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Breitling Vintage Co-Pilot AVI Chronograph Ref. 765 - approx. 1965 - UTI signature

A true icon of vintage aviation watchmaking, the Breitling Co-Pilot AVI Chronograph Ref. 765 captures the spirit of the golden age of aviation. Manufactured around 1965, this impressive stainless-steel chronograph combines distinctive pilot-watch aesthetics, historical significance, and the unmistakable charm of mid-century Breitling design.

The watch features a striking black dial with contrasting silver sub-dials, creating a highly legible and beautifully balanced appearance. Particularly noteworthy is its double-signed dial bearing both the Breitling and UTI logos, a detail that adds an extra layer of historical interest and collectibility.

UTI was an important French watch distributor and retailer during the 1950s and 1960s. Breitling partnered with UTI to distribute its watches on the French market, resulting in special double-signed examples featuring both brands on the dial. This distinctive signature can be found on a number of sought-after vintage Breitling models, including certain Navitimer, Chronomat, and Top Time references.

Today, these Breitling UTI double-signed dials are particularly appealing to collectors, as they represent a specific chapter in the brand's international distribution history and are considerably less common than their standard Breitling-signed counterparts. On this Co-Pilot AVI Ref. 765, the UTI signature is more than a subtle design detail,  it is a fascinating reminder of the watch's historical connection to the French market.

Inside beats the renowned Venus 175 hand-wound chronograph movement, a classic Swiss calibre admired for its traditional construction and its important place in the history of mechanical chronographs.

One of the defining features of the Co-Pilot AVI is its substantial 41 mm stainless-steel case. Exceptionally bold for its era, the case gives the watch a commanding presence on the wrist while retaining the functional proportions of a purpose-built pilot's chronograph. The bi-directional rotating steel bezel, engraved with numerals and indices, adds both practical functionality and a distinctive tool-watch aesthetic.

To complement its rugged aviation-inspired design, we have fitted this example with a beautiful brown Tropic-style leather strap featuring sporty cut-outs. The warm brown leather provides an appealing contrast to the black dial and stainless-steel case, enhancing the watch's vintage character while giving it a relaxed, sporty appearance.

The Co-Pilot AVI Ref. 765 also carries an intriguing cultural legacy. The model is associated with figures from the worlds of sport, cinema, and motorsport, including French Olympic skiing champion Jean-Claude Killy, actress Raquel Welch, who wore the watch during the skydiving sequences in the Hollywood film Fathom, and legendary racing driver Ken Miles. These connections further underline the enduring appeal of the Ref. 765 among collectors and enthusiasts of vintage tool watches.

With its impressive proportions, distinctive black-and-silver dial, celebrated Venus chronograph movement, and rare Breitling–UTI double signature, this Co-Pilot AVI is far more than a vintage wristwatch. It is a remarkable piece of 1960s design that brings together functionality, personality, and a fascinating chapter of horological history.

"A seriously cool vintage pilot's chronograph with an uncommon double-signed dial, a strong wrist presence, and the unmistakable character of Breitling's golden age."

Comes with a one-year warranty through our watch lab.

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