BY JOVAN K
Everyone likes to think the “Panda” look started on a racetrack, but that is just not the case. While the car guys were still figuring out their gauges, Breitling had already put high-contrast subdials on the 807 diver back in 1957. That watch was a tool meant for reading timing scales underwater, not for showing off at a party. The new Superocean Heritage B01 42 Chronograph in reverse panda colors pays tribute to that history. It’s a modern dive watch with a clear 1950s influence, and it wears that heritage in a way that doesn’t feel forced.
The case comes in at 42mm x 14.55mm, so yeah, so yeah, there’s some real size to it, but that’s exactly what you want from a diver like this. With 200 meters of water resistance, it’s right at home in the pool or out in the ocean.
The watch comes with a unidirectional steel bezel with a ceramic insert, which adds durability and keeps its deep color over time, while a cambered sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides protects the dial. The black satin soleil dial catches the light just right, with silver subdials providing the contrast that makes a reverse panda work.
The spear and arrow hands nod to mid-century design, giving it a subtle throwback look, and there’s a date window tucked in at 6 o’clock, which is practical for daily wear, even if it isn’t everyone’s favorite. Overall, it’s a clean, readable setup that prioritizes function over looks.
This watch features Breitling’s COSC-certified in-house B01 movement, a column wheel chronograph with 70 hours of power reserve. The column wheel setup makes the pushers feel smooth and precise, a noticeable upgrade over cheaper chronographs, and it is a reliable movement that gets the job done. The movement can be viewed through the sapphire display caseback, so that you can admire the Côtes de Genève finishing on the rotor.
It comes on a practical black rubber strap for $9,300/£7,300/€9,100, or with a steel mesh bracelet for a vintage vibe at $9,600/£7,500/€9,400. It is available now at boutiques and major ADs.
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