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Co-pilot 7650 - Informations needed please
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Author:  Noodia [ Sat Aug 07, 2010 10:02 am ]
Post subject:  Co-pilot 7650 - Informations needed please
Hi everybody,

I secured yesterday this beautiful piece :

Image
(seller's picture)
I should receive it next week.

Since I have to confess I'm fully ignorant to the vintage Breiling watches,
I've spent hours (and hours...) to browse everywhere on the Internet to chase informations on the full co-pilot range and on this particular model.
I must say I did not find much and I'm really confused by what I found here and there...

Could the gurus guide me or provide me relevant informations/history about this particular model ?
Are there any books which could allow me to better understand the whole co-pilot range ?
Also it would be very helpful if some of the following questions could be (even partially) answered :

-Is this particular model a 7650 ?, I read it could be called 1765/36 with such a black bezel, I'm confused,
-Was this model designed for the French Air Force ? So why a yachting type sub-register ?
-Is this type of black bezel (as opposed to the silver ones) original, what was the intention with such a variation ?
-What were the original strap(s) and buckle(s) originally delivered with these watches ?
-Are there any places where I could source both ?

I strongly thank you for your support,

All the best,

Laurent

PS: please forgive poor English writing skills, French people have poor foreign languages talents
Author:  Roffensian [ Sat Aug 07, 2010 3:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Co-pilot 7650 - Informations needed please
Votre anglais est meilleur que mon français!

First of all, it's a very nice watch.

There are very few documented sources for vintage Breitlings, the best is Benno Richter's - http://www.amazon.com/Breitling-History ... 546&sr=8-3

It's a long way from perfect, but about the best that we have available to us. Breitling's book published last year (Breitling - The Book) is also good, but rather pricey.
.
It's a 7650 for me, not a 1765, and I'm not aware of a French Air Force connection - I'll check my books

The bezel is original, and I think it was to assist with readibility as a countdown timer. They generally came with a generic leather strap and buckle - not particularly good quality by today's standards.
Author:  jlee5050 [ Sat Aug 07, 2010 10:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Co-pilot 7650 - Informations needed please
Wow seems like it's co-pilot month~ very nice
Author:  Noodia [ Sun Aug 08, 2010 4:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Co-pilot 7650 - Informations needed please
Thank you gentlemen for your kind words.

Roff,
I'm grateful for provided informations and confirmation this one is a 7650.
Benno Richter's book will be quickly part of my library.

Are there any period brochure/catalog scans available of this particular model ?
It is unfortunately not part of the magnificent 1969 and 1970 catalogs featured here.

Is this correct to say the co-pilot range is part of the Navitimer range ?

Wearing a 1288XX serial #, I assume the watch is from 1969.
It's been serviced last year by the Heists and comes from a trusted friend/great collector based in the US.
It seems it'd deserve some of the following attentions to reach my usual standards :

-a case cleaning (at arrival) + maybe a gentle case refinishing in a near future ?
-absolutely period factory correct strap and buckle (crucial to me to respect authenticity) ,
-a glass maybe, are they mineral or plastic, are they any available according to you ?
-a box set if findable at not too silly pricing range

What are the best original parts/accessories sources ?

Will post a full photographic review in the appropriate forum section.

Best,

Laurent
Author:  Roffensian [ Sun Aug 08, 2010 5:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Co-pilot 7650 - Informations needed please
Serial number is 1969, and yes the co-pilots are generally considered to be part of the Navitimer family. Member vintage (Paul) is more knowledgeable than me on period straps so he may have some suggestions on where to source original straps / buckles, he usually checks in at some point on weekends.

The best bet for catalogues is to keep an eye on eBay, they come up occasionally as I am sure is the case with Heuer, I've never found anything online for this period. The crytals on these are plastic I believe, member chronodeco (Craig) may know where to find some, he restores pieces so has some contacts.

In terms of case refinishing, something as simple as cape cod cloths will likely do wonders on the polished surfaces, highly recommended on here for modern pieces and they do a great job at removing the everyday 'desk diver' marks. Just be sure to only used on polished surfaces and mask off the rest. They are readily available on eBay for no money. Boxes, well eBay again, although it may take a while to find some at sensible pricing.
Author:  alexmedwejew [ Sun Aug 08, 2010 5:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Co-pilot 7650 - Informations needed please
I think, its a 1765-36. How is it signed on the back ?
Author:  Noodia [ Sun Aug 08, 2010 11:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Co-pilot 7650 - Informations needed please
@Roff,

Many thanks for additional useful informations provided here.
Benno Richter's book has been ordered, cape code cloth too.
"Vintage Breitling" is now part of my favorite searches on my Ebay personal area.

I'm waiting for Paul's message regarding strap and buckle.
Have to see the watch for real to make sure it needs a glass replacement or not.

@Alex,

Yep, I noticed the 1765/36 reference on the inevitable Michael's websites.
The only case back picture I have right now doesn't allow me to read anything,

Laurent
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