Breitling Superocean 42 vs. 44 vs. 46
The selected steel Superocean Automatic 42, 44 and standard 46 share Breitling 17, an approximately 38-hour reserve, black rubber straps and a 300 m rating. Their meaningful differences are case scale, attachment width and the 46 mm bezel-locking architecture.
This is a comparison of the standard steel 46—not the separate titanium Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver rated to 1,000 m.
Superocean Automatic 42, 44 and 46 specification matrix
| Exact reference | Case | In-between-lug width | Movement / reserve | Bezel | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A17375211B1S1 | 42 × 12.56 mm steel | 22 mm | Breitling 17 / approx. 38 h | Unidirectional, ratcheted | 300 m |
| A17376211B1S1 | 44 × 12.62 mm steel | 22 mm | Breitling 17 / approx. 38 h | Unidirectional, ratcheted | 300 m |
| A17378211B1S1 | 46 × 13.22 mm steel | 24 mm | Breitling 17 / approx. 38 h | Bidirectional, ratcheted with patented lock | 300 m |
Unidirectional bezel or bidirectional bezel with a lock
The selected 42 and 44 mm technical specifications list unidirectional ratcheted bezels. The standard 46 technical specifications list a bidirectional ratcheted bezel, while Breitling's official product story identifies the patented locking system used on the 46 mm design.
That distinction matters more than a cosmetic bezel description. A buyer should operate the exact watch, confirm that the lock engages correctly and verify alignment. A timing bezel remains an aid and does not replace a dive computer or redundant safety equipment.
The 42 and 44 are almost equally thick; the 46 is a separate scale
The 44 is only 0.06 mm thicker than the 42, so their visual and wearing difference comes principally from two additional millimeters of diameter. Both selected references retain a 22 mm in-between-lug width.
The standard 46 increases thickness to 13.22 mm and moves to a 24 mm in-between-lug width with a 24/20 mm rubber attachment. That broader strap helps support the case but also increases its total footprint. Upper-wrist width, strap exit and clasp location are more useful than a universal wrist-circumference cutoff.
Start with 42
When balanced scale and the smallest matched standard case are the priorities.
Start with 44
When additional dial and bezel presence is wanted without a meaningful thickness increase.
Start with standard 46
When maximum standard-case scale and the locked bidirectional bezel are both intentional.
Standard Superocean 46 versus Superocean 46 Super Diver
A17378211B1S1 is the standard steel Superocean Automatic 46 in this comparison. It uses Breitling 17, is 13.22 mm thick and is rated to 300 m.
The current 46 mm Super Diver is a separate titanium reference family. For example, E10379351B1E1 uses Breitling 10, is listed at 14.515 mm and carries a 1,000 m rating. None of those Super Diver specifications should be assigned to the standard 46 merely because both names include “46.”
Pressure test, bezel, crown and case condition
Inspect bezel teeth, insert, alignment and action; on the standard 46, test the patented lock. Review crown threads, crown guards, crystal coating, caseback, rubber condition, clasp adjustment and signs of corrosion or salt residue.
The original 300 m specification is not a current-condition certificate. Before water use, obtain an appropriate recent pressure test and repeat it after case-opening service. Confirm the full reference, because dial, metal, bezel system, attachment and water rating can change across neighboring Superocean configurations.
Current Superocean size-spectrum examples
Compare the exact reference, size, movement, configuration, condition, and transaction terms before choosing a watch.
Breitling Superocean Automatic 36 Turquoise Dial Turquoise Rubber Strap A17377211C1S1 UNWORN 2026
$3,900.00
Available now
View exact watch
Breitling Superocean Automatic 42 Black Dial Bracelet A17375211B1A1 UNWORN 2026
$4,200.00
Available now
View exact watch
Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver Black Dial Bracelet E10379351B1E1 UNWORN 2026
$5,000.00
Available now
View exact watch
Superocean 42 vs. 44 vs. 46 FAQs
Do the selected Superocean 42, 44 and 46 have the same water rating?
Yes. The three standard steel references compared here are each officially rated to 300 m.
Do all three use the same movement?
Yes. A17375211B1S1, A17376211B1S1 and A17378211B1S1 all use Breitling 17 with an approximately 38-hour reserve.
How much thicker is the 44 than the 42?
The selected 44 is listed at 12.62 mm, only 0.06 mm thicker than the selected 42 at 12.56 mm.
What is different about the standard 46 mm bezel?
The selected 46 uses a bidirectional ratcheted bezel with Breitling's patented locking system. The selected 42 and 44 use unidirectional ratcheted bezels.
Is the standard Superocean 46 rated to 1,000 m?
No. A17378211B1S1 is rated to 300 m. The 1,000 m specification belongs to the separate titanium 46 mm Super Diver family.
Which selected size has the widest attachment?
The standard 46 has a 24 mm in-between-lug width. The selected 42 and 44 are both listed at 22 mm.
Can a pre-owned Superocean go directly into the water?
Not responsibly on the basis of its original specification alone. Its current seal condition should be established with an appropriate pressure test.
Sources and verification
Breitling Superocean collection · Breitling Superocean history · Breitling Superocean Automatic 42 A17375211B1S1 · Breitling Superocean Automatic 44 A17376211B1S1 · Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 A17378211B1S1 · Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver E10379351B1E1
Current-reference specifications were checked against Breitling's official US catalog on July 27, 2026. Live price, imagery, URL and availability come from the canonical Superlative Watch Co. Shopify product record on each render.
Editorial review: July 27, 2026. Superlative Watch Co. is an independent luxury-watch dealer and is not affiliated with or authorized by Breitling. Product availability, pricing and specifications can change. Brand names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.