Kelly Slater Breitling Superocean Review: What Surfers and Collectors Need to Know

The new kelly slater Breitling superocean is here, released as a limited edition of only 500 pieces worldwide. Its price ranges from $6450-$6750 and watch fans are wondering if it’s worth dropping that kind of cash. After all, Kelly Slater is more than your typical celebrity endorsing watches. The Breitling kelly slater edition sports a unique dial inspired by Hawaiian flora, has a 40mm rugged case and is water resistant to 200m so it can keep up with you in the waves.

We’ll dig into if the kelly slater lives up to the hype, how it stacks up against other dive watches in this price range, and if it should be on your watch want list.

What Is the Breitling Superocean Heritage B31 Kelly Slater Limited Edition?

Limited Edition Details: 500 Pieces Worldwide

Breitling marks Kelly Slater’s retirement from professional competition with this 500-piece limited edition. The caseback reveals what sets this apart from previous Slater collaborations: an exhibition window displaying the manufacture B31 movement. The outer ring carries an engraving reading “One of 500” and “Kelly Slater Limited Edition”.

This represents the first Kelly Slater Breitling powered by an in-house movement. Previous Kelly Slater/Outerknown versions relied on ETA-based calibers. The mechanical upgrade comes with a special presentation box adorned with the same Hawaiian floral motif found on the dial and a personal note from Slater himself.

Inspired by Hawaiian Surf Culture

Stamped tropical foliage on the dial evoke sunlight filtering through shadows in a Hawaiian canopy. Slater’s connection to Hawaii goes deeper than many know. “Ever since I can remember, I wanted to travel to Hawaii and live there,” Slater said. “It was this mystical place with epic waves, perfect weather, and what I thought was the ultimate surfing experience. After spending years living here, I came to find out how much more there is. The people, the aloha sense of community, the beauty of the land.” The 11-time world champ with 56 career wins now lives in Hawaii.

 “Hawaiians take great pride and care in respecting their land, their people, and their culture.” Slater continues. “It’s what makes Hawaii so much more special than I could have imagined as a kid.” Hence why this watch was inspired by his childhood dreams coming true.

Who Should Buy This Watch?

The breitling kelly slater limited edition is intended for collectors that appreciate fine horology as well as admirable legacies. Slater has spent 30 years elevating the sport of professional surfing. The multi-year relationship between Slater and Breitling means this partnership is a meeting of the minds rather than a pay-day. “Breitling has been riding with me for years,” says Slater. “It’s everything I love about life – the water, nature and that relaxed lifestyle I’ve always related to”.

Ocean lovers and surfers will appreciate a watch that can keep up with them in the water but doesn’t sacrifice the sophistication of Swiss craftsmanship. If you’re a collector who gravitates towards limited editions with an authentic backstory, look no further than one of 500 watches representing the greatest professional surfer of all time.

Design Features and Technical Specifications

40mm Case Size and Build Quality

The case size on the kelly slater breitling superocean measures 40mm across, which should fit most wrists comfortably. It’s not too big that it will dominate small wrists either. The case is 11.73mm thick which is much thinner than past Superocean Heritage watches that measured up to 14.35mm. The lug-to-lug length is 48.2mm which allows the watch to lay flush on the wrist. The case is made of stainless steel and comes with a sapphire crystal caseback to view the movement.

Tropical Foliage Dial Pattern

The dial has a stamped tropical foliage pattern that captures light filtering through a Hawaiian canopy. This textured surface creates depth beyond what stock photos convey. The blue sunburst finish complements Slater’s aquatic profession and maintains legibility across changing light conditions.

B31 Manufacture Movement

The B31 caliber is Breitling’s first proprietary three-hand manufacture movement. The movement has a frequency of 28,800vph. Power reserve is 78 hours. Chronometer certified by COSC, performs daily between -4 to +6 seconds. Movement also received an internal Breitling test where it was aged 16 years by undergoing 100,000 crown winds, 3,456,000 weight turns and 60,000 shocks of 500 G. Visible embellishments include Geneva stripes and skeletonized rotor with brand engraving.

Water Resistance: 200 meters 

Water resistance up to 200 meters is made possible by a screw-down crown with two gaskets. This is enough water resistance for casual diving and surfing activities but not the depths divers reach with professional dive watches.

Strap Options: Rubber Mesh or Stainless Steel Bracelet 

The breitling kelly slater limited edition comes with either a blue rubber mesh strap or stainless steel mesh bracelet. Each option has the same Hawaiian pattern on it but the metal bracelet features an interesting removable link system that makes it easier to size than regular mesh bracelets that need cutting to size.

Ceramic Bezel and Other Material Details 

Equipped with a unidirectional ceramic bezel that is scratch resistant and color coordinated with blue dial. The ceramic keeps the bezel from fading over time which can happen to vintage watches with anodized aluminum bezels.

Performance Review: On the Wrist and In the Water

Wearing Your Everyday Watch 

Once on your wrist, you’ll understand reviewers’ raves about this Goldilocks sizing of this modern dive watch. It sits on a 6.75-inch wrist with presence but isn’t overbearing. The short, curved lugs allow it to wrap around the wrist instead of rest on it.

The thin profile gives it an entirely different character than its predecessors, which was my biggest surprise. Earlier models felt hefty. This feels elegant and adaptable. The mesh bracelet is lighter than I expected for stainless steel, and the perforations allow some airflow. Bonus if you live in a warm area. The butterfly deployant clasp is low-profile and snaps with a confidence-building click.

Readability and Dial Visibility

The polished indices feature integrated lume fill running through the center, an improvement over previous plots positioned beside markers. Super-LumiNova  provides a green glow that shines bright for the first hour in darkness, though it fades faster than predicted.

The sunburst dial performs differently than photos suggest when you see it yourself. Direct light reveals stunning depth. The textured foliage pattern doesn’t stop broad hands and indexes from allowing easy readability underwater. The contrast between polished elements and printed minute track creates sufficient visual separation for quick time checks.

Durability Testing Results

Breitling engineered this watch to resist shock and saltwater. The ceramic bezel will never wear or fade. The 120-click unidirectional rotating bezel delivers the right resistance with precise clicks throughout the rotation, one of the best actions experienced in this price range.

How It Performs for Surfing and Water Sports

The strap features a folding clasp which allows small size adjustments of up to 15mm if wearing over rashies or wetsuits. This is important to know because when it comes to 200m water resistance, it factors in the additional pressure put on your watch when slamming into water after taking a fall and impact shock. Surfing demands more from your watch than surface water ratings imply. From surfing sessions to beach bars to dinner, the breitling kelly slater limited edition effortlessly transitions.

Pricing Analysis: Is the Kelly Slater Breitling Worth $6,450-$7,050?

Image source: Breitling

Price Comparison with Similar Dive Watches

Breitling is charging $6,450 USD for the kelly slater breitling superocean on rubber mesh strap and $7,050 USD on stainless steel bracelet. Breitling’s standard Superocean Heritage B31 40mm retails for $6,200 USD on strap and $6,500 USD on bracelet. That’s $250-$300 dollars for Kelly Slater’s autograph and unique dial patterning/ numbered caseback engraving.

Breitling has plenty of Swiss based competition in the $6,000-$7,000 dollar dive watch category that also feature in-house movements and similar water resistance levels. The TAG Heuer Aquaracer drops down below at around $4,000. One example of many is the Doxa Sub 300 chronograph with COSC certification coming in around $5,000 USD.

Value Proposition for Collectors

The 500-piece limitation creates a lack that standard production models don’t have. Limited editions hold value better due to collector demand. Slater’s status as an 11-time world champion with 56 career wins strengthens the investment case beyond typical celebrity collaborations, and this provenance adds real weight.

Resale Value and Investment Potential

Breitling watches depreciate 10-40% right after purchase. Superocean Heritage models resell between $2,000-$4,500 depending on condition. This is different substantially from Rolex, where certain models sell above retail.

Alternative Options at This Price Point

Spending over $6,000 should guarantee full dive capability and automatic movement with sapphire crystal.

Final Thoughts 

The kelly slater breitling superocean is a great purchase for $6,450 if you take into account the in-house B31 movement and the 500-piece production limit. I feel like the markup from the already premium priced Superocean is warranted due to the Hawaiian dial and Slater’s personal branding with the company.

I would purchase this watch for anyone looking for an alternative lifestyle dive watch that can be used both culturally and professionally. It works great at the beach and boardroom but don’t expect to resale like you would a Rolex.