The Superocean Heritage II is somewhat more “pro worthy” but you can understand that the design decisions come at the expense of aesthetics. So let’s first discuss the way the unidirectional rotating bezel of this Superocean Heritage II is different from that of their first model. In doing the movie component of the inspection to its Superocean Heritage 46, I mentioned that the most “age revealing” part of the watch concerning its product lifespan was that the anodized aluminum / or coated steel (I’m not sure the specific metal used) bezel insert. Ceramic bezels are far more favored and valued these days simply because they have colours that will last eternally, and because they are extremely scratch resistant. Together with the Superocean Heritage II Breitling properly upgraded the bezel from a metallic version to a ceramic one – plus it comes in black, white, brown, and blue.The ceramic bezel does not look exactly the same, and the alloy one, with its very simple markers proved to be a bit more elegant looking. This ups the practical cred of the Superocean Heritage II, but it does take a bit away in the quasi-minimalist yet masculine design that created the original Superocean Heritage so lovely and charming.
One of the most important releases at Baselworld 2017 is the new Breitling Navitimer Rattrapante Split Seconds chronograph. This new watch powered by a true in-house split seconds movement fully developed and manufactured at Breitling is available in 18K red gold or stainless steel at a very affordable price. Developed in the spirit of instruments for professionals, this Manufacture Breitling Caliber B03 protected by two patents is distinguished by its innovative construction ensuring a maximum of precision, sturdiness and reliability.
Things You Need to Know
Equipped with a 45 mm case, the new Breitling Navitimer Rattrapante comes in steel as well as a 250-piece red gold limited edition —equipped with a display case back. Both watches are distinguished by their exclusive bronze-colored dial, serving as backdrop for the silver-toned counters and inner bezel reflecting the classic Navitime look. In an extremely refined detail, the B logo with its anchor symbol generall adorning the base of the Navitimer chronograph hands is in this instance divided between the two seconds hands: with the B on the red chronograph hand and the anchor on the split-seconds hand. This means the two elements are separated when the split-seconds hand is stopped, before reforming the brand signature when the hands are again overlaid.
The split-seconds pusher, housed in the 3 o’clock crown, serves to stop and restart the split-seconds hand as often as desired during a timing operation in order to measure split times or to compare the results of several competitors. The pusher is soft as butter and the operation of the chronograph does not cause any issues on the running seconds hand as many non-in-house chronos do.
The new Navitimer Rattrapante Split Seconds features the traditional rotating bezel with slide rule that has made the Navitimer the perfect navigation tool for pilots. Against the Panamerican Bronze dial, the legibility is never compromised.
While the stainless steel model is available on matching pilot bracelet, alligator leather strap and rubber strap, the 18K red gold version is only available on a brown alligator strap with deployant buckle.
While the stainless steel Breitling Navitimer Rattrapante is fitted with a solid case back, the 18K red gold model is fitted with a display case back that allows for full view of this impressive in-house movement Breitling Calibre B03. This automatic split seconds chronograph movement with 46 jewels beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph to provide a power reserve of 70-hours when fully wound.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the new Breitling Navitimer Split Seconds chronograph wears true to its size and with the same look as other Navitimers until those superimposed hands get separated and the complexity of its Rattrapante chronograph gets revealed. For the price, you can’t get this much watch elsewhere, especially considering that this is an in-house split seconds chronograph.
Sticker Price $11,870 USD for stainless steel and $27,840 USD for 18K red gold. For more info on Breitling click here.
