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BREITLING Super Ocean, ref. 2005

Case

42 mm stainless steel screwed back case with a revolving bezel

Dial

black with big luminous hands and indexes.

Movement

Valjoux 7731

Functions

so called "slow moving chronograph"

Condition

nice original condition

Year

1972

Price

9.800,- €

Description

The Breitling Super Ocean "Slow Moving Chronograph" is one of the most desirable vintage BREITLING ever produced, and are an unbelievably rare find on the market. This example features a different marker layout and an additional complication - a subsidiary seconds register at 9:00, making it even more of a unicorn for collectors and enthusiasts. What makes this such a special piece is the functionality and layout of the chronograph feature: a minutes-only counter with a large, luminous central sweep hand. Because it only counts minutes, it is difficult to know whether or not it is running with just a glance. To solve this problem, the dial features a circular aperture just about the 6:00 position. When the chronograph isn't activated, this circle appears black and blends in with the rest of the dial. When engaged, the window turns white (now a more patinated, creamy white) to indicate to the wearer that the function is operating. When stopped, a smaller dot appears, and when reset it reverts to black. Very, very cool.

There is a story behind a vintage watch.
Besides the obvious fact that traveling down the years,
a watch absorbs the energy of time and history, it often has a significant story to tell, based on the purpose it was originally made for.