In 1953, Breitling launched Ref. 765 AVI (the AVI stands for aviation), a watch that became known as the ‘Co-Pilot’.
It was big and chunky, with a rotating bezel and large Arabic numerals. The reason for its co-pilot moniker was that the dial’s legibility made it easy to read in harsh conditions (letting pilots count on it when they needed information).
Sixty-seven years after its initial launch, Breitling has said it will be re-making the iconic watch in either steel, rose gold or platinum.
The new watch is a faithful recreation from the original, with a 41mm case, domed crystal over the dial and a 12-hour screw-secured bezel. They will be made in limited quantities, 1953 in steel, 253 in gold and 153 in platinum.
IT’s powered by an upgraded movement (B09 calibre) that provides the watch with a 70-hour power reserve. It also offers a running seconds wheel on the dial, provided by Breitling’s well-known B01 column wheel.
The watches start at US$8,050 for the steel version and are available. All three are available later this month in select Breitling boutiques.
