The Breitling Navitimer 1959 Re-edition was the best thing the watchmaker launched last year. It satisfied a desire for archival design and hit the nail on the head with a perfect collector’s re-issue. It was only a matter of time before Breitling did it again, and that time is now near, with the AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-edition.
The AVI, as a bit of background, was released in 1953 and was known as the “Co-pilot” by the people who actually wore the thing in the cockpit. With a bolder look and oversized numerals compared to the Navitimer, it was a quintessential aviation watch, hence the name AVI. In short, it was the rugged, less-technical sibling of the Navi.
The AVI is actually a watch that has inspired many modern Breitlings. It’s based on the original 30s and 40s cockpit instruments Breitling made for professional pilots, which in turn served as inspiration for the current Aviator collection.
This new limited edition, however, is as faithful to the original as possible. It has the exact same Arabic numerals, lume colors, syringe hands, and a hesalite crystal made in the exact same way as the one from the 50s. The 41.1mm steel case is also a perfect replica. In short, it’s OCD.
As with all these things, the movement is a giveaway. The B09 manufacture movement is a step above vintage Breitling. But there are other changes, even if they’re minor. The first is the increased depth resistance (still only 30m, so not too loud), and the word GENEVE has been stripped from the dial. They’re minor and easy to understand, even among die-hard vintage enthusiasts.
Precious metals might be a bit over the top though. Still, the AVI 1959 is also available in rose gold with a black dial and platinum with a blue dial. Breitling is walking a tightrope with this pair, but neither includes the re-edition moniker, so that’s forgivable. And the platinum version is particularly handsome.
The rose gold version is limited to 253 pieces; the platinum is limited to 153. The highlight, the AVI Ref. 765 Re-Edition, however, will be unrestricted. Wait a minute… Here’s another great-looking Breitling Archive.
Price and specifications:
Model name: Breitling AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition
Ref: AB0920131B1X1 (steel); RB0920131B1X1 (rose gold); LB0920131C1X1 (platinum)
Case/dial: 41mm diameter, steel, rose gold or platinum
Water resistance: 30m (3 bar)
Movement: Breitling B09 Manufacture, manual winding
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4Hz)
Power reserve: 70h
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph with 15-minute and 12-hour counters
Strap: Leather (black or brown) with pin buckle
Price: £6,520 (steel), £16,950 (rose gold), £28,900 (platinum), Steel Limited Edition 1953 Limited to 253 pieces in rose gold and 153 pieces in platinum, available in April 2020
English 
Russian 
Italian 
German 
Danish 
French 
Swedish 
Dutch