Breitling SuperOcean Heritage B01 42 “Reverse Panda”
Breitling has introduced a new version of the SuperOcean Heritage chronograph inspired by one of the brand’s historic diving watches from the late 1950s. The model pays tribute to the SuperOcean Ref. 807, widely regarded as the first diver’s chronograph released in 1957.
One of the defining elements of the new watch is its “reverse panda” dial, a design that historically combined a dark background with contrasting light chronograph counters. The layout was originally developed to improve legibility during underwater use.
Source: timeandtidewatches.com
A More Compact Chronograph Case
The new SuperOcean Heritage B01 arrives in a slightly more compact and refined case compared with earlier chronograph versions of the collection. The stainless steel case measures 42 mm in diameter, reduced from the previous 44 mm format.
Thickness has also been reduced from 15.65 mm to 14.55 mm, while the lug to lug distance remains relatively compact at 49.56 mm. The slimmer profile is largely the result of replacing the Valjoux 7750 movement previously used in the model with Breitling’s in house B01 chronograph calibre.
Breitling Manufacture Calibre B01
The watch is powered by the automatic Breitling B01 movement, the brand’s flagship chronograph calibre.
Key technical characteristics include:
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column wheel chronograph architecture
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vertical clutch mechanism
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COSC certified chronometer precision
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approximately 70 hours of power reserve
The stainless steel case provides 200 metres of water resistance, maintaining the professional diving credentials associated with the SuperOcean line.
Vintage Inspired Dial Design
The dial draws clear inspiration from the original 1957 SuperOcean Ref. 807. The triangular hour markers echo the visual language of the historical model, while a prominent circular marker at 12 o’clock further reinforces the vintage aesthetic.
Unlike the original watch, the lower circular marker has been removed to make space for a date display, allowing the dial to remain balanced while adding practical everyday functionality.
The dial is protected by a domed sapphire crystal with anti reflective coating on both sides.
Bezel and Strap Options
The watch features a unidirectional stainless steel bezel with a black ceramic insert, offering improved durability and resistance to scratches.
Two strap options are available:
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a textured black rubber strap with a folding clasp
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a stainless steel mesh bracelet with a butterfly clasp
Both choices complement the classic diver aesthetic of the SuperOcean Heritage line.
Price
The Breitling SuperOcean Heritage B01 42 “Reverse Panda” is priced at approximately:
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$9,300 on the rubber strap
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$9,600 on the stainless steel mesh bracelet
The release combines modern chronograph engineering with design cues drawn from one of Breitling’s most historically significant diving watches.
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