Breitling resurrects a 67-year-old aviation watch

Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling have once again dipped into the history books to revive one of their most striking timepieces designed to accompany pilots in some of the world’s most extreme flying environments.

The Breitling AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition echoes this same formula of combining reliable timekeeping with robust construction and high legibility, modernised to satisfy the most demanding requisites of flying today.

Following in the footsteps of the watchmaker’s wildly popular 2019-release of the Navitimer Ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition, the new timepiece is aiming to recapture a similar glory.

"It was always clear to us that long-time Breitling fans would embrace these watches," says CEO Georges Kern.

"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."

Paying homage to the debut of the watch on the wrists of pilots, the AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition is being produced in a limited series of 1953 pieces, each of which will be marked "ONE OF 1953".

On the mechanical front, it will be powered by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber B09, a manually wound mechanical chronograph movement based on the brand’s celebrated in-house Manufacture Caliber 01. The movement has also been COSC-certified to ensure it maintains precision timekeeping.

On the dial the new watch features the same Arabic numerals as found on the 1953 Co-Pilot. The hand-applied Super-Luminova marking colours have been carefully selected to mimic the same luminescent material seen on the original. Even the stainless-steel case has been retained in a sizable 41.1mm. Given the 67-year difference between the old and new, Breitling made sure to upgrade the water resistance which is now rated at 30m.

Watch aficionados after elevated levels of luxury will be pleased to hear that Breitling will also be releasing the AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition in two precious metal variants.

The first is crafted in 18K red gold with a black dial and a brown vintage-inspired leather strap. This model will see a limited-edition run of 253 pieces. The second is being produced in platinum and features a blue dial and a gold vintage-inspired leather strap. Only 153 pieces of this version will be offered.

Specifications

Model: The Breitling AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition
Case: 41.1mm stainless steel, rose gold or platinum
Movement: Breitling Manufacture Caliber B09
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph counters
Water resistance: 30m
Strap: Black leather, brown leather or gold leather, with contrasting stitching
Price: A$11,100 (stainless steel); A$29,500 (red gold); A$54,990 (platinum)