Nostalgic designs, practical functions, deep roots in brand history: Limited re-editions of famous tool watches from the past have been popular with manufacturers and watch fans for years. It’s no wonder, because modern reinterpretations of historic watches satisfy the needs of many watch lovers; namely, to wear an exclusive watch with history that is fully suitable for everyday use and won’t break the bank. In 2020, Breitling released the AVI 765 1953 Re-Edition ref. AB0920131B1X1, and with it, successfully reissued one of its classic chronographs in a limited edition of 1,953 pieces. The design and function of this watch are almost identical to the original Co-Pilot ref. Avi 765 model, which Breitling introduced in 1953.
Design and Functions of the AVI 765 1953 Re-Edition
The dial of the Breitling Co-Pilot Avi 765 follows the Type 20 chronogaph design. Timepieces in this style are deeply rooted in the history of pilot’s watches and are closely linked to the French Air Force. In the 1950s, the latter needed easy-to-read, accurate, and robust chronographs for its pilots and commissioned several watchmakers to produce them. One of the first brands to do so was Breguet, and the Type 20 remains in their catalog to this day. While the function and design of the Breitling follow the Type 20 concept, these watches weren’t actually manufactured for the French Air Force. Instead, the watches were aimed at pilots and the aviation industry in general. Type 20 chronographs are available with two or three subdials.
In the case of the Breitling Co-Pilot Avi 765, it’s a tri-compax chronograph with subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. The subdial at 3 o’clock is particularly interesting: It’s a 15-minute counter. Pilots from that era needed this feature to measure the time it took to warm up the engines and complete pre-flight checks. These checks typically needed to be completed within 15 minutes, if possible. In the 1950s, this function was considered a modern addition to a wristwatch. All other functions of the Avi 765 are what you’d expect from a typical chronograph: The 12-hour counter is located at 6 o’clock, while the small seconds sits at 9 o’clock. To ensure pilots can read the time in poor lighting conditions, ample luminous material is used on the Arabic numerals, 15-minute counter, and hands. The same goes for the 1953 re-edition. Breitling opted for a cream-colored luminous material that gives the watch added vintage charm. Some people call this “fauxtina,” but it’s important to note that the 1953 version had luminous material in a similar tone. So, in this case, it’s historically accurate. The Avi 765’s bidirectional rotating stainless steel bezel features a 12-hour scale that allows the wearer to set the time in a second time zone.
The Breitling AVI 765 1953 Re-Edition: Details
With the AVI 765 1953 Re-Edition, Breitling not only remains true to the design of the 1953 original, but the dimensions are also on point: The polished case measures 41 mm across. This size is considered average today, but in the 1950s, it was huge and reserved only for tool watches. But it’s not too overpowering and is still suitable for slightly narrower wrists that fall south of 18 cm. This is largely thanks to the relatively modest lug-to-lug of 48.7 mm. If you include the Plexiglass, the height measures in at 14 mm. This makes the chronograph relatively slim by Breitling standards – a fact that is also attributable to the mechanical hand-wound caliber. With a lug width of 22 mm, the AVI 765 1953 Re-Edition comes in pretty average here, too. However, the calf leather strap tapers to 18 mm towards the clasp, which means the watch doesn’t look overbearing even on a slimmer wrist. I personally think the biggest downside is the water resistance of the current AVI 765, which is only 30 m (98 ft, 3 bar). Sure, you’re not going to take your pilot’s watch out for a swim on a leather strap, but a little more depth gives you a little more everyday peace of mind. OK, let’s get to the heart of the AVI 765 1953 Re-Edition: the in-house caliber B09. Breitling presented this hand-wound caliber alongside the watch in 2020. The movement is COSC-certified by the Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute. The B09 beats at today’s standard 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of 70 hours. You won’t be able to see this beauty at work, though, because it’s hidden behind the stainless steel case back. That said, the rear of the case is engraved with all kinds of things, including the Breitling logo, the model name “765 AVI,” and the inscription “ONE OF 1953”. It goes without saying that sequential numbering would have been better. Nevertheless, this type of customization has become too complex for many watch manufacturers, as each case back would require individual engraving.
Conclusion
The Breitling AVI 765 1953 Re-Edition is a successful homage to its great role model from the 1950s. The designers and engineers responsible have remained true to the 1953 Co-Pilot Avi 765 in every respect and have thus revived a classic that is sure to excite fans of pilot’s watches. For an average price of $6,800 for a new model on Chrono24, watch lovers can get their hands on a great everyday wearer with a cool vintage look. A solid in-house, hand-wound caliber completes the overall package. My only critique is that Breitling could have increased the water resistance – simply because they can!
