A new release paying homage to the world's first diver's chronograph, launched by Breitling back in the 1950s.
Breitling has introduced a new model dedicated to the world's first diver's chronograph, released in 1957. The main feature of the watch is its reverse-panda dial, originally developed to improve readability underwater.
The new model is slightly smaller and thinner than previous SuperOcean Heritage models. The chronograph case has been reduced from 44mm to 42mm, and its thickness has slimmed down from 15.65mm to 14.55mm, achieved by transitioning from the Valjoux 7750 caliber to Breitling's workhorse, the B01 movement. Notably, the lug-to-lug distance of this new model is a compact 49.56mm.
Remember, the B01 caliber is an automatic chronograph with a column wheel and vertical clutch, certified by COSC as a chronometer, and provides a 70-hour power reserve. The case is water-resistant up to 200 meters.
The dial design is inspired by the aforementioned 1957 model, specifically the SuperOcean Ref. 807. The new model features similar triangular hour markers. From the historical prototype, the watch also retains the large round marker at the 12 o'clock position, but the similar round marker at the bottom has been removed to make space for the date indicator.
The dial is protected by a convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. The unidirectional stainless steel bezel features a black ceramic insert. Complementing the dial and bezel, the watch comes with a textured black rubber strap equipped with a folding clasp. An alternative option is a Milanese steel bracelet with a butterfly clasp.
The estimated price of the model is $9,300 (with a rubber strap) and $9,600 (with a steel bracelet).