Breitling SuperOcean Ref. 2005 (1957 Original, Slow Counter)

The Breitling SuperOcean has been a fixture in the dive watch landscape since 1957, when Breitling, a company better known for aviation chronographs, made its first serious move underwater. The Ref. 2005, introduced around 1964, represents the evolution of that original diving concept into something truly distinctive. Nicknamed the "Slow Counter" by collectors, this chronograph features a unique central chronograph hand that completes one revolution per hour rather than per minute, giving divers a practical elapsed-time indicator readable at a glance during extended underwater operations.

The Ref. 2005 occupies a fascinating position in the vintage watch market. It is not as famous as the Rolex Submariner or Omega Seamaster, but among knowledgeable collectors, it is prized for its mechanical ingenuity, its rugged tool-watch purpose, and its relative scarcity compared to those household names. As the vintage dive watch market has matured, the Breitling SuperOcean Ref. 2005 has emerged as one of the most compelling values in the segment.

The Story Behind the Watch

Breitling's entry into dive watches began in 1957 with the original SuperOcean references 807 and 1004. These were serious professional instruments, designed at a time when recreational diving was growing rapidly and military diving operations demanded reliable timekeeping tools. Breitling, whose expertise in chronograph movements was well established from decades of aviation instruments, applied that know-how to the underwater environment.

The Ref. 2005 arrived in the mid-1960s as a natural progression. Its signature innovation was the slow-motion chronograph function. Powered by a modified Venus caliber 188 movement (later designated Valjoux 7731 after Valjoux acquired Venus in 1966), the central chronograph hand was geared to make one complete revolution every 60 minutes rather than every 60 seconds. This meant a diver could start the chronograph at the beginning of a dive and read elapsed minutes directly from the central hand position, without needing to reference a sub-dial.

The stainless steel case measured approximately 42mm, a substantial size for the era that reflected the watch's professional purpose. It featured a screw-down caseback, a bidirectional rotating bezel for dive timing, and luminous hour markers and hands for underwater legibility. The case design emphasized function over decoration, with clean lines and a purposeful aesthetic that has aged remarkably well.

What Makes It Collectible

Unique complication: The slow counter mechanism is genuinely unusual in horology. While other chronographs offer sub-dials for elapsed minutes, the Ref. 2005's central minute-counting hand provides superior readability. This mechanical distinction separates it from every other vintage dive chronograph.

Limited production: Breitling produced the Ref. 2005 in relatively modest numbers compared to competitors like Rolex and Omega. Exact production figures are not publicly documented, but surviving examples are scarce enough that finding one in good condition requires patience and connections.

Venus/Valjoux movement: The Venus 188/Valjoux 7731 caliber is a robust, well-regarded movement that was used in several notable chronographs of the era. It is hand-wound, which appeals to collectors who prefer the tactile engagement of manual winding over automatic movements.

Vintage dive watch appeal: The broader vintage dive watch market has seen sustained collector interest over the past two decades. Rolex Submariners have priced many collectors out of the segment, driving attention to alternatives like the SuperOcean that offer equal historical significance at more accessible prices.

Breitling heritage: As Breitling has renewed emphasis on its heritage models, reissuing modern SuperOcean designs that reference the originals, collector awareness of the vintage pieces has grown. The new models act as marketing for the old ones.

Condition Grading Guide

Vintage watches require comprehensive condition assessment across multiple components:

Component	Excellent	Good	Fair	Poor
Case	Sharp edges, minimal polish	Light polish marks, edges intact	Over-polished, rounded edges	Deep scratches, dents, case damage
Dial	Original, clean, no patina issues	Original with attractive patina	Refinished or heavily spotted	Damaged, repainted, wrong dial
Bezel	Original insert, clear markings	Insert worn but original	Replacement insert	Missing or badly damaged
Crystal	Original or correct replacement	Minor scratches	Heavy scratches	Cracked or wrong type
Movement	Running, original parts	Running, minor service parts	Running with replacement parts	Not running, major issues
Crown	Original signed crown	Correct period replacement	Incorrect replacement	Missing
Caseback	Original, legible engravings	Light wear to engravings	Heavy wear	Replaced

Critical Condition Factors

Dial originality: An original, unrestored dial is the single most important value factor for vintage Breitling SuperOceans. Refinished (repainted) dials can reduce value by 40-60%. Original dials may show patina, which is generally accepted and even desirable if even and attractive.

Case condition: The screw-down caseback and relatively thick case construction means many Ref. 2005 cases survive in reasonable condition. However, over-polishing to remove scratches is common and reduces the case's sharp factory edges, diminishing value. Collectors prefer "honest wear" over aggressive polishing.

Movement integrity: The Venus 188/Valjoux 7731 should have original components. Replacement mainsprings and gaskets from proper servicing are acceptable, but replaced chronograph parts, bridges, or balance wheels affect value. A recent service history from a qualified watchmaker is a positive indicator.

Lume condition: Original radium or tritium luminous material on the hands and dial markers should be present and consistent. Missing or relumed (replacement luminous material) reduces value. Consistent patina across all luminous plots indicates originality.

Market Values

Current market values for the Breitling SuperOcean Ref. 2005:

Condition	Price Range
Exceptional (original dial, sharp case, full service)	$15,000-25,000
Excellent (original dial, light wear, running well)	$10,000-15,000
Good (original dial with patina, moderate case wear)	$7,000-10,000
Fair (refinished dial or significant wear)	$4,000-7,000
Project (not running, major issues)	$2,500-4,000
NOS/Unworn (extremely rare)	$25,000-40,000+

These values have been trending upward. Five years ago, excellent examples could be found for $5,000-8,000. The vintage dive chronograph segment has appreciated meaningfully as collectors have shifted attention from saturated categories like vintage Rolex toward less explored brands.

Provenance matters significantly. Examples with Breitling archive extracts confirming production details, or with documented ownership history, command premiums over undocumented pieces.

Authentication Tips

The Ref. 2005 is less frequently counterfeited than Rolex or Omega dive watches, but fake and "Frankenwatch" examples exist:

Serial number verification: Breitling offers archive extract services that can confirm production details for vintage references. This is the gold standard for authentication.

Movement inspection: The Venus 188/Valjoux 7731 should show period-correct finishing, markings, and component configurations. Incorrect movements installed in SuperOcean cases are the most common form of fraud.

Dial printing: Original dials have specific font characteristics, printing quality, and layout details that reproductions struggle to replicate exactly. Compare against multiple confirmed-authentic examples.

Case references: The case should bear correct reference numbers and Breitling markings on the caseback. The case construction, crown tube, and bezel mechanism should be consistent with period production.

Slow counter function: Test the chronograph. The central hand should make exactly one revolution per hour. If it behaves like a standard chronograph (one revolution per minute), the movement has been modified or is incorrect.

Storage and Care

Vintage mechanical watches require thoughtful maintenance:

• Service every 5-7 years by a qualified vintage watch specialist

• Store in a cool, dry environment away from magnetic fields

• Keep the crown pushed in and screwed down when not winding

• Avoid exposing vintage watches to water despite their dive watch heritage (gaskets degrade over decades)

• Store in a watch box or roll, not loose in a drawer

• Wind manually at least monthly if not wearing regularly to keep the movement lubricated

The Bottom Line

The Breitling SuperOcean Ref. 2005 "Slow Counter" represents one of the most compelling opportunities in vintage dive watch collecting. Its mechanically unique slow-motion chronograph, robust construction, and genuine tool-watch heritage combine to create a timepiece that stands apart from the crowd. While Rolex Submariners and Omega Seamasters dominate the conversation, the SuperOcean Ref. 2005 offers equal historical significance at a fraction of the price, along with a technical story that no other watch can tell.

For collectors willing to research, authenticate, and maintain a vintage chronograph, the Ref. 2005 delivers the satisfaction of owning a genuinely important piece of diving and watchmaking history.

Browse all Watches →

Related Items