Breitling Superocean Ref. 1004 Service Return

amanico · 2015-12-01T00:15:16Z

After 2.5 years, the Breitling Superocean Ref. 1004 returns from service. Explore this vintage 1950s diver's unique design and restoration journey.

amanico

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

22 replies2891 views1 photos

Amanico celebrates the long-awaited return of his Breitling Superocean Ref. 1004 after an extensive two-and-a-half-year service, highlighting the patience required for vintage watch restoration. His post offers a detailed appreciation of this 1950s diving watch, emphasizing its unique design elements and historical significance.

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Two years and a half between the moment I gave it for a service and the moment I got it back!

If this is not patience, I don't know what patience is.

The movement needed a huge service, the dial has been cleaned, some work on the bezel, et voilà... A quick picture to welcome it back!

The Breitling Superocean Ref 1004 is according to me, one of the finest vintage diving watches from the Fifties.

An elegant case, a very original concave bezel ( unique? ) and what a dial!

The flaws? A very small, but original crown, which is not practical at all when you want to set the time or wind the movement, and the movement, an automatic ETA which is nothing exceptional, but it was the case in most of vintage diving watches, though, except the Vulcain Cricket Nautical, or the Jaeger Lecoultre Deep Sea Alarm.

I will try to take additional pictures later, but wanted to share this glad moment with all of you.

Best,

Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2015-12-01 03:30:03

Key Points from the Discussion

The lengthy service turnaround time for vintage watches is a common experience, with some collectors reporting similar waits of over a year, especially when dealing with brand museums or sourcing rare parts.
The Breitling Superocean Ref. 1004 is praised for its elegant case, original concave bezel, and distinctive dial, with some lamenting that modern Superocean models lack this vintage charm.
The watch's small crown is noted as a practical flaw for setting time or winding, and its ETA movement, while not exceptional, was typical for many vintage diving watches of the era.
One contributor recalls almost acquiring a similar Superocean with a metal-mesh bracelet, suggesting different strap pairings for the reference.
The 'date wheel' on some vintage Breitling models is actually a minute counter for the stopwatch function, counting 1 to 15.

The Discussion

HSTE

Dec 1, 2015

Your watch is just absolutely freakingly stunning.....

When I sent them my Breitling (below) I first got a letter from the Museum that they wanted to buy it (which I declined) and then it took as well more than a year, but the wait was wothwhile...

crown comfort

Dec 1, 2015

Those vintage Breitlings

are fantastic, especially when comparing them with their modern grandchildren.. Good old times!

Luis6

Dec 1, 2015

Yes. Good old times. I'm not a big fan of modern muscular bulky Breitling watches, but these vintage ones are just beautiful. [nt]

amanico

Dec 1, 2015

Have to agree, sadly. [nt]

amanico

Dec 1, 2015

I didn't send it to Breitling, but to a skilled watchmaker who knows Vintage watches. Yours is top, AVI if I am right? [nt]

HSTE

Dec 1, 2015

AVI 765 "digital".....

....with the "date wheel" not being a date wheel but the minute counter of the stopwatch (counting 1 to 15).

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Breitling Superocean Ref. 1004 Service Return

Key Points from the Discussion

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