Introduction
Introduced during the 1960s, the Breitling Super Ocean ref. 2005 stands among the most innovative and unconventional dive chronographs ever produced. Designed specifically for underwater timing, the watch departed dramatically from traditional chronograph layouts through its unique “Slow Chronograph” system, whereby the central chronograph hand completes one full revolution per hour rather than once per minute. This unusual configuration allowed divers to measure elapsed dive times far more intuitively underwater, emphasizing readability and practicality over conventional chronograph functionality. Powered by the manually wound Venus 188 movement, the Super Ocean 2005 paired this ingenious timing system with a bold oversized case and highly legible monochromatic dial design. Today, the “Slow Chronograph” remains one of the most technically fascinating and visually distinctive professional dive chronographs of the era.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$5,000 – $8,000
The Details
Brand
Breitling
Dimensions
42mm
Model
Super Ocean
Movement
42mm
Reference
2005
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
1967
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
The dial is designed around the watch’s unique “Slow Chronograph” functionality, with a highly legible central chronograph hand that rotates once per hour to provide intuitive elapsed-time reading for divers. The clean monochromatic layout and oversized luminous elements reinforce the model’s professional underwater focus and highly specialized sporting character.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The oversized 42mm stainless steel case reflects Breitling’s bold professional tool-watch design language of the 1960s, combining strong wrist presence with highly functional diving ergonomics. Its broad bezel, large dial opening, and simplified display architecture were all developed with underwater readability in mind, making the ref. 2005 one of the most distinctive dive chronographs of its era.
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.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case remains well defined, with surface scratches visible throughout, while the case back shows scratches from tools and retains well-defined engravings. The bezel ring shows wear to the black finish around the edge, while the insert has damage to the edge near 46 and 54, along with surface scuffs and damage to the lume dot at twelve o’clock. The dial remains excellent, with some surface marks and discoloration visible to the lume plots at five, six, and seven o’clock. The hour and minute hands show discoloured lume, while the chronograph hand has damage to the lume near the edge. It is fitted with a brown leather strap and a steel pin buckle.
Our Perspective
With its “tuxedo dial,” the “Super Ocean” is one of the chicest dive watches out there. Its “slow crawl” one-hour chronograph hand reminds me of the Tudor “snowflake” hands. The porthole indicator at six o’clock, which shows whether the chronograph is running or not (how else would you know) is such a cool detail that you rarely see, and one of the many attributes that have kept me transfixed on this hard-to-find model.
Patrick Parrish
Collector
