The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Fratello’s October 1, 2020 video review looks at the steel Breitling AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition, reference AB0920131B1X1. Presenters Michael Stockton and Balazs Ferenczi discuss the chronograph; Stockton had bought one of the numbered pieces. The review describes a close recreation with visible departures from the 1953 original, including more prominent pushers and different lume.
What does Fratello’s video review cover?
The review focuses on the steel, 1,953-piece edition of Breitling’s AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition. Fratello characterizes the watch as a close reproduction of the early Co-Pilot Ref. 765, while pointing out where the modern watch differs. Its review-era retail price was €7,800 including VAT, as reported by Fratello in 2020.
The distinction matters: this article reports what the Fratello review says, rather than claiming independent hands-on testing.
How close is the re-edition to the 1953 watch?
Breitling describes the design as a recreation of an early 1953 Co-Pilot Ref. 765 AVI. Its black dial, Arabic numerals, tone-on-tone small-seconds and chronograph counters, highly domed Hesalite crystal, and three-screw-secured bidirectional bezel are intended to echo that design. Those historical-fidelity points are the brand’s description, not a claim that every detail is identical.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Modern, pilot-inspired Promaster timepieces equipped for professional use to discover the world from high above.
- Atomic Timekeeping Technology with Synchronized Time Adjustment Available in 43 World Cities, 1/100 Second Chronograph Measures up to 24 Hours, Perpetual Calendar, Dual Time (Second Time Zone), Power Reserve Indicator
- Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel with Black Silicone Strap
- Black Dial with Orange and White Accents, Anti-Reflective Mineral Crystal
- Featuring our Eco-Drive technology – powered by light, any light. 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
Fratello’s review calls out three differences: the lume is made differently today, “GENEVE” is absent below the wordmark, and the pushers are more prominent than the lower-profile originals. Breitling also identifies 30 m water resistance and the omission of “GENEVE” as modern differences.
What are the specifications of AB0920131B1X1?
| Specification | Steel AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition |
|---|---|
| Reference | AB0920131B1X1 |
| Case | Stainless steel; 41 mm diameter and 14.05 mm thick, according to Breitling’s current product listing |
| Crystal | Plexiglas; Breitling describes it as highly domed Hesalite |
| Bezel | Bidirectional, secured by three screws |
| Water resistance | 30 m / 3 bar |
| Lug width | 22 mm |
| Strap | Black calfskin supplied by Breitling |
| Movement | Hand-wound Breitling Manufacture Caliber B09, COSC-certified, 34 jewels per Breitling’s current listing |
| Power reserve | Approximately 70 hours, according to Breitling |
| Edition | Limited to 1,953 steel pieces; each is engraved “ONE OF 1953” |
Breitling’s current figures are on its US product page. Fratello listed the diameter as 41.1 mm in its review; Breitling currently rounds it to 41 mm and also gives the 14.05 mm thickness.
Rank #2
- Modern, pilot-inspired Promaster timepieces equipped for professional use to discover the world from high above.
- Synchronized to Atomic Time Clock for Superior Accuracy, Atomic Timekeeping Technology with Synchronized Time Adjustment Available in 24 Time Zones, 1 Second Chronograph Measures up to 60 Minutes, Perpetual Calendar, 12/24 Hour Time, Alarm, Power Reserve Indicator, Day / Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Sapphire Crystal
- 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
What movement is inside the Breitling AVI 765?
The watch uses Breitling Manufacture Caliber B09, a hand-wound movement with an approximately 70-hour power reserve. Breitling says it is COSC-certified and based on Caliber 01, developed specifically for historical re-editions. Manual winding is central to the experience: the watch does not wind itself through wrist movement.
Breitling’s current specification lists 34 jewels. Hodinkee’s February 2020 launch coverage lists 47, so the jewel count is inconsistent across those sources; the discrepancy is not resolved here. The movement’s hand-wound construction, approximate reserve, and COSC certification are the useful settled points.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Modern, pilot-inspired Promaster timepieces equipped for professional use to discover the world from high above.
- Synchronized to Atomic Time Clock for Superior Accuracy, Atomic Timekeeping Technology with Synchronized Time Adjustment Available in 43 World Cities, 1/100 Second Chronograph Measures up to 24 Hours, Perpetual Calendar, Dual Time (Second Time Zone), 2 Alarms, 99-Minute Countdown Timer, Digital Backlight Display, Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) Display, Power Reserve Indicator
- Black Stainless Steel
- Ana-Digi Display; Luminous Hands and Markers; Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal
- 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
How much does this edition cost?
Breitling’s US product page listed the steel reference at USD 9,450 excluding sales tax when checked in 2026. That is a manufacturer-listed US price, not a global price or a measure of secondary-market value. Fratello reported a 2020 retail price of €7,800 including VAT. The two figures are from different dates, currencies, and tax bases, so they are not directly comparable.
How does the steel version compare with the launch-era precious-metal editions?
Hodinkee’s February 18, 2020 launch coverage described three materials and edition sizes. Its launch prices are historical, not current offers.
Rank #4
- Modern, pilot-inspired Promaster timepieces equipped for professional use to discover the world from high above.
- Synchronized Atomic Timekeeping Technology with Synchronized Time Adjustment Available in 43 World Cities, Perpetual Calendar, Dual Time (Second Time Zone), 2 Alarms, 99-Minute Countdown Timer, Digital Backlight Display, Power Reserve Indicator
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Anti-Reflective Mineral Crystal
- 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
| Version | Edition size | Launch price reported in 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | 1,953 | CHF 7,900 |
| Rose gold | 253 | CHF 21,000 |
| Platinum | 153 | CHF 39,000 |
These prices were reported by Hodinkee at launch in 2020; they do not establish present-day availability or pricing for any version.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the Breitling AVI 765 1953 Re-Edition worth considering?
For someone drawn to the original’s instrument-watch look, the steel edition combines a relatively restrained 41 mm case, hand-wound movement, vintage-inspired dial and bezel, and a clearly numbered limited run. The trade-offs are specific: the modern watch is 14.05 mm thick, its pushers stand out more than the originals described by Fratello, and it lacks the original dial’s “GENEVE” text.
Best Value
- Silver-tone watch featuring left-handed crown and black dial with 1/20-second chronograph function, slide-rotating inner bezel, and date window
- 45.5 mm stainless steel case with mineral dial window
- Quartz movement with analog display
- Stainless steel band featuring fold-over push-button clasp with safety
- Water resistant to 100 m (330 ft): In general, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not scuba diving
The 30 m rating is a modest water-resistance specification; it should not be read as a swimming rating. A 22 mm lug width provides a strap measurement, but not a guarantee that any replacement strap will fit the case shape, thickness, taper, or buckle.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
