During a recent visit to Breitling’s flagship boutique in Manhattan, I had a chance to try on a very cool dive watch, the Breitling Superocean Heritage. It is available in two sizes, 46 and 42 mm, I prefer a more conservatively sized dial, so I naturally choose the 42 mm. Inspired by the design of a 1950s model, the Superocean Heritage is a throwback dive watch, as opposed to their more modern Superocean.

The Heritage comes in a 42 mm by 12.95 mm fully polished stainless steel case, which looks goods on the wrist, although I think it might look even nicer in a 40 mm version.

The bezel is steel with unidirectional ratcheting, a fluted edge and an insert in either: green, blue, black or rose gold. The green version (shown) looks great, especially with the green leather strap, but if a leather strap is not your preference, there are a number of other strap/bracelet options: Diver Pro, Ocean Racer or Ocean Classic. Width at the lugs is 22 mm, tapered down to 20 mm at the buckle. The crown is steel and is fluted, adding to the vintage look and making it easier to grip. Screwed in crown, solid screwed case back and cambered sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective treatment on both sides of the crystal. Water-resistance is 200 meters.

The dial is black with applied matte silver markers. Matte hour, minute and central sweeping second hands. Luminous paint dots for hour markers and for hour and minute hands.

Inside, is Breitling caliber 17, and ETA based movement with a 40-hour power reserve, 25-jewels and a rate of 28,800 vph (4hz). The movement is COSC certified, like all Breilting movements, however, it would be nice to see Breitling incorporate a new in-house movement inside. The price will go up, but so will the appeal. Retail with green crocodile strap and folding buckle is $4,320.

Overall, this is a very nice dive watch, a great alternative to a pre-owned Submariner. If Breitling offers it with a manufacture movement and in 40 mm, it will be perfect.