has long been purveyor of chronographs to pilots, but in the 1950's, the new popularity of dive watches such as the Rolex Submariner and Blancpain Fifty Fathoms pushed the brand to enter that race.

In 1957, Breitling released both a time-only dive watch, the Superocean Reference 1004, and a chronograph in the form of the Reference 807. These timepieces were the beginning of a long-lasting and ever-evolving line of nautical watches beloved by many.

This piece, a Superocean Automatic 44, is a contemporary take on older Superocean references featuring a highly wearable case and a fantastic, modern dial configuration.

Trimmer than its Superocean 46 sibling, this example features a 44mm stainless steel case with a polished black ceramic timing bezel; a signed, screw-down crown; a sapphire crystal; and Breilting’s signature signed, stainless steel ‘slant-link' bracelet with a signed, push-button deployant clasp. 

Its luminous, gloss-black dial features quadrant 'baton' markers and square plots with polished surrounds — plus a stylized, luminous handset and a red-tipped lollipop seconds hand. The attention-grabbing attribute, however, lies within the large, white chapter ring that houses a fully graduated minute track. 

Powered by Breitling’s COSC-certified Calibre 17 automatic movement, this piece is accompanied by all of its factory goodies including its inner box, additional links, and warranty card.

Toying with the idea of owning a modern Breitling diver? This is the one to get!