Professional surfing has lost its greatest competitor, but the watch world has gained something special. Kelly Slater, the 11-time world champion who redefined what was possible on a surfboard for over three decades, has retired from competitive surfing. Breitling is marking this moment with the Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 40 Kelly Slater Limited Edition, a tribute of 500 pieces that captures the essence of the sport’s most decorated athlete.
The timing feels right. Slater built his legend on Hawaiian waves, transforming from a Florida kid with big dreams into surfing’s undisputed king. His connection to Hawaii runs deeper than competition results or photo opportunities. The islands became his home, shaping not just his surfing, but also his entire worldview.
“For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of going to Hawaii and living there,” Slater explains. “It was this distant land where the waves were incredible, the weather was perfect, and the surf culture was unmatched. But after living there, I realized it was so much more than that. The people, the community, and the nature are all interconnected.“
Breitling didn’t just slap Slater’s name on an existing model. The Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 40 Kelly Slater Edition reflects genuine thought about what makes Hawaii special to the surfing legend. The dial features an engraved tropical foliage pattern that mimics the interplay of light and shadow through a Hawaiian canopy. Looking at it, you can almost feel the trade winds.
The 40mm stainless steel case houses Breitling’s B31 movement, which is visible through an open caseback. The outer ring bears the inscriptions “One of 500” and “Kelly Slater Limited Edition,” leaving no doubt about the watch’s exclusivity. Buyers can choose between a blue braided rubber strap and a stainless steel Ocean Classic bracelet, both of which are fitting for someone who has spent a lifetime around saltwater.
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The watch is water resistant up to 200 meters, though Slater probably won’t need to test those limits anymore. The unidirectional rotating bezel features a ceramic insert that matches the dial color. Super-LumiNova coating on the hands and indices ensures visibility in low-light conditions.
The B31 movement deserves attention on its own merits. This COSC-certified caliber is 28.40 mm wide and 4.80 mm thick and provides approximately 78 hours of power reserve. The bidirectional automatic winding system uses ball bearings for efficiency, and the 28,800 vibrations per hour ensure accurate timekeeping.
Breitling equipped the movement with 181 components that work together to display the hours, minutes, seconds, and date via an easy-set system. The sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective coating on both sides to protect the intricate dial work underneath.
The tropical foliage pattern is more than just an aesthetic choice. Hawaii transformed Slater from a visitor into a resident and from a competitor into a community member. The islands taught him a respect for nature, people, and culture that extends far beyond surfing.
“Hawaiians have a deep respect for their land, their people, and their culture,” Slater reflects. “Hawaii is even more unique than I imagined as a child. Today, I feel at home there.”
Slater’s competitive record speaks for itself: He has 56 career victories spanning three decades of professional surfing. He won his first world title at 20 and his last at 39, demonstrating a level of longevity rarely seen in other sports. His influence extends beyond trophies, though. He pushed the technical boundaries of surfing while maintaining respect for the ocean’s power and unpredictability.
Given both parties’ connection to extreme environments, the partnership with Breitling makes sense. Pilots and surfers have a different understanding of equipment reliability than most people do. When your life depends on precision — whether timing a wave or navigating through clouds — quality matters more than marketing.
“Breitling has been with me for years,” Slater notes. “This watch evokes everything I love: the ocean, nature, and the relaxed aesthetic that has always attracted me.“
The watch arrives in a special presentation box featuring the same Hawaiian foliage motif found on the dial. Slater personally wrote a message for owners, adding a genuine connection to what could have been just another celebrity endorsement deal. This attention to detail distinguishes meaningful collaborations from quick cash grabs.
The blue braided rubber strap acknowledges Slater’s aquatic lifestyle, and the steel bracelet provides versatility for those who want to wear their tribute watch in settings beyond the beach. Both options use quick-release systems that allow for easy switching between straps.
Professional surfing will continue without Kelly Slater, but his influence will remain permanent. The Breitling Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 40 Kelly Slater Limited Edition commemorates the moment when the sport’s greatest competitor decided to step back and let others chase waves and titles.
Limited to 500 pieces, the watch will likely find homes with collectors who appreciate Slater’s achievements and Breitling’s manufacturing capabilities. The combination of Hawaiian-inspired design elements, solid technical specifications, and a genuine personal connection creates something worth preserving.
Slater found his paradise on Hawaiian waves, spending decades perfecting his craft and learning from the islands’ unique culture. Now, others can carry a piece of that connection on their wrists, whether they’re catching waves or simply enjoying fine watchmaking.