Written by: Travis Farris

Meet the Breitling Aeromarine Chrono Superocean A1334011/B683. The name's a mouthful, but the watch earns it.

Divers have been using specialized watches for years as guides to telling time and recording diving durations deep underwater. There are plenty of them out there, but with over 50 years of contributing to the field, Breitling has always been a place for professionals to turn. If you have a bit of extra money, and you want to go diving in style and confidence, I present for your consideration the Breitling Aeromarine Chrono-Superocean A1334011/B683.

The watch boasts a long string of impressive technical specifications, probably most important of which is its 500-meter water resistance, an impressive feat for a regular chronograph. With that, you’ll be set for all your underwater ventures short of setting out to break depth records. Large, noticeable time designations and hands, illumination, and glare-proof glass assure clear visibility even in dark waters. While several of the hour tick-marks are obscured by the chronograph wheels, it doesn’t seem to be a visibility issue. The numbered bezel is unidirectional.

The chronograph itself is impressive as well. Three wheels for seconds, minutes and hours – up to twelve hours can be recorded – move at a smooth 28,800 vibrations per hour, or about 8 ticks per second. Any reasonably duration can be very accurately recorded, and while the chronograph faces, slightly recessed in the main face, are smaller, they are still very legible. Lockable pushpieces will prevent you from accidentally pressing buttons underwater, a good shock-resistant safety net for busy divers.

3 dials, 5 straps, and 2 buckles allow you some aesthetic choice when picking out your Chrono Superocean.

With its 15.1 mm thickness, 42 mm diameter, and near-mirror shine, the watch definitely makes a professional and flashy statement. And with 3 available face color combinations and 5 straps to choose from – 4 colored leathers or a stainless steel band – it’s moderately customizable to your aesthetic preferences. Although it looks undeniably great, however, that may be one of its few downsides. The Chrono Superocean is definitely not subtle, and for everyday use it may be a little too flashy. Then again, maybe that’s what you’re looking for – it’s all up to personal preference, really.

The watch is a luxury model, though, and with prices around $4,600 (variable by retailer, of course), should only be considered by those that have a legitimate need for an underwater timing tool or money to spare for its admittedly incredible design. If that is you, however, it would doubtlessly be a nice choice. Breitling has been a strong name in watchmaking for many years, and public opinion towards the Chrono Superocean has been nothing less than positive.