Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This robust and striking timepiece exemplifies the golden era of modern mechanical dive watches, blending uncompromising professional-grade specifications with an undeniably bold aesthetic. Engineered for serious underwater exploration while retaining a highly refined wrist presence, this diver boasts a formidable 1000-meter depth rating and a helium escape valve, making it a true instrument for professionals. The brilliant sunburst blue dial captures light dynamically, offering a captivating contrast against the heavy stainless steel architecture, presenting an exceptional opportunity to acquire a highly capable and visually arresting Swiss tool watch. Brand: Breitling Model: Superocean Reference Number: A17340 Serial Number: 427358 Movement: Automatic, Breitling Caliber 17 Dial: Sunburst blue dial with bold luminous Arabic numerals, exceptionally clean with no visible flaws Case Size: 42 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 2000s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with well-preserved case lines and a flawless dial Dial and Hands The dial is a masterful display of legibility and texture, featuring a vibrant sunburst blue finish that radiates dynamically under varying light conditions. The typography is sharply executed, with a crisp white sans-serif font used for the outer minute track, inner 24-hour military time scale, and the primary text, while an elegant script is utilized for the model designation. An applied gold-tone winged Breitling logo sits proudly below the 12 o'clock position, adding a touch of refined dial furniture. The bold, oversized Arabic numerals are heavily filled with luminous material that has aged to a cohesive, creamy white hue, matching the luminous fill on the broad sword-style hour and minute hands perfectly. A distinctive red-tipped sweep seconds hand provides a sharp pop of color. The date aperture at 3 o'clock is cleanly framed. Upon rigorous visual inspection, the dial remains in near-mint condition, entirely free of moisture marks, spotting, discoloration, or print loss, presenting an exceptionally clean and well-preserved face. Case and Crystal The 42mm stainless steel case features a highly polished finish across its muscular lugs and smooth flanks, exhibiting a strong, unpolished profile with sharp transitions. A helium escape valve is distinctly visible on the left case flank at the 10 o'clock position, a testament to the watch's professional 1000-meter diving capabilities. The unidirectional rotating bezel is a hallmark of the brand's design language, featuring a brushed steel surface with engraved, black-filled numerals and the signature polished rider tabs at the quarter-hour marks, allowing for easy manipulation. The heavy screw-down crown is deeply fluted and signed with the 'B' logo. The watch is fitted with a thick, domed sapphire crystal featuring an anti-reflective coating, which remains clean and free of significant scratches. The solid screw-down caseback is highly polished and features crisp, deep engravings of the reference number and chronometer certification. The case shows only honest, light handling marks and superficial surface wear consistent with careful use, retaining excellent structural integrity. Movement Powering this timepiece is the robust Breitling Caliber 17 automatic movement, based on the reliable ETA 2824-2 architecture. The movement is beautifully finished with rhodium plating and engine-turned perlage across the bridges and the inner caseback. The oscillating weight is heavily decorated and signed with the Breitling chronometer certification text in gold lettering. The serial number 427358 is clearly engraved on the movement bridge, matching the case identification. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. -30s-37s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original period-correct Breitling Professional stainless steel bracelet. The links feature a dynamic combination of brushed and polished surfaces, articulating smoothly for maximum comfort. The folding clasp is secured by a flip-lock safety catch and is deeply stamped with the Breitling winged logo and "BREITLING 1884" text. The clasp and links show moderate, honest surface wear and desk-diving marks consistent with regular wear, but the bracelet remains structurally tight and highly wearable. The bracelet is sized to accommodate a wrist up to 19 cm. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The case and bezel retain their sharp factory geometry and deep engravings, showing only appropriate light surface wear. The striking blue dial and hands are impeccably preserved, showing no signs of degradation or damage. The original stainless steel bracelet remains secure and functional, completing a highly attractive and well-maintained package. Dimensions The case measures 42 mm in diameter, excluding the crown guards and the screw-down crown. The attached stainless steel bracelet is sized to fit a wrist circumference of up to 19 cm. Remarks Combining a massive 1000-meter water resistance rating with an incredibly legible and vibrant dial, this timepiece represents the pinnacle of early 2000s Swiss dive watch design. It is a substantial, confidence-inspiring tool watch that transitions effortlessly from professional utility to daily wear. History Introduced in 1957 to equip professional and military divers, the Superocean line has long been a pillar of Breitling's catalog, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their legendary aviation chronographs. The reference A17340 represents the modern evolution of this historic lineage, introduced at the turn of the millennium. It was designed to offer extreme durability, featuring a thick sapphire crystal, a helium escape valve, and a chronometer-certified movement, solidifying Breitling's reputation for producing "instruments for professionals" both in the air and deep beneath the waves. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent). Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age. Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description. If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: BRE-BSA-0001