Breitling Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 42 Watch Review
The Breitling Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 42 is an elegant ‘dive chronograph’ that draws on the Swiss marque’s rich heritage with its striking reverse panda dial. Joining the current lineup, the new model features the recently updated Superocean vernacular design and is fitted with the fully-integrated, acclaimed chronograph movement, the Manufacture Calibre 01.
Breitling Superocean Ref. 807
The luxury dive watch is arguably the most fiercely contested category in modern horology. Yet, amidst a sea of contemporary offerings, true historical pedigrees remain a rare treat. Today, the market is awash with subaquatic instruments presenting impressive specifications, but few possess the pioneering lineage of the new Breitling Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 42, the latest addition to the Grenchen-based company’s portfolio. Unlike some of its siblings, this latest model favours a bi-compax layout, emulating the uncluttered and perfectly balanced aesthetic of a 1950s dive chronograph.
To truly appreciate the gravitas of this new release, one must journey back to 1957. While Breitling was already recognised for providing vital navigational chronographs to ‘flight professionals’, Willy Breitling also harboured deep subaquatic ambitions. In identifying that the modern diver required a highly specialised instrument, he collaborated with the respected casemaker Huguenin Frères, successfully developing a robust architecture featuring dual-sealed pushers. The resultant Breitling Superocean Ref. 807 was a triumph of engineering and style. Crucially, the Ref. 807 introduced the world to the ‘reverse panda’ dial configuration, a stark black canvas punctuated by bright white subdials, proffering at-a-glance legibility even in the murky depths of the ocean. Its concave bezel and oversized luminescent indices have remained a shining example of tool watch design ever since, forming the foundations of Breitling’s Superocean Heritage collection.
Breitling Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 42 – case
The collection is home to 36 mm, 40 mm, 42 mm and 44 mm models. Breitling has historically offered chronographs in a 44 mm housing, equipped with a choice of movements, including the venerable Manufacture Caliber 01. This latest Breitling Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 42, as its name implies, has a 42 mm diameter with a thickness of 14.55 mm. A comparatively modest lug-to-lug distance of 49.56 mm imbues the watch with a masculine appearance while remaining eminently wearable. The angled, tapering lugs contribute to the overall perception of neatness.
The unidirectional rotating bezel is a critical element for tracking elapsed dive times. In this instance, the bezel incorporates a ceramic inlay, providing a scratch-resistant, glossy frame for the bi-compax dial. To secure the watch, Breitling offers two options, both firmly rooted in the model’s heritage. The first is an ‘Ocean Classic’ stainless steel mesh bracelet, secured with a butterfly folding clasp. Alternatively, the watch can be specified with a tactile black rubber strap, cleverly textured to mimic the detailed weave of the steel mesh bracelets found on the brand’s historic subaquatic models.
Breitling Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 42 – dial
Inspired by the aforementioned Ref. 807, the dial of the new Breitling Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 42 captures the look of the period model and specifically its reverse panda layout, but is executed using modern-day finishing techniques. The main dial surface features a sumptuous black satin-soleil finish that charms the light, evincing hidden layers of depth. Against this backdrop, the silver chronograph subdials pop with an arresting brilliance, while the hands prove an affectionate homage to the 1950s original.
The prominent arrow-tipped hour hand and the elongated, spear-shaped minute hand dominate the display, ensuring the prevailing time can be determined in a fraction of a second. Together with the applied, pointed indexes, the hands are generously filled with Super-LumiNova, emitting a vivid glow in poorly lit environments. In a concession to modern practicality, Breitling has incorporated a discreet date aperture at the six o’clock position, ensuring that the centre line from north to south confers a welcome symmetry, a trait beloved by purists.
Breitling Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 41 – movement
To the rear of the watch sits the Manufacture Calibre 01, visible beneath a pane of sapphire crystal. While the vintage Ref. 807 relied on external movement suppliers, today’s Breitling is fitted with a fully integrated thoroughbred, the Manufacture Calibre 01. This self-winding movement features a column wheel and a vertical clutch, ensuring the chronograph seconds hand commences its journey with notable smoothness. Moreover, actuating the chronograph confers a smooth, buttery pushpiece action. The Calibre 01 boasts a prodigious power reserve of 70 hours, allowing the watch to be removed on a Friday evening and strapped back onto the wrist on Monday morning without the need for manual winding. The movement is a COSC-certified chronometer, offering the wearer peace of mind regarding the model’s timekeeping prowess.
Closing thoughts
When the Breitling Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 42 is placed alongside the Ref. 807, the family likeness is clear to see, with the contemporary model capturing the essence of the original but incorporating several modern-day enhancements. These include the fitment of a virtually scratch-proof ceramic bezel and the installation of a sublime high-end movement, the Manufacture Calibre 01. Both of these features elevate the watch far beyond its 1957 origins, showcasing the in-house expertise that has come to define the Breitling brand of today.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Breitling Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 42
- Reference: AB0156241B1S1 (black mesh-rubber strap with folding buckle)
- Reference: AB0156241B1A1 (Ocean Classic stainless-steel bracelet with butterfly clasp)
- Case: stainless steel, diameter 42 mm, height 14.55 mm, water resistant to 20 bar (200 metres), sapphire crystal to front and exhibition caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
- Movement: Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), power reserve approximately 70 hours, 312 components
- Price – black mesh rubber strap: £7300 (as of 16.3.2026)
- Price – Ocean Classic bracelet: £7500 (as of 16.3.2026)