The reverse panda, along with its cousin, the panda, is arguably the most attractive dial layout for a chronograph. The contrast of white subdials against a black dial is highly legible and aesthetically pleasing, having appeared on such stunners as the Rolex Daytona “Le Mans,” Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph and the recently released Omega Speedmaster “Reverse.”
But the very first reverse panda chronograph was actually made by Breitling, and it predated the first panda dials by a few years. The original black-and-white chronograph was a Breitling Superocean Chronograph Ref. 807, which, in addition to debuting an attractive new dial style, was also the world’s first diving chronograph when it launched in 1957.
Today, Breitling makes a modern version of the Superocean Chronograph as part of its vintage-themed Superocean Heritage line, but those new models didn’t include a reverse panda version.
Until now, that is, as Breitling has finally resurrected the world’s very first reverse panda chronograph. And boy oh boy, is this thing attractive.
Reverse it
According to Breitling, the original reason for launching the reverse panda dial on the original Superocean Chronograph was to increase the legibility of the subdials underwater, as the white-on-black scheme offered maximum contrast. The fact that it happened to look outstanding was secondary.
The new Superocean Heritage B01 Chronograph 42 Reverse Panda doesn’t quite go full reverse panda, as the sunburst black dial’s subdials are more of a light silver than pure white, but it still looks dynamite and is highly legible. Like the dial itself, the subdials feature a sunray finish.
