Walking into the replica Breitling boutique at the “fancy mall,” where numerous brand boutiques have popped up alongside the local luxury AD, I wasn’t looking for any particular model. With a day to spare, I decided to explore all the boutiques and see what caught my eye. After trying on the massive Emergency and the new Avengers, I was attracted to a group of small, colorful watches on the left side of the store, near the lounge chairs and whiskey. I wasn’t familiar with the replica Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 Highlands models released late last year, so I didn’t expect them to be so compact. After a quick chat with the salesperson, I began to take pictures and get a sense of this fresh take on the brand’s Superocean Heritage line.
The Fake Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 Highlands models come in four different colors, visible on the dial and matching ceramic bezel insert: beige, green, mustard, and blue (credit to Breitling for keeping the color names straightforward). Realizing I was taking pictures for a review, I decided to focus on the mustard dial, primarily because I was captivated by the mesh strap. But first, let’s talk about the case itself. At 38mm, the stainless steel cases are the smallest in the Superocean line, a full 4mm narrower than earlier ’57 models, which were first introduced in 2020. At 38mm, Breitling’s watches feel exceptionally petite, further emphasized by the 9.9mm thickness and a lug-to-lug measurement of 42mm. The slender-lugged, curved silhouette rested comfortably on my wrist and should do the same for most wearers. The models are equipped with a domed sapphire crystal, a pull-out crown, and 100m of water resistance.
The thinness was what really took me by surprise. On the wrist, the watch feels sleek, which is impressive given the stadium bezel, the defining feature of the Heritage ’57 line, available here in 18k rose gold. (This is the kind of two-tone I prefer: just the case, not the bracelet.) Unlike typical sloped bezels that smooth out the case’s profile, stadium bezels make the watch more noticeable. Recognizing this, Breitling made the bi-directional bezel relatively thin, with a cupped underside and knurling that makes it easier to grip. The luminescent triangle serves as a zero marker, but the lack of numbers limits its functionality compared to more practical bezels.
I noted earlier that the mesh bracelet on the mustard-dialed display model initially caught my attention. In my view, no one makes a mesh bracelet quite like replica Breitling. The thick, robust mesh on the Superocean Heritage II is both impressive and comfortable, making you wonder why other brands even try. For the Heritage ’57 models, including the new Highlands watches, Breitling opted for a more refined approach with an 18mm mesh strap that has beads and a tighter weave. Although some may find the butterfly clasp irritating, the bracelet includes several removable links for near-perfect sizing. As with most mesh bracelets, it is soft and comfortable due to its flexibility. To reinforce the Highlands theme, Breitling paired each model with a color-matched “tweed-inspired” strap on a deployant clasp. Made from silk and wool, the material is softer and more flexible than actual tweed, which is often stiff because of its leather backing.
The dial of the Highlands collection features a bright sunburst finish in all four colors. The mustard hue, which I now realize is more of a butterscotch, is particularly striking. The dateless design closely resembles the larger ’57 models, with oversized applied indices and bold arrow-shaped hour and sword-style minute hands. To complement the rose gold bezel, the indices, hands, and bezel markings are also finished in rose gold. The only noticeable change to these dials due to the reduced size is the absence of the small 15-minute markers along the minute track. While I concentrated on the mustard dial, I also wanted to mention the brown dial, which had an enigmatic quality. Sometimes, it showed its true earthy tone, but other times it appeared dull and lackluster.
The movement inside the replica Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 Highlands watches is perhaps the least thrilling aspect. Rather than featuring one of the brand’s in-house calibers, the Highlands models use the Breitling 10, a rebranded ETA 2892A2. With a 42-hour power reserve at 28,800 vibrations per hour, the 2892 isn’t just a slimmer version of the 2824; it has a sturdier rotor construction that allows for better shock absorption and typically features enhanced finishing (though this isn’t visible due to the solid caseback). In short, the 2892 is a superior movement, produced to a higher standard, and is more than just a thinner design.
