Manufacturer: Breitling Year: Circa 1967 Reference No: 765 CP Case No: 1’140’684 Model Name: Co-Pilot “Yachting” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 178, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Breitling deployant clasp Dimensions: 41mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Extract from the Archives from Breitling confirming its date of manufacture of the present example in April 1967.
Catalogue Essay
The Breitling ref. 765 was first released in 1953 fitted with a metallic stainless steel bezel and was modeled as the AVI. In 1965, after enjoying a few variations of the AVI, Breitling released the ref. 765 CP (Co-Pilot) replacing the AVI. In response to the surging demand for sports chronograph timepieces, the 1960s witnessed the birth of legendary chronograph timepieces such as the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona and the Heuer Autavia, Breitling introduced the ref. 765 CP with a color coded “Yachting” dial and bezel resulting in a regatta countdown timer. Extremely attractive the bezel is color coded red, white and blue in a 15-minute counter enabling the wearer to track the start of the race independently with an option of activating the chronograph or by aligning the start of the red sector on the bezel against the minutes hand. The reference was produced for a very short time, with early examples featuring a thin white chronographic hand and later examples featuring a bright neon orange luminous chronographic hand.
The present example from circa 1967 belongs to one of the earliest batches of the reference featuring the updated orange luminous chronographic hand. With an attractive bezel that is well-preserved, the present timepiece is a rare and unusual timepiece that adds a playful touch to the traditional ref. 765 CP.
The firm started by Leon Breitling in 1884 is best known for its technical aviation and oceanic watches. Today, all models are outfitted with certified chronometer movements, used for accurate timing. Early aviation pioneers in specialized chronograph timepieces, Breitling introduced the circular slide rule to watches in the 1940s for use by pilots. The firm’s most iconic chronograph, the Navitimer, was introduced in 1954 and continues to be manufactured today. Another key model is the Duograph, a split-seconds chronograph that was Breitling's most prestigious wristwatch during the 1940s through '60s. Their watches are built on their reputation for precision and sturdiness.