a genuine would suffer the same fate over time, it would be interesting to see. All in all a very nice strap and looks bang on to the gen.

Final Verdict

Without a doubt they have improved the overall appearance of the SuperOcean Heritage by leaps and bounds from the V1 to the V2. So much so that the V2 is virtually indistinguishable from the genuine. For me the only thing that prevents the SOH v2 from being an “out of the box super rep” is the absence of an ETA movement. While not a huge deal to swap out, still something that is not for the faint of heart.

I hope you have enjoyed my little comparison. It is my first attempt at this sort of thing so please be kind

Cheers!

[bwhitesox]

WOW Fantastic stuff my friend...Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[cornerstone]

Amazing review - thank you!!

[NORing]

Very nice review. I have never actually considered this watch, but your pictures and words sold that in. Mabe I need one straight away:)

[FxrAndy]

An excelent read, just like the old days of RWG bravo

This watch has always been a bit plain for me but you cant denie the better details on the V2, Looks like a top choice for some one looking for this watch,

Good work

[StormTooper4]

OMG that is such an awesome post , seriously good work , I wanted one when they first came out but got sidetracked by those pesky PAMS.

Kind of glad I waited and its deffo on my "todo" list once more. Thanks you for your effort, RESPECT

ST4

[Bike Mike]

Wow! Great review, thanks for taking the time to do it!

[Rolexman]

Great review... just ffin great. It's been a while since I've read a full post with this much pleasure!

Thanks!

[Guest avitt]

Now, that's a review

[hackR]

Krps -- amazingly well done!...thanks...

you've now officially deflated the market for v1's...

this needs to be included into the Breit's guide...

R-

[hiker01]

Thanks for this Awesome review.....now I was able to confirm that mine is a V2........sadly it found a new home in Ireland! At least my watch is going back to my forefathers Homeland!

[RealReplica]

Great review, Great job thanks for sharing!

[krpster]

Thanks for the kind words gents. When I decided to tackle this I was not sure what to expect but I had an image in mind. All said and done a lot more work then I thought...but it was fun. Hardest part for me was taking the pics. After reading some tutorials and playing around with my camera for a few hours I got some shots that were passable.

Looking forward to the next one...

[shultz]

Chapeau! What a nice review

[andreww]

Krpster, outstanding comparison mate. Thanks for taking the time and effort to do this, I know what kind of time something like this entails! This will definitely make a great addition to the Breitling guide.

[Fireman_Fred]

Fantastic! Very well presented - awesome review!

It's amazing that there can be so many differences between two versions of the same watch.

[red]

Great job! Couldn't stand the lume dots on the v1. Hope the v2 is improved.

How is the AR? I remember the v1 being quite fantastic.

[jeff g]

I own version one of this watch, and wear it with the OR strap.

After reading this un real review, I am ready to buy V2.

Thanks for such a detailed and accurate review of this great timepiece.

Could be the most definitive review of any rep I have ever read.

Great job on a great rep/gen watch.

THANKS.

[omegaunit]

Great info! A friend of mine wanted me to buy one of these for him. Your review had perfect timing!

[JimmyT]

Fantasic stuff........a plethora of info.One of the best reviews I've ever read.

I have a V1 and really love it and as you I hope to buy a Gen one day.

Again thanks again for a FAB review.

Cheers & beers from Oz

Jim T

[paneristi_man]

certainly enjoyed your review! excellent job.

question : is this

http://www.silix-prime.com/bres059-p-2263.html

a V1 or V2? I know the movement is not the same but I like to know if the case,dial

etc are V2 or not? Thanks

[krpster]

Looks like a V1. In spite of it's flaws to the gen it is still an awesome watch...and for his clearance price of $140...not bad.

[krpster]

Edits made to reflect recent findings with respect to movements

[PeteM]

Mate, that was a great review. Thanks for taking the time.

I like the watch just not a lover of that bracelet.

[gran]

thank you