Breitling 765 AVI first generation 1953 ‘Digital’

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This is the absolute first and initial model of the 765 AVI , with the ‘date window’ as a minute counter also called ‘The Digital AVI 765’, which has no “Geneve” on the dial (Breitling moved to Geneve in the 2nd half of 1953) an a-typical Chrono hand which is (for lack of a better word) ‘tapered’ and quite narrow hour and minute hands with long narrow tips .

In 1952/1953, the unproven rumors go, Breitling was in intense negotiations w/ the French Airforce and the AVI was developed based on the ref. 765, adapting the 30 minute counter to 15 minutes and adding the 12h bezel – prototypes or a small series were delivered and then the political connections of Breguet/Vixa changed the tender specs to add the flyback functions and Breitling lost the contract. Unsubstantiated, unproven and probably unprovable today, as most corporate documents were not passed on to the new trademark owner, Mr. Schneider. Probably still lying somewhere in a safe

What we do know however , and what we are absolutely certain of, is that the Breitling 765 AVI predates the Breguet type XX by at least 1 year. With the earliest Breitling I have seen (serial 820441) released 1/2 1953 and the Breguet type XX being released in 1954 . This by itself should be enough proof that the Breitling 765 AVI was designed, made and released prior to the Breguet type XX.

 

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Description

CASE & BACK: This watchmeasures a large 41.5 x 47mm not including crown and is 14mm to the top of the flush fit crystal. The heavy all-steel case does not appear to have ever been polished and still shows its original bevels and contrast satin-polished finish. There are very few superficial scratches and some nicks commensurate with a very lightly worn 51-year-old tool watch  — Fantastic vintage condition overall. The outer part of the screwed steel back has some very light and superficial scratches but shows its original Breitling nomenclature of the period including the 827128 1953 serial numberon the inside, which indicates a 1953 production, and correct 765 AVI reference–also Excellent original cosmetic condition. The inner caseback shows no corrosion and has the correct internal Breitling engraving of the era.

BEZEL: The Stainless steel rotating bezel is correct and original and in Very Good condition with 3 screws in place The bezel itself rotates with good tension in both directions as designed.

DIAL & HANDS: Absolutely Near Mint matte black dial with white printing and finely calibrated track and only the minor imperfections visible under a loupe All original ‘coffe cream’ colored Tritium luminous numbers but some of the lume has disappeared over time.

CROWN & PUSHERS: Signed Breitling crown looks very clean and winds and pulls out to the time-setting position as it should. It sits tightly against the case. The two pusher caps are likewise in Excellent shape and both chrono pushers work as they should and also nice and crisply.

CRYSTAL: Large flush-fit acrylic crystal is Excellent+ without scratches and no deep marks and sits barely proud of the bezel, which I believe to be correct for this model.

MOVEMENT: Legendary Venus 178 chronograph movement Heavily modified to accommodate the 15 minute aperture minute counter is looking bright and working well with all correct Breitling nomenclature of the era and shock protection. WHat has been serviced in 2014 and it is keeping good time with a strong power reserve and all chronograph functions are working properly and returning to zero. This is guaranteed to be the case at the time of shipment.

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