In 1950s, a surge of demand for diver’s watches begun during the increase of scientific explorations of the seas and booming of nautical leisure activities. To answer the demand, the leading manufacture of aviation time instruments, Breitling, stepped into the scene with the simultaneous launch of two ground breaking diving wristwatches named the SuperOcean: a time-only ref. 1004 and a chronograph ref. 807. Making its mark on the map amongst the offerings by Rolex, Blancpain and Omega in 1957, the SuperOcean is cased in large 39mm diameter stainless steel boasting 200m water resistance with a distinctive design. Fitted with a concave revolving bezel design and elongated lugs for best comfort, the ref. 807 features an industry first to employ white registers against the black dial, furthermore the luminous indexes borrows Art Deco inspiration which fortify its unique personality and good looks.

The present SuperOcean ref. 807 chronograph is most probably one of the rarest dive chronographs to appear in the market as it is only made in very few quantities and rarely does an example grace the auction room. The reference was also prominently illustrated in the FERO – 150 Steel Chronographs book by one of the foremost watch collectors, scholars and authors in the world, Pucci Papaleo. Preserved in an absolutely outstanding condition with a clean dial and beautiful warm patina on the lumes. Combined with its state of preservation and rarity, the present specimen is surely an uber rare chance to acquire this first iteration of the diver’s chronograph by Breitling.