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 Breiting 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.

Watch is in excellent overall condition. Case has been previously polished, and exhibits sharp and well defined lugs and edges. There is minor surface wear evident. The caseback has some tool marks visible but the engravings are fully visible and clean. Bezel exhibits some minor surface wear and along the edges. Dial is in excellent condition with some even spotting visible along the surface. Tritium indexes evenly aged with matching hands. Watch comes on a generic strap with an unmarked buckle.

A historically unusual timepiece with a unique function that showcases just how innovative watchmakers were trying to be to solve practical problems their wearers faced, the SuperOcean ref. 2005 showcases the ingenuity involved in coming up with solutions prior to the invention of digital equipment.