The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello,

i am new here. I have a vintage AVI 765 breitling, in need of some restoration. It was given to me by my father. I wore it for years.

It looks like the 5th image at this site: http://people.timezone.com/breitling/bf ... ction.html

If anyone has any information about or where I should send to be worked on, I would appreciate the feedback.

Thanks in advance.

Tom

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~Tom~

Welcome to BreitlingSource Tom.

We have a member here chronodeco (Craig) who may be able to help - he'll need to see photos of the actual watch. Pop him a PM or wait for him tio see this.

I'm also going to create a new thread for this as it isn't directly relevant to the original one here.

Thanks Roff,

Here are some pictures. Sorry about the cheap band on this watch.









Any insights are welcomed.

Thanks Tom

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~Tom~

Should I attempt to take the back off to show the movement? I have never done that. What tool should I use?

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~Tom~

Looks like a nice original AVI, although points off for the misaligned bezel

Obviously needs a little TLC, but doesn't look too bad. Obviously can't comment on the movement without seeing it and can't date without a serial number, but looks nice. A very collectable watch.

I would rather that you took the watch to a jeweller / watchmaker to have the caseback removed - just in case

They'll let you take photos then (movement and inside of caseback would be ideal).

Is the serial number inside? I will take it to a jeweler this weekend. How do I go about sending to a respectable repair shop? Sorry about the novice nature of my questions.

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~Tom~

Serial number is on the inside of the caseback.

See whether Craig can help you out on restoration and then you can just send him the watch, if not there are other options depending on how long you want to wait and how much you are prepared to spend. These AVIS are valuable pieces and may be worth dealing with Mark Heist at Horological Services in PA. Expensive and a year long wait, but a reputation second to none.

Should be a great looking and valuable watch when restored. Contact me directly at - chronodeco@embarqmail.com.
Thanks, Craig

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S. Craig Bergsma

I find Horological Services to be very fair in their pricing and they have the best access to original parts. They are the most experienced and are designated by Breitling USA as the vintage restoration service. Since they have added staff, their average turnaround time is less than six months.

I recommend them without reservation. They will troubleshoot your watch for $25 and let you decide what service and restoration you want to pay for. See them at www.horologicalservices.com.

Thanks Bill, I will look into it.

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~Tom~

These AVI's are indeed valuable pieces... take good care of it~! and enjoy!

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"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

Didn't realise that the wait had come down - that's good news. I agree that the prices are fair - I should have been clearer:

More expensive than many, but definitely a case of getting what you pay for and definitely good value.

One of my all time favourite Breitlings.
Wear in good health. Out of interest was your father a pilot?

Now that is how I remember my watch looking! Great picture.

No my father was not a pilot. He was however Special Forces, if that matters.

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~Tom~

It's a rare tool watch and was made in much smaller quantities than the Navitimers. I was just curious
if he used it for something specific or if he just liked the look of it. Either way it's a wonderful watch to inherit.

There's a nice article on the history of the watch here:

http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=112

The AVI was followed by the Co-Pilot.

Be great to see it when you've had it restored.