Breitling - The New York Watch Auction: SIX New York Saturday, June 11, 2022 | Phillips
  • 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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Ref. 765CP AVI
An attractive and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with oversized 15-minutes register, with International Certificate and retailer presentation box, retailed by LIP

Circa 1965
42mm Diameter
Case, dial, and movement signed.

Estimate
$8,000 - 12,000 
CHF7,700-11,600
€7,500-11,200
HK$62,800-94,100
S$11,000-16,500

Sold for $15,120

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

Isabella Proia

Head of Sale, New York

+1 (212) 940 1285

iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: SIX

New York Auction 11-12 June 2022