The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Since this variant was made for only one 1 year (I think 2008-2009) was it considered a flop by Breitling? Also, why the lack of lume on the numerals, unlike its predecessors?

It's sometimes colloquially called the ‘Transitional’, since it had elements of the old dial but the same hands as the all-new SO which succeeded it. It was a MY09/10 watch, available from autumn 2008 to spring 2010, so you would assume production from spring 2008 to autumn 2009, yes. It was retained for an overlap half-year (into 2010) alongside the new SO42 and SO45, which first appeared in March 2010.

Don't know about the lume - perhaps the thought was that the lume on the hour markers (with 12 distinguishable by its different shape) was enough.

And I don't know whether it was considered a flop by Breitling but their judgment on these things, esp around then, wasn't great...

I have one (in that colour, coral [i.e. orange], also on black rubber, which I think very nicely de-blings it) and absolutely love it.

I kinda like it too...

_________________
Chrono Avenger M1, Ti- yellow dial, on Pro II Ti bracelet.
Avenger Code Yellow LE, on Diver Pro II strap, w/arabic dial.

have got the black one and really love it and would love to get yellow and orange!

as you say, it sort of "de-blings" it and gives it a very special, almost classy, look...

_________________
“They did not know it was impossible, so they did it”

Mark Twain

- -- - -- -

Navitimer World
Avenger Seawolf
SuperOcean
Crosswind Special
Headwind
Montbrillant Datora
SuperOcean Heritage 46

I've got a black one as well, and I have to say it's my favourite watch.

When I first saw this version on its release (not in the flesh mind you, just photos on t'internet), I have to admit I was a little put off when I discovered that the dial numerals were not lumed. I'm not into chronographs, and the Superocean was the only model in the Breitling range that appealed to me, However, if I was ever going to get one, it would have to have been the previous "transitional" version with the arrow rather than the square-tipped second hand and the thicker hands with wider lume.

But the year before last, an opportunity arose to buy this one at a price I couldn't refuse. It had been stored in a safe unused for all but the last 6 months of its life, and was in absolutely mint, unmarked condition, complete with bakelite box & papers. When it arrived I was not disappointed. I was ecstatic. I've owned many watches over the years, including Tudor and Rolex, but the sheer heft and build quality of this model outshone everything else (and I don't mean just in a blingy way). It certainly represents the best "bang for buck" watch I've ever owned.

Comparing the dial on this model with the previous version, it becomes apparent that it is much cleaner and less cluttered. It's not just the skeletonised numerals allowing the 12, 6, 9 cardinals to stand out - and I've been a sucker for that format ever since I bought a Tudor Ranger II back in the 70's. On the earlier version, the chapter ring markers had hour and half-hour markers, and then minute markers were applied to the dial meaning that the numerals were pushed further in towards the centre. On this model, the minute markers have been removed from the dial completely and appear on the chapter ring instead, allowing space for the numerals to be moved further out from the centre.

I have to admit, I would have liked to have seen the 12, 3, 6, 9 cardinals applied with white superluminova, but I cannot fault any other aspect of the watch. The latest version of the Superocean is a step back in the right direction, but unfortunately it has re-adopted the chapter ring issue of the earlier version, and sacrificed the incredible depth rating of its predecessor (something I'll never need, but it's nice to know it's been over-engineered to that level).

_________________
Breitling Shark Auto A17605 (black)
Breitling Superocean A1736006/B909
Damasko DA36
Precista PRS-22 Speedbird III
Sinn 856 UTC

Totally agree, and from a similar experience. I got my coral one NOS from AMJ at an irresistible price. I don't think I quite have the wrists to carry it off and duly find the watch a little heavy if worn for too long - but it's in a rotation, and I love the look far too much to part with it.

I have the black dial version as well and I am very happy with it. I was hoping to land a blue one, but they are rarely offered and after passing on another black one, I jumped at the one I did eventually purchase after realizing that waiting it out was not getting me anywhere. Yes, I wished there was more lume on the dial, but that's a minor drawback compared to my overall satisfaction with the watch. I've had it serviced since and that went well; it's running dependably and I wear it every other day. The A17360 really is a solid piece, good looking and it doesn't hurt that it is a little harder to find - once you've got one.



dams-r-us

One other thing, slightly off-topic - I've never understood why the SO Heritage commands a premium price-wise compared with the SO (pre-SOII). The case, bracelet and depth-rating of the SO Heritage all appear to be inferior to the SO. Both share the same movement. So why the price difference?

_________________
Breitling Shark Auto A17605 (black)
Breitling Superocean A1736006/B909
Damasko DA36
Precista PRS-22 Speedbird III
Sinn 856 UTC

I've joined your superocean transitional group and bought the blue version.
I personally believe this to be the best superocean face that they have made.
The lume on the hands is great.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Beautiful watches guys. I love this variant.




I have always wondered this as well.

_________________