Back in the 1950s, the original Co-Pilot Ref. 765 AVI starred next to another Breitling icon: the Navitimer. With its bold design, engraved rotating bezel and extra legible dial the 765 AVI instantaneously became the perfect companion to the Navitimer as the rugged and reliable pilots’ watch. Today, the AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition recreates to the very last detail one of the early executions of the Co-Pilot Ref. 765 AVI. Its all-black dial, protected by a highly-domed Hesalite crystal, has the same Arabic numerals as the original Co-Pilot from 1953, with tone-on-tone small seconds, 15-minute and 12-hour chronograph counters. The hand-applied Super-LumiNova color has been carefully chosen to recall the original luminescent material and gives the AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition an additional touch of vintage allure. The 41mm stainless steel case is also identical, and the bezel is secured by three screws that are placed in precisely the same positions as those on the watch from 1953. There are only two concessions to modernity that distinguish this new timepiece from its famous ancestor: the water resistance has been improved up to 3 bar (30 meters) and keen-eyed observers will see that “GENEVE” does not appear on the dial anymore. The AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition is powered by the in-house Breitling Manufacture Caliber B09, a hand-wound COSC-certified caliber based on the renowned Breitling Caliber 01 and developed specifically for historical re-editions. It is available on a black vintage-inspired leather strap with a pin buckle as a limited-edition of 1953 pieces, each of which is engraved “ONE OF 1953”.
Information:
Reference: AB0920131B1X1
Limited: 1953 made
Strap: Leather Calfskin
Case: 41mmx 14.05mm Thickness - Stainless Steel
Lug Width: 22mm
Movement: Breitling B09 - Automatic
Functions: HMS, date, chronograph
Box and Papers: Inner/outer boxes, and warranty card
Crystal: Plexiglass
Bracelet size: 7.75"
Condition:
Case has light normal micro wear with nothing notable. Strap has moderate creasing with no extra wear. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear. Watch runs within spec.
History of Breitling
Breitling, founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling in Switzerland, has a rich history of innovation in watchmaking. The company quickly established itself as a leader in precision timers and chronographs, introducing significant advancements such as the first wrist-worn chronograph with an independent pusher in 1915. Under the leadership of three generations of the Breitling family, the brand became renowned for its aviation timepieces, launching the iconic Navitimer in 1952. Despite challenges from quartz technology in the 1970s, Breitling adapted and continued to innovate, introducing models like the Chronomat and Aerospace that combined traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
In recent years, Breitling has undergone a strategic repositioning under new ownership and leadership. While honoring its heritage, the brand has embraced modern design, sustainability, and digital innovation. Breitling has restructured its product portfolio around Air, Land, and Sea categories, reintroduced classic collections, and launched eco-friendly initiatives. The company has also ventured into digital realms with blockchain-based watch passports and a subscription service. These efforts have positioned Breitling as a forward-thinking brand that balances its storied past with contemporary consumer needs and values.
