THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: BREITLING
MODEL: 765 CP
YEAR: 1967
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 41MM
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: TROPIC
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND
Among lovers of vintage chronographs, few would argue that it was not Heuer, Rolex, or Omega, but Breitling that played the most influential role in shaping the world of sports chronographs as we know it today. The most famous example is, of course, the Navitimer, originally introduced in 1952 and still the brand’s flagship model.
In 1953, Breitling introduced the reference 765 AVI. With its 41 mm case and highly legible design, it was the brand’s attempt to secure a contract with the French Air Force, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, in part due to the absence of a flyback function. Fortunately, the model was released to the public, and over the following decade the 765 underwent a series of incremental changes, with the now-iconic “reverse panda” configuration appearing around 1962.
It was around this time that competition intensified. Heuer “entered the chat” with the Autavia in 1962 and the Carrera in 1963, both immediate successes. Breitling was forced to respond—not only to Heuer, but also to heavyweights like the Rolex Daytona and Omega Speedmaster. In 1965, the brand introduced a radical redesign of the 765: the new “Co-Pilot” (CP). It featured a clicking anodised aluminium bezel and a distinctive enlarged 15-minute counter at 3 o’clock, achieved through modifications to the Venus 178 movement.
Production of the 765 CP lasted only three years before Breitling updated the line again in 1967/68 with the larger 42.7 mm reference 7650 (which we also have in stock). Despite its short run, the CP became a favourite among enthusiasts, most notably Jean-Claude Killy, who famously wore one during the 1968 Winter Olympics (not a Rolex, as is often assumed).
This example has survived in pristine condition, with the zinc sulfide-based tritium lume across the markers, hands, and 3 o’clock register ageing to a pleasing creamy hue with a slight green tint. The (rarer) dual-graduation bezel is in amazing condition, with very few marks and all the printing intact. The case remains untouched and shows minimal signs of wear; the caseback engravings look as if they were made within the last few years.
Recently serviced, the movement is running beautifully at 0 seconds per day, with 295 amplitude and a 0.4 ms beat error. We have paired it with a new old stock Tropic strap, which looks ace.
It’s no secret that we have a soft spot for rare 1960s chronographs here at Falco—and this is undoubtedly one of the most exceptional we’ve had the privilege of presenting.