This Breitling Superocean Automatic review takes a close look at ref. N17376201Q1S1, the 44mm bronze version of Breitling’s core dive watch line. The Superocean traces back to 1957, and this reference draws directly from the brand’s 1960s “Slow Motion” design, a dive watch stripped down to only what a diver actually needed underwater. If you want to see how this line compares to Breitling’s vintage-inspired side, our Superocean Heritage 42 review covers that different half of the family.
We spent time with this watch in person at Precision Watches, where it is available pre-owned. This review covers the design, the movement, how it wears, and where it lands on value, so you can decide if this is the right Superocean for your collection.
First Impressions and Design
The first thing you notice is the bronze case. Bronze develops a patina over time as it reacts with air and skin, meaning no two examples of this watch will look quite the same after a year or two of wear. That living finish is a deliberate part of the appeal, not a flaw to avoid.
The brown dial pairs closely with the bronze case tone, with broad luminescent hands and index hour markers built for legibility underwater rather than visual flourish. The black ceramic bezel insert sits on a unidirectional rotating bezel, a genuine dive-timing tool rather than a styling cue, and ceramic means it resists scratching and fading far better than a painted aluminum insert would.
The brown rubber strap closes with a bronze folding clasp that offers up to 15mm of micro-adjustment, enough room to fit comfortably over a wetsuit sleeve or just a warm wrist on a hot day.
On the Wrist
At 44mm, this Superocean wears with real presence, appropriate for a dedicated dive watch built to be seen and used rather than tucked under a cuff. The bronze case is noticeably lighter than a steel case of the same size would be, which helps offset the larger diameter through a full day of wear.
The rubber strap and micro-adjustable clasp make this a genuinely practical daily watch, not just a dive tool that sits in a box between trips. Legibility stays strong in low light thanks to the oversized luminescent markers, a detail that carries over from the Superocean’s original 1960s design brief.
The Movement: Calibre 17
Inside the case sits Breitling’s automatic Calibre 17, a self-winding movement built to support the watch’s dive-focused mission rather than draw attention to itself. It drives the time and date functions with the kind of dependable, low-drama performance a tool watch is supposed to deliver.
Combined with the 300-meter water resistance rating and the ceramic bezel’s scratch resistance, the movement rounds out a watch built around genuine durability. If you are also weighing a more complicated Breitling chronograph, our Avenger B01 Chronograph review covers a very different side of the brand’s engineering.
Specs at a Glance
- Reference: N17376201Q1S1
- Case: 44mm bronze
- Bezel: Unidirectional rotating, black ceramic insert
- Dial: Brown with luminous hands and index markers
- Movement: Calibre 17, automatic self-winding
- Crystal: Sapphire, scratch resistant
- Water resistance: 300m (1,000 ft)
- Strap: Brown rubber, bronze folding clasp with up to 15mm micro-adjustment
Price and Value
New, this reference retails at $6,800. Pre-owned at Precision Watches, this example is listed at $5,136, a real discount on a current-production Breitling dive watch.
Bronze Breitling references tend to hold interest on the pre-owned market, since the material’s aging process gives each watch a personal history that a steel case cannot replicate. For a closer look at what drives Breitling pricing more broadly, our guide to Breitling resale value covers which references tend to perform best.
Who This Breitling Is For
This reference suits a buyer who wants a genuine dive watch with real utility, not a design that merely borrows dive watch language. The bronze case appeals specifically to someone who wants their watch to visibly age and change over years of wear, rather than stay static in appearance.
It also suits a buyer who already owns a steel dive watch and wants something with more character in daily rotation. The patina process means this Superocean will look meaningfully different in five years than it does today, a quality few other materials offer.
Buy This Breitling Superocean at Precision Watches
This pre-owned Breitling Superocean Automatic 44 is available now at Precision Watches, a family-owned luxury watch store near Philadelphia. We carry a wider selection of used Breitling watches if you want to compare references before deciding.
If you already own a Breitling and are ready to sell, our team can help you sell your Breitling watch for a straightforward quote, or you can trade your watch toward this Superocean or something else in our showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Breitling Superocean
What movement is in the Breitling Superocean Automatic 44 N17376201Q1S1?
This reference runs Breitling’s Calibre 17, an automatic self-winding movement that drives the time and date functions.
How big is the Breitling Superocean Automatic 44?
The case measures 44mm in bronze, with a water resistance rating of 300 meters. It wears with real dive-watch presence, and the bronze case is noticeably lighter than a steel case of the same size.
Does the bronze case on this Breitling change over time?
Yes. Bronze develops a natural patina as it reacts with air and skin, meaning the case will visibly age and darken with wear. This is a deliberate design feature of bronze watches, not a defect.
Is this Breitling Superocean a good value pre-owned?
At $5,136 pre-owned against a $6,800 retail price, this reference offers a real discount on a current-production Breitling dive watch with genuine tool-watch specs.
