Possibly the rarest watch you’ll see today.
This is a 1959 Breitling SuperOcean Ref. 1004, from the first generation of SuperOcean watches and from the very beginning of Breitling’s dive-watch history.
Introduced in 1957, the SuperOcean represented Breitling’s entry into the emerging professional diving-watch market. The Ref. 1004 was the three-hand automatic model and remains one of the most recognisable and elusive early Breitlings.
This example is particularly important because of its exceptional originality.
The black dial is the original radium dial, retaining its original radium luminous hour markers and matching original radium hands. None of the luminous material has been replaced or altered. Over more than six decades it has developed a superb warm colour, ranging from deep cream through ochre and brown.
Against the black dial, the gilt BREITLING and SUPER OCEAN signatures remain wonderfully strong.
The extraordinary handset, large triangular hour plots and circular cardinal markers give the Ref. 1004 a design unlike almost anything else produced during the period.
Around the dial sits the original black Bakelite bezel, with its distinctive concave construction. Bakelite bezels are inherently fragile, making an intact original example particularly significant today.
The polished stainless steel case measures approximately 38.5mm excluding the crown and just 11mm thick, giving the watch surprisingly modern proportions despite its 1950s origins. The case remains in excellent condition and retains its screw-down caseback.
It is also fitted to its original steel mesh bracelet.
This is an important part of the watch. Original Breitling mesh bracelets for the Ref. 1004 are exceptionally difficult to source independently and command a considerable premium. Many examples currently offered for sale no longer retain them.
Inside is the original signed 17-jewel Breitling automatic movement, which has recently been serviced.
The crown is an aftermarket replacement. Aside from the crown, the watch is presented as original throughout, including the case, dial, radium luminous, hands, Bakelite bezel and mesh bracelet.
The ageing is exactly what makes this example so appealing. The radium has developed naturally, the hands show visible oxidation and the dial has the unmistakable appearance of an untouched vintage sports watch rather than something restored to appear new.
Comparable examples of the Ref. 1004 are currently advertised at more than £30,000, frequently without the original mesh bracelet.
Breitling SuperOcean Ref. 1004
1959
38.5mm stainless steel case
11mm thickness
Original black radium dial
Original radium hands
Original and unaltered luminous material
Original Bakelite concave bezel
Original steel mesh bracelet
Screw-down caseback
Breitling automatic 17-jewel movement
Recently serviced
Aftermarket crown
A beautifully aged, highly original example of one of the most important early Breitling sports watches.
Possibly the rarest watch you’ll see today.
This is a 1959 Breitling SuperOcean Ref. 1004, from the first generation of SuperOcean watches and from the very beginning of Breitling’s dive-watch history.
Introduced in 1957, the SuperOcean represented Breitling’s entry into the emerging professional diving-watch market. The Ref. 1004 was the three-hand automatic model and remains one of the most recognisable and elusive early Breitlings.
This example is particularly important because of its exceptional originality.
The black dial is the original radium dial, retaining its original radium luminous hour markers and matching original radium hands. None of the luminous material has been replaced or altered. Over more than six decades it has developed a superb warm colour, ranging from deep cream through ochre and brown.
Against the black dial, the gilt BREITLING and SUPER OCEAN signatures remain wonderfully strong.
The extraordinary handset, large triangular hour plots and circular cardinal markers give the Ref. 1004 a design unlike almost anything else produced during the period.
Around the dial sits the original black Bakelite bezel, with its distinctive concave construction. Bakelite bezels are inherently fragile, making an intact original example particularly significant today.
The polished stainless steel case measures approximately 38.5mm excluding the crown and just 11mm thick, giving the watch surprisingly modern proportions despite its 1950s origins. The case remains in excellent condition and retains its screw-down caseback.
It is also fitted to its original steel mesh bracelet.
This is an important part of the watch. Original Breitling mesh bracelets for the Ref. 1004 are exceptionally difficult to source independently and command a considerable premium. Many examples currently offered for sale no longer retain them.
Inside is the original signed 17-jewel Breitling automatic movement, which has recently been serviced.
The crown is an aftermarket replacement. Aside from the crown, the watch is presented as original throughout, including the case, dial, radium luminous, hands, Bakelite bezel and mesh bracelet.
The ageing is exactly what makes this example so appealing. The radium has developed naturally, the hands show visible oxidation and the dial has the unmistakable appearance of an untouched vintage sports watch rather than something restored to appear new.
Comparable examples of the Ref. 1004 are currently advertised at more than £30,000, frequently without the original mesh bracelet.
Breitling SuperOcean Ref. 1004
1959
38.5mm stainless steel case
11mm thickness
Original black radium dial
Original radium hands
Original and unaltered luminous material
Original Bakelite concave bezel
Original steel mesh bracelet
Screw-down caseback
Breitling automatic 17-jewel movement
Recently serviced
Aftermarket crown
A beautifully aged, highly original example of one of the most important early Breitling sports watches.
Image 1 of 15
Image 2 of 15
Image 3 of 15
Image 4 of 15
Image 5 of 15
Image 6 of 15
Image 7 of 15
Image 8 of 15
Image 9 of 15
Image 10 of 15
Image 11 of 15
Image 12 of 15
Image 13 of 15
Image 14 of 15
Image 15 of 15