Breitling Superocean 2005 "Slow-Counter"
First launched in 1957, the SuperOcean was Breitling’s response to the increasing demand for dive watches and their answer to watches like the Rolex Submariner, Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and Omega Seamaster that were released just a few years prior. Making the SuperOcean waterproof to an unprecedented 200 meters, Breitling made the SuperOcean one of the most heavy-duty dive watches available at the time. However, after seven years, the SuperOceans Breitling had produced were beginning to run stale, and so in 1964 they released the ref. 2005, which is now nicknamed the “Slow Counter,” which is what we have here. Powered by a heavily modified version of the Venus cal. 188 which was renamed the Valjoux cal. 7731 after Valjoux’s take-over of Venus in 1966, the ref. 2005 includes a slow-moving central chronograph hand that takes one full hour to complete a lap of the dial, which can be used to time dives as the one-minute-long rotation of a normal chronograph hand would be of no use. As it was impossible to tell if the chronograph was running due to how slow it is, Breitling added an indicator at the 6 o’clock position. This indicator shows a full black dot if it is not running, a full yellow tritium dot if it is, and a small yellow dot inside of it if it has been paused and can be restarted. This simple and intuitive solution to a problem that gripped divers goes to showcase the level of ingenuity required to solve the problems that plagued watch wearers in the analog era prior to the invention of digital equipment like dive clocks and so on. Featuring a 42mm stainless steel case that stands 14.5mm tall, the Breitling ref. 2005 is an imposing timepiece by vintage standards, but has become a timepiece that fits in with contemporary style on account of its large case and impressive watchmaking.
THE DIAL Powered by a heavily modified Venus cal. 188 chronograph movement, the ref. 2005 features a slow central chronograph hand that takes one hour to complete a journey around the dial for timing dives. As it is difficult to tell if the chronograph is running, Breitling fitted the black dial with an aperture at 6 o' clock that remains black if the chronograph is not running. Alternatively, it turns yellow if it is running and in the event that it is paused it will feature a small yellow dot.
THE CONSTRUCTION Designed with practicality in mind, the ref. 2005 is a 42mm timepiece that was made far larger than watches typically worn in the 1960s so as to allow Breitling to enlarge all of its features such as its dial and bezel.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.Sold For $5,281
USD
26 bids
Auction Ended 11/06/23
On Nov 6, 5:09 PM UTC
Lot #2486
Breitling Superocean 2005 "Slow-Counter"
First launched in 1957, the SuperOcean was Breitling’s response to the increasing demand for dive watches and their answer to watches like the Rolex Submariner, Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and Omega Seamaster that were released just a few years prior. Making the SuperOcean waterproof to an unprecedented 200 meters, Breitling made the SuperOcean one of the most heavy-duty dive watches available at the time. However, after seven years, the SuperOceans Breitling had produced were beginning to run stale, and so in 1964 they released the ref. 2005, which is now nicknamed the “Slow Counter,” which is what we have here. Powered by a heavily modified version of the Venus cal. 188 which was renamed the Valjoux cal. 7731 after Valjoux’s take-over of Venus in 1966, the ref. 2005 includes a slow-moving central chronograph hand that takes one full hour to complete a lap of the dial, which can be used to time dives as the one-minute-long rotation of a normal chronograph hand would be of no use. As it was impossible to tell if the chronograph was running due to how slow it is, Breitling added an indicator at the 6 o’clock position. This indicator shows a full black dot if it is not running, a full yellow tritium dot if it is, and a small yellow dot inside of it if it has been paused and can be restarted. This simple and intuitive solution to a problem that gripped divers goes to showcase the level of ingenuity required to solve the problems that plagued watch wearers in the analog era prior to the invention of digital equipment like dive clocks and so on. Featuring a 42mm stainless steel case that stands 14.5mm tall, the Breitling ref. 2005 is an imposing timepiece by vintage standards, but has become a timepiece that fits in with contemporary style on account of its large case and impressive watchmaking.
THE DIAL Powered by a heavily modified Venus cal. 188 chronograph movement, the ref. 2005 features a slow central chronograph hand that takes one hour to complete a journey around the dial for timing dives. As it is difficult to tell if the chronograph is running, Breitling fitted the black dial with an aperture at 6 o' clock that remains black if the chronograph is not running. Alternatively, it turns yellow if it is running and in the event that it is paused it will feature a small yellow dot.
THE CONSTRUCTION Designed with practicality in mind, the ref. 2005 is a 42mm timepiece that was made far larger than watches typically worn in the 1960s so as to allow Breitling to enlarge all of its features such as its dial and bezel.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
