The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Since there doesn't seem to be a comprehensive list with Breitling 765 models that were released over the years I decided to make one.

This is the list as I consider 'correct' , and as always things will change as I see or notice more differences or dates that need to change. The early history of these pieces I investigated here viewtopic.php?f=11&t=50565

1953

1953 , the birth of the 'Original' 765 AVI



1955

Around 1955 we see 2 models.
1 with a 'digital' date aperture minute counter



and 1 with a normal subdial layout



I believe that the approx number of AVI watches made, Analog and Digital combined, between 1953 & 1958 is 1000 pcs. This number is based on the serial numbers I collected


1960

still 2 models like above with the only change being the larger beads on the bezel and 'fatter' hands on both models



and the 'normal' dial layout with subdial but also 'fatter' hands and larger beads on the bezel




1962 / 63 / 64

Somewhere between 1962 and 1964 Breitling changed from an all black dial to a 'reverse' panda dial. I have seen indisputable examples with a '62 case number both in all black . and the earliest 'reverse panda' I know of also has a '62 case number . note that the 1962 / 63 / 64 765 AVI has a steel bezel



1965

1965 marked a significant change in this family of watches . The Bezel is changed from steel to anodized aluminium And the model designation changed from 'AVI' to 'CP'. The CP stands for Co-Pilot (The Raquel Welsh watch is actually a AVI , not a Co-pilot)



there was also a model with a slight variation in the bezel



1966

In addition to the 'normal' CP with black anodized bezel a 'Yachting' model with a 15 minute countdown subdial and bezel was added to the lineup , both models were sold concurrently



1967

The yachting (765 CP) model received a newly designed handset



1969

Between 1967 and 1969 Breitling stoppedr using a separate name for these on the case and they only had a reference number . So we say goodbye to the Co-Pilot name as well. An extended family we have now . the 7650 , larger than the previous 765



a newly designed yachting model 7650



and we even see a 24 hour model the 1765 Unitime



approx number of 1765 watches made, is 1000 pcs. This number is based on the serial numbers I collected , runs from 1276000 to 1276999. However a batch of these cases was used to make 'TopTime' versions . 12 hour watches with the V7736 and V178 movement . These watches were given the reference 1765/36 when equipped with the 7736 movement or left with 1765 if they have the V178 movement . 1765 Toptimes typically have a serial number in the 1276300 - 1276399 range but have been seen with serial numbers in the 12768xx range as well

When these TopTimes were made is currenty not known but I assume the 1765 Unitime was not a 'bestseller' and they used part of the cases to build the 1765/36 before (or concurrent) with the release of the 7656 as the dial and hands are Identical to the 7656


Also somewhere in 1969 a separate ref number was given to the yachting model
the ref 7660




<insert big cased watches here >

1975

For a few years it was very quiet on the 765X and X765 front. Until in 1975 Breitling released the 7656 'Top Time'

_________________
"I spent most of my money on Booze, Breitling and Boats. The rest I wasted" - mostly Elmore Leonard

Rene - here is another example for your research. Seems a slight variant to your analysis so far as this is the fine bezel but the hands are fatter. Serial number is 827481.

Hope it helps.

not too sure these hands are original to the watch - or the movement isn't ?

Maybe. Re: hands - I suspect it could be a case of designs and models not cutting on and off all at once, using parts as available, etc. I handled the watch (sold at Bonhams today) and the dial and hand patina matched perfectly so I had no reason to think they didn't always belong together.

do you have an auction link ?

Its BOW marked, so I estimate it 54/55

It should have had the thinner hands and the minute counter is not original, neither is the chrono hand
I suspect all hands have been replaced, maybe during service ?

Movement looks OK

_________________
"I spent most of my money on Booze, Breitling and Boats. The rest I wasted" - mostly Elmore Leonard

BOW movements were not "lying around" at the same time these hands appeared - so as stated above, either hands were exchanged or the movement swapped.

Well spotted on the minute counter. These things are always so obvious once they're pointed out! I never noticed it.

Thank you , it is very obvious once you spend many hours looking at the watches in order to write the above article

_________________
"I spent most of my money on Booze, Breitling and Boats. The rest I wasted" - mostly Elmore Leonard

+1

P.s. When you factor in the buyers fee (30%?) auction price is a little over 6K euro

Quite respectable

_________________
"I spent most of my money on Booze, Breitling and Boats. The rest I wasted" - mostly Elmore Leonard

The price shown on the link includes to buyer fee, so about €4800ish. Hammer price was £3200.

then thats not a bad price at all !

although on closer inspection (on bigger screen , not phone) I can see where and why Fred has concerns on the movement
typically 'non gilded' movements do not have any 'gilded' parts

this one does seem to have gilded parts inside ?
More reason to question the whole piece ?

_________________
"I spent most of my money on Booze, Breitling and Boats. The rest I wasted" - mostly Elmore Leonard

More good observations by you both. Glad I didn't buy it!