When it comes to luxury dive watches, Breitling is a name that commands respect. Known for its high-performance timepieces and association with aviation, the brand has produced some of the most iconic watches in horological history. However, when I stumbled upon the Breitling Superocean Steelfish A17360, I was surprised by how much value this older model still holds, especially at its current price point. It’s an excellent dive watch that flies somewhat under the radar, but after spending time with it, I can confidently say it’s an exceptional choice for those seeking a robust, well-built, and affordable Breitling.
Let’s dive into the history of the brand, the technical specs of the Superocean Steelfish A17360, and why it remains a standout piece even years after its release.
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A Brief History of Breitling
Breitling was founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. Initially, the brand specialized in chronographs, which were widely used by pilots and aviators, thanks to their precision and reliability. Breitling quickly made a name for itself with aviation-related watches, and in 1952, it introduced the Navitimer, a revolutionary chronograph designed specifically for pilots.
While Breitling has long been associated with aviation, it also has a rich history in producing diving watches, with the Superocean series being one of its most famous. The first Superocean was released in 1957 as a professional-grade dive watch, and it has since evolved into a range of models designed to meet the needs of both professional divers and watch enthusiasts alike.
The Superocean Steelfish series, released in the mid-2000s, represented a high-end, durable diver’s watch with a focus on performance. The A17360 model was part of this collection, blending Breitling’s iconic design with serious functionality.
Detailed Review of the Breitling Superocean Steelfish A17360
Despite being an older model, the Breitling Superocean Steelfish A17360 still stands out as an incredibly solid dive watch, and it’s a model I’m pleased to have in my collection. Let’s break down the watch’s specifications and features that make it such a gem.
Key Specifications
– Case Material: Stainless Steel
– Case Diameter: 42mm
– Case Thickness: 14.2mm
– Lug Width: 22mm
– Bezel: Unidirectional, with 120-clicks, stainless steel
– Dial Color: Black with Arabic numerals and indices
– Movement: Breitling Caliber 17 (based on ETA 2824-2)
– Power Reserve: Approximately 38 hours
– Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
– Water Resistance: 500 meters (1,650 feet) – suitable for professional diving
– Bracelet: Stainless steel, integrated with a folding clasp and diver’s extension
– Price: Available from $1,500 – $2,200 USD (depending on condition and market)
The Pros of the Breitling Superocean Steelfish A17360
1. Impressive Build Quality:
– The **A17360** has a solid, high-quality stainless steel case, and the overall craftsmanship is evident in every detail. The brushed finish on the case and bracelet gives it a refined, tool-watch look while ensuring durability. The unidirectional bezel is not only functional but also smooth to operate, with a satisfying tactile feel when rotating.
– The 42mm case diameter is perfect for those who prefer a medium-sized watch. It has a substantial presence on the wrist without feeling too bulky, and the thickness of 14.2mm gives it a robust profile while still being comfortable to wear daily.
2. Stunning Legibility and Design:
– The blue dial with white Arabic numerals and luminous markers ensures exceptional legibility in all conditions, whether you’re diving or out on the town. The white hands contrast beautifully against the blue dial, making reading the time quick and easy.
– The date window at 3 o’clock is also a great addition for daily wear, adding to the overall practicality of the watch.
3. Diving Capability:
– One of the standout features of the Superocean Steelfish A17360 is its impressive 500 meters of water resistance. This is more than enough for professional divers or anyone who enjoys water sports. Even if you’re not a diver, the high water resistance offers peace of mind when swimming, snorkeling, or engaging in other water-based activities.
– The helium escape valve, a feature typically found on more expensive dive watches, is an added bonus, ensuring the watch is suitable for deep-sea diving.
4. Reliable Movement:
– The Breitling Caliber 17 is an automatic movement based on the ETA 2824-2. It’s known for its precision, reliability, and ease of maintenance. I’ve had no issues with timekeeping, and the movement keeps excellent accuracy with a modest 38-hour power reserve.
– This movement also boasts a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, which means it runs smoothly and keeps precise time.
5. Affordable for a Breitling:
– Considering the level of craftsmanship, design, and technical capabilities, the Superocean Steelfish A17360 offers incredible value for money compared to other luxury dive watches in the same category. For a watch that can handle extreme diving conditions and still serve as an elegant daily wear, the price range of $1,500 – $2,200 is quite reasonable.
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The Cons of the Breitling Superocean Steelfish A17360
1. Lack of In-House Movement:
– While the ETA 2824-2 (the basis for the Caliber 17) is a reliable movement, it’s not an in-house caliber. Some purists may prefer a fully in-house movement, especially when it comes to high-end luxury watches like Breitling.
2. Bulkiness for Smaller Wrists:
– Although 42mm is generally considered a good size for many, the 14.2mm thickness could be too bulky for those with smaller wrists. It can be a bit top-heavy, especially if you’re used to slimmer watches.
3. Lume Could Be Better:
– While the lume on the hands and indices is decent, it could be brighter and longer-lasting for a dive watch. It’s functional but not exceptional when compared to other dive watches in the same range.
Final Thoughts
The Breitling Superocean Steelfish A17360 is a fantastic, well-rounded watch that offers great value for money. Even though it’s an older model, it continues to impress with its robust design, high water resistance, and reliable movement. If you’re in the market for a luxury dive watch that provides performance, style, and history, the Superocean Steelfish A17360 is an option you should definitely consider.
What’s great about this watch is that it still holds up to modern standards, and the price you can find it for today makes it an excellent entry point into the world of Breitling. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or simply a watch enthusiast looking for something with a bit of history and functionality, the **Breitling Superocean Steelfish A17360** won’t disappoint.
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Have you owned or tried the Breitling Superocean Steelfish A17360? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with it! Feel free to leave a comment below or reach out directly.
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This review is based on my personal experience and thorough research of the Breitling Superocean Steelfish A17360. As always, I encourage readers to try on watches and find the perfect one that suits their style and needs.
1 comment
Steelfish was the A17390.