Manufacturer: Breitling
Year: Circa 1965
Reference No: 765CP AVI
Case No: 1’026’480
Model Name: Co-Pilot
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Manual, cal. 178, 17 jewels, stamped “WOG”
Bracelet/Strap: Leather
Dimensions: 42mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed.
Accessories: Accompanied by Breitling International Certificate, LIP retailer presentation box, and world service brochure. Additionally accompanied by a Breitling Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture of the case in August of 1965.
Catalogue Essay
Developed in the early 1960s, Breitling’s reference 765 AVI was to become one of the official timepieces for the French Naval Airforce, hence the inscribed “AVI” inscription on the caseback. At the time, Breitling was just one of several manufacturers developing a military timepiece under strict guidelines from the French military. As a pilot’s watch, the timepiece featured an oversized 15-minute counter at 3 o’clock and twelve hour rotating bezel, useful for navigational calculations. The Co-Pilot replaced an earlier reference 765 "Digital" that featured a digital minute’s counter at 3 o’clock and incorporated an oversized minute counter fitted with large luminous indicators at each three minute increment. Legibility in low light conditions and accuracy were paramount in the creation of this Co-Pilot.

As always, a watch benefits from celebrity association, and the 765 Co-Pilot boasts not just one, but two strong celebrity endorsements: Jean-Claude Killy, the famous Swiss alpine ski racer, and Raquel Welch, the prominent mid-century actress who wore a 765 Co-Pilot with steel bezel in the James Bond spoof movie, Fathom (1967). Though it was another manufacturer that would take Killy on as an ambassador and led to his name being attached to a specific reference, it is the Breitling 765 Co-Pilot that was photographed on Killy’s wrist after he won all three gold medals in alpine skiing at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France.

The present example is in excellent original condition, nearly "new-old-stock", and even retaining its likely original Breitling leather strap. It is made all the more exceptional with the French retailer LIP signature below the Breitling signature on the dial. The watch is accompanied with its LIP presentation box and international certificate.
Artist Biography
Breitling
Swiss • 1884
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.
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