Back in March, as the world plunged headlong into global lockdowns, the watch world (amongst pretty much every other retail and industrial sector) was understandably thrown into chaos, as the industrys key tradeshows were canceled, leaving major watch brands to their own devices for a new release plan. But feathers were decidedly unruffled at Breitling, where two years previous, brand CEO Georges Kern had already put in place a digital marketing strategy that didnt rely on the traditional tradeshow avenues to release watches. And so in the middle of April, at the height of a global shelter-in-place mandate, Breitling became the first major Swiss brand to release a salvo of pretty exciting 2020 releases, and with it, the industrys first real bit of good news in months. One of those releases, was the Superocean Heritage 57 capsule collection-a trio of watches (which would soon be a quartet for a very good cause) that struck just the right tone in the moment: one that was colorful, light-hearted, and pretty damned good-looking to boot. Joining the Superocean Heritage 57 re-edition watches is another cheerful, and admittedly timely headline in the form of a pair of gorgeous copper-dialed references, produced in collaboration with California apparel label Outerknown.The Superocean Heritage 57 for Outerknown is Breitlings third collaboration in an ongoing partnership with Kelly Slaters sustainable apparel label, and the second time its been a Superocean Heritage. For last years annual edition, it came in the form of a more modern Superocean, clad in Slaters own favorite color: olive green. And for those keeping score at home, yes, all three references in the collab have been dive watches, which shouldnt come as any surprise really, being as professional surfer Slater is only one of the worlds most prolific watermen. Oh, and for more on just how exactly a Breitling ended up on the most famous wrist in pro surfing, give this story a read to flash back to when we spent a day at Slaters Surf Ranch in Central California. SpecificationsBrand: BreitlingModel: Superocean Heritage 57 Outerknown (ref. A103703A1Q1W1) Superocean Heritage 57 Outerknown Limited Edition (ref. U103701A1Q1W1, limited to 500 pieces)Dimensions: 42mmWater Resistance: 100 metersCase Material: Stainless steelBezel: Bi-directional rotating, stainless steel or 18ct. rose gold with sloped ceramic insertCrystal/Lens: Sapphire (double-sided AR coating)Movement: Breitling Calibre 10Power Reserve: 42 hoursStrap/Bracelet: Recycled nylon (Econyl) NATO strapPrice Availability: $4,380 USD (Bi-color Limited Edition variant: $5,225 USD)This time though, Breitling couldnt keep it to just one reference-instead, we get two co-branded Outerknown watches: the first, a non-limited (though not numbered, its likely to be limited in production, like the other two Outerknown references) Superocean 57 in stainless steel; and the second, a properly limited edition bi-color reference with a stainless steel case body and a 18ct rose gold bezel with matching gold hour markers-a combination that brings the copper dial to life, and really sells the warm, tropical vibe that brings this pitch-perfect re-edition full circle. As weve seen with past Outerknown watches, both references come fitted on a super-soft, brown Econyl nylon NATO strap, Breitlings own sustainable strap option produced from recycled ghost nets. Its a small, though not insignificant touch that aligns with Outerknowns own mission of producing premium, yet fully sustainable apparel, while tying back to Breitlings own path towards neutralizing its carbon footprint-a path which only recently now includes fully recycled packaging.Just as we saw in the Superocean 57 capsule from earlier in the year, the Outerknown references are both powered by Breitlings Calibre 10 automatic movement, an ETA 2892-A2 movement, a historically reliable, and markedly thin ebauche, which has enabled Breitling to preserve the classically svelte 9mm thickness of the 57. According to Breitling historian Fred Mandelbaum, this was also the principle reason as to why Breitlings own in-house Calibre 20 movement wasnt used, as it would have dramatically increased the thickness of the watch, and potentially compromised the elegance of its lug design. Granted, it also doesnt hurt that the water resistance of the 57 is only 100 meters, which also helps keep the profile slim, though lets not forget that this watch occupies the growing category of skin diver watches, which dont present themselves as professional divers, but rather handsome, recreational sport watches that transition effortlessly from reef to poolside to happy hour, with no costume changes between. Feel like youll be spending time well below 300 feet, or perhaps in a saturation diving bell? Thankfully, Breitling has plenty of other professional-grade options for you. With two references, weve also got two price points: the standard stainless steel (ref. A103703A1Q1W1) starts at $4,380, but that price jumps nearly a grand to $5,225 for the reference U103701A1Q1W1 with the rose gold bezel and dial markers. For more on the Superocean Heritage 57 for Outerknown, hustle over to?breitling.com. [...]