The Breitling Superocean ref. 2005 is one of the more unconventional dive chronographs of the 1960s. Rather than measuring elapsed seconds in the conventional manner, its central chronograph hand makes one complete revolution every hour, allowing elapsed minutes to be read directly against the dial. Because its movement is effectively imperceptible to the eye, Breitling added a small indicator above six o’clock to show whether the chronograph was running. The resulting ‘Slow Chronograph’ is a wonderfully purpose-driven solution to timing longer periods underwater.

Dating to 1967, this second-generation example adds another dimension with its colourful yachting bezel, bringing together two worlds in which Breitling was increasingly active during the period: diving and sailing. At 42mm, the Superocean was also remarkably large for its time, with a functional design that feels surprisingly modern today. Between the unusual chronograph architecture, oversized case and vivid bezel, the ref. 2005 captures the extraordinary ambition and experimentation that characterised Breitling’s professional watches during the 1960s.