Breitling Co-Pilot AVI 765 for Air-France circa 1953. - Lot 223

Breitling Co-Pilot AVI 765 for Air-France circa 1953. Chronograph watch bracelet in steel. Round case with steel graduated outer bezel (screwed). Screwed case back. Black dial with three sub-counters for seconds, chrono minutes and chrono hours. Original hands and first version of the chrono seconds hand of type "leaf" and which will become right thereafter. (presence of traces of oxidation at the level of the sub-counters). Breitling mechanical movement (base Venus 178, oils of the balance bridge gummed), Taupe leather strap. Diameter : 41mm Lug : 22mm Sold with its original box and a paper from Breitling assuring that the watch has been adjusted according to the Air France specifications. Rare at the sale our model is entirely original and, even rarer, it is accompanied by its box and its notice allowing to affiliate it with the Air France company. Breitling based its reputation on iconic models for pilots in the 1950s and 1960s. The Co-Pilot AVI 765 participated in the birth of the myth. This reference was offered to airlines such as Air France, KLM, Douglas to equip their pilots. The large diameter for the time, the black dial and the hands allowed an optimal visibility during the flights. The model remains modern since it was reissued in 2020 and celebrates this year its 70th anniversary.