CIRCA: 1967
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
CASE DIAMETER: 41 mm.
DIAL: Black
MOVEMENT: Manual
FUNCTIONS: Chronograph
BUCKLE: Stainless steel unsigned buckle
BOX: No
PAPERS: No

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Lot Essay

Reference 765 AVI, a solid pilot's chronograph with a rotating steel bezel and a digital 15-minute counter at three o'clock, was first released by Breitling in 1953. Pilot could read the time at a glance without being distracted thanks to its large, luminous numerals on a black dial that guaranteed perfect legibility. The engraved rotating bezel could be used as a second time-zone indicator in addition to providing an instantaneous reading of the amount of time that had passed.

Breitling upgraded the model in 1965 by changing the steel bezel with an anodized aluminium version. In addition to introducing two bezel variations, one completely black, such as the present timepiece, and another with a half-black, half-silver one, this change also resulted in a new designation with reference 765 CP.

As a tribute to the legendary French alpine ski racer who was photographed wearing this Breitling during the 1968 Winter Olympics in the French Alps, where he won three gold medals, the 765 CP was also lovingly nicknamed 'Jean-Claude Killy'.

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Condition report

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

Movement: The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing but the chronograph function is not working; a service is recommended. Christie’s does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
Dial: Some signs of ageing, spots throughout. Signs of oxidation. Reacts slightly to UV light. Some luminous hour markers are damaged
Case: With many scratches and dents. Caseback with scratches and dents, engravings are faded. The joint needs to be replaced. Glass is scratched. Bezel with scratches and dents, missing material on the triangle at 12. Some corrosion on the case, dial, under the bezel and under the glass.
Strap: The watch is sold and delivered with a rubber strap, the original strap is not included in the sale.

Should you require additional details or pictures, please contact a specialist.

The condition of lots sold in our auctions can vary widely due to factors such as age, previous damage, restoration, repair and wear and tear. Their nature means that they will rarely be in perfect condition. Lots are sold "as is," in the condition they are in at the time of the sale, without any representation or warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to condition by Christie's or by the seller.
Any reference to condition in a catalogue entry or in a condition report will not amount to a full description of condition, and images may not show a lot clearly. Colours and shades may look different in print or on screen to how they look on physical inspection. Condition reports may be available to help you evaluate the condition of a lot. Condition reports are provided free of charge as a convenience to our buyers and are for guidance only. They offer our opinion but they may not refer to all faults, inherent defects, restoration, alteration or adaptation because our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. For that reason they are not an alternative to examining a lot in person or taking your own professional advice. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have requested, received and considered any condition report.

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