New Release - Breitling Superocean 44mm (2022 Release)

[shinynewbling25]

So mine is back from movement swap, and I'd like to confirm (although it's a bit difficult to check with the crystal) that the blue dial on the 42mm is glossy

That's good news. Have any pictures? I know we'd love to see pictures

 

[jj69]

One thing I'm confused about after reading this thread: Are Original Factory and TF the same factory, or are they just sharing some of the same parts?

 

[cyprusdaedalus]

From my understanding Original Factory never actually made one. I think the only options are TF and BLS currently. Some TD's were calling the TF options Original Factory but it was all TF to my knowledge early on (before the BLS release in the past few months).

 

[jj69]

From what I read kin this thread, Original Factory and TF make the 44mm models, while BLS is the only Factory making the 42mm.

Looks like Original offers the 44mm with SW200 and TF offers it with PT5000. But I'm not sure if the remaining parts of the rep are identical or not?

 

[shinynewbling25]

From what I remember reading they looked identical, bezel engravings, lume pips, chapter ring font, etc. I remember the light blue TF factory QC pics being posted right above or below the OF ones and they appeared the same except for the movements. I personally don't see the need to get the SW200 or PT5000 versions. I had the regular TF versions and the movements were extremely smooth and worked great with good timing numbers on my QC pics which I think are in this thread. If it ever broke, and that's if, you would spend just a little more getting a fresh, new one from a reputable source vs the questionable sources or conditions the reps with those movements have. Again, my opinion but that could change if I got a broken crappy regular movement, lol.

 

[shinynewbling25]

Speaking of BLS 42mm. Anyone have pictures of the blue or black dial colors? Anyone have both 44mm and 42mm and will the bracelets swap? I know they're both 22mm lugs but wondering if the end links fit or if the 42 and 44 models have different lug shape profiles. Not sure if Breitling kept those the same and just shrunk the case of the 42mm. Apparently the dials are glossy on the blue and black which is a plus.

 

[jj69]

I really like the Kelly Slater 42 but I feel like once I order it, another factory will release an improved version! Seems like a very new release.

BTW who the heck is Kelly Slater?

 

[Pix]

Any rep may receive an improved version : if you wait, you never buy. Best example are Rolex reps. If you like it, buy it,, there are no unacceptable flaws.

 

[jj69]

Oh great. IWC names its divers watches after Jacques Cousteau, and Breitling settles for a California hippie surfer! LOL

 

[shinynewbling25]

I'm almost thinking I remember seeing Kelly Slater appear as a cameo on a Saved By the Bell episode when they worked at the Malibu Sands beach club. I was like, who the heck is this Kelly Slater. Must be some surfer dude. No internet back then to look him up. He's been doing it a long time.

 

[Thatwatchguy]

Oh great. IWC names its divers watches after Jacques Cousteau, and Breitling settles for a California hippie surfer! LOL

Lol a California hippie surfer is your description shows a lack of knowledge

 

[jj69]

One question for those of you who own the 42mm BLS version: Does the pushbutton deployant use reasonably strong springs in the pushbuttons?

I have a chronic problem with most Breitling rep pushbutton clasps: The springs are far too weak. If I bend my hand inward at the wrist, the heel of my hand depresses the pushbuttons and the clasp pops open involuntarily. The only rep clasp I've found that will stay on my wrist without popping open is the GF version. All the high quality Aliexpress clasps won't stay closed. Can anyone report on this BLS clasp?

 

[Pix]

I have not met this problem. Actually on none of my 3 Breitlings with this type of clasp. So it's difficult to say if the BLS is particularly good or bad for you, as it seems there is a good reason why you experience this (which I don't know : are you Arnie ?)
The weak point for me is that these easily get hairlines, linked to the large polished surface, maybe also due to the quality of the steel ?

 

[Fridge_Magnets]

I'm looking to order the 44mm in dark blue, ideally I would like both bracelet and rubber strap. I have asked a couple of tds but they have come back with the tf does not have the rubber. Anyone here ordered and received rubber straps and if so who was the td?

 

[Thatwatchguy]

I'm looking to order the 44mm in dark blue, ideally I would like both bracelet and rubber strap. I have asked a couple of tds but they have come back with the tf does not have the rubber. Anyone here ordered and received rubber straps and if so who was the td?

You can get the rubber on Ali if out of luck elsewhere

 

[shinynewbling25]

I ordered black and blue rubber with deployants from Trusty but that was in April. Depending on the color I have a blue one for sale in the strap section that is brand new and uncut.

 

[jj69]

I have not met this problem. Actually on none of my 3 Breitlings with this type of clasp. So it's difficult to say if the BLS is particularly good or bad for you, as it seems there is a good reason why you experience this (which I don't know : are you Arnie ?)
The weak point for me is that these easily get hairlines, linked to the large polished surface, maybe also due to the quality of the steel ?

Not an Arnie. I'm more of a Dom DeLouise!

The harlirlines issue is a concern. Has anyone else experienced it with the 42mm? Is it the same as any other polished case, or us it possible they used cheaper 220 grade steel?

 

[jj69]

Just bumping this thread. Has anyone else found their 42mm BLS factory to pick up more hairline scratches on the polished surface than usual??

 

[shinynewbling25]

I never bothered to use the two I bought from TF which I wouldn't be surprised if it's the same as the BLS since both straps are 22mm and taper the same I think. Just had other watches to try so never got around to cutting the straps yet so can't say. Honestly I wouldn't notice or care because I just wear the watches and it's just the clasp. If it did bother me I'd use a cape cod cloth to get rid of the swirlies or put some tape on the polished bits. I like polished pieces and even with swirlies, to me, is still more vibrant and pretty to look at than all brushed. Not sure what other alternatives there might be though even if it was an alternative grade. I really don't think it would be a different grade because 316 is so common and bought in bulk so another grade with a small scale item as that particular clasp doesn't seem logical. If that type of thing happens then I think that would be a pervasive issue among all sorts of clasps or even watches themselves. Who knows, maybe it already is.

 

[jj69]

Oh, if Pix meant the CLASP is what is picking up scratches, then I have no issue with that! I thought he meant the watch case itself. I didn't even realize the cclasp was polished. I apparently misunderstood his comment...