Breitling Aviator 765 AVI 1953 Re-Edition

Overall Condition: Very good condition overall. Case shows light wear consistent with gentle use and handling. Dial and handset are excellent. Factory strap shows light wear.

Breitling was an early pioneer in the development of precision-made cockpit instruments for pilots. In the 1930s, its dashboard timers paved the way for its later Chronomat and Navitimer series of wrist-worn timepieces, many of which still feature prominently in the Breitling catalog today.

The Ref. 765 AVI, released in the 1950s, was a seminal reference that further established the Swiss brand's aeronautical bona fides. This modern version, the Aviator 765 AVI 1953 Re-Edition, offers the looks of the original with remarkable faith to details — in fact, virtually the only changes are the absence of the word "Genève" from the dial and an increase in water resistance to 30m. As far as vintage reissues go, this one is among the best.

Housed in a 41 stainless steel case with dual pump pushers, a signed crown, a sapphire crystal, and a rotating, bidirectional 12-hour bezel, it features a handsome, highly legible matte-black dial with an outer 1/5th-seconds track; large, luminous 'Arabic' indices; a triple-register chronograph layout with sunken, black totalizers and a luminous 'syringe' handset.

Within the watch, the COSC-certified Breitling Calibre B09 hand-wound movement with 70 hours of power reserve provides exceptional timekeeping, while a black calfskin leather strap with white contrast stitching offers a comfortable wearing experience. With its knurled bezel and crisp pusher action, the Aviator 765 AVI 1953 is every bit the faithful tool watch, too.

The only thing that doesn't come with this piece? A pilot's license. You'll have to take care of that one on your own!