New 2020 watch release Breitling AVI Ref 765 1953 Re-Edition
The new 2020 watch release Breitling AVI Ref 765 1953 Re-Edition is a nod to a classic from Breitling’s archive of amazing heritage watches. It has been launched closely on the heels of 2019’s successful re-edition, the Navitimer Ref. 806 1959.
The Context
The Breitling AVI Ref 765 1953 Re-Edition is full of vintage vibes, that have come about as a result of using the original Ref. 765 AVI’s design codes.
The most striking element about this watch is the combination of the beautifully dark dial with the steel rotating bezel and oversized numerals, all working in harmony to provide for excellent legibility.
The original was launched back in 1953 as a pilot’s watch (AVI is short for ‘aviation’) and had been nicknamed the “Co-Pilot”.
This so called ‘Co-Pilot’ was in turn a 1950s interpretation of the onboard clocks designed and produced by Breitling’s Huit Aviation Department in the 1930s and 1940s.
67 years into this, in 2020, Breitling is now honouring the legacy of this famous pilot’s watch in the form of the AVI Ref 765 1953 Re-Edition.
“It was always clear to us that long-time Breitling fans would embrace these watches. But it’s also exciting to see how strongly they appeal to people who are new to our brand – they can take one look at a Re-Edition and see how much living history, innovation, and cool luxury we can pack into a single watch.”
CEO Breitling Georges Kern
A Faithful Re-Edition
One of the reason why Breitling works so well for the fans, is that their re-editions usually are spot on and retain the original vintage charm. Breitling has made every effort to ensure that the AVI Ref 765 1953 Re-Edition is no different.
- It features the same Arabic numerals as the 1953 Co-Pilot.
- It features the same hand-applied Super-LumiNova® on the numeral and hour/minute hands.
- Even the colours of the above have been carefully chosen to recall the luminescent material on the original.
- The 41.1mm stainless-steel case is also identical.
- The bezel is secured by three screws that are placed in precisely the same positions as those on the watch from 1953.
- The watch features thin syringe hands, which exactly match those on the earliest examples.
- A domed hesalite crystal that has been fashioned in precisely the same shape as the original.
The Modern Touches
Given that the watch os being released in 2020, Breitling rightfully have updated a couple of elements to suit the modern era.
- The water resistance of the AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition has been increased to 30m (3 ATM) though even that compared to modern standards in not the best (perhaps the only flaw we see with this otherwise praise-worthy watch release).
- The text “GENEVE” no longer appears on the dial.
AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition | Courtesy Copyright © Breitling
Features of the Reference AB0920131B1X1
The Movement
The heart used — Breitling Manufacture Calibre B09 — is a COSC-certified hand-wound mechanical movement with a column-wheel, vertical clutch chronograph beating at the frequency of 4Hz (28’800 A/h).
The movement is encased inside a — rather on the large side — 41.1mm diameter and 13.95mm thick stainless steel case. It comprises of a bidirectional bezel and boasts of an impressive 70 hours power reserve. The case-back in stainless steel is closed.
The Dial
The watch face shows the traditional functions of hours, minutes, seconds along with chronograph featuring three sub-dials featuring 1/5th second display, 15-minute display and a 12-hour counter. It is covered by a convex hesalite crystal.
The dial is a sombre black harking back to the 1953 original. The numerals, and the thin syringe hour & minute hands are filled with Super-LumiNova® for added luminescent legibility in the dark.
To complete this vintage look, the watch comes on a black vintage-inspired leather strap with pin buckle.
The Variations
The Breitling AVI Ref 765 1953 Re-Edition will also be released in two other precious material variations, giving fans more options to choose from.
The reference RB0920131B1X1 will be in 18k red gold on a brown vintage-inspired leather strap with pin buckle, and will be released only in a limited-edition run of 253 pieces, and “ONE OF 253” will be engraved on its snapped instead of screwed caseback.
The reference LB0920131C1X1 will be in platinum on a beautiful gold vintage-inspired leather strap with pin buckle, and will be released only in a limited-edition run of 153 pieces, and “ONE OF 153” will be engraved on its snapped instead of screwed platinum caseback. Another difference is that the dial colour of this version is a stunning blue, and even though it sets it apart from the original, man that is a stunner of a watch.
Watch Ya Gonna Do About It?
The new 2020 watch release Breitling AVI Ref 765 1953 Re-Edition is a good looking utility and sports watch and given it’s got that always dependable black coloured dial and stainless steel material, it’s going to be a crowd pleaser. Throw in the cool heritage and legacy factor, and Breitling has got a winner in their hands.
Given that the watches are limited edition —the AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition is being produced in a limited series of 1953 pieces, each of which will be numbered “ONE OF 1953” — they are something that Breitling or aviation fans, or even people who love vintage watches, should be lining up to get their hands on. Not forgetting the precious material releases, but we still think the steel variation would be the most coveted amongst the collectors.
The watch is not really an office wear watch being a bit too thick to fit perfectly under the cuff, but wearing this with just jeans and a t-shirt would be sublimely amazing. It can also double up as a sports watch, and that shiny step bezel on the black dial is sure to turn heads where your flying adventures take you.
For more information on this watch and other Breitling watches, head to their website here.
