During the 1950s and 1960s, Breitling established itself as one of the leading manufacturers of specialist chronographs, developing instruments for pilots, navigators and professionals whose work demanded precise timekeeping. While the Navitimer became the company's most recognisable aviation watch, the AVI and subsequent Co-Pilot collections offered a more purposeful interpretation of the pilot's chronograph, characterised by substantial cases, highly legible dials and rotating bezels. The Co-Pilot evolved through a succession of references, each reflecting Breitling's willingness to adapt its established chronograph architecture to different applications. Among the most unusual is the ref. 7660 Yachting, which combines the familiar three-register chronograph layout with a colourful rotating bezel designed for regatta timing.

Dating to 1969, this ref. 7660 is a particularly interesting example of Breitling's late-1960s chronograph design. Its substantial stainless steel case measures approximately 42mm in diameter and features a bidirectional rotating bezel with distinctive red, white and blue yachting indications. The black dial is arranged with three contrasting white registers, including a 30-minute counter at three o'clock, a 12-hour counter at six and running seconds at nine. Bright orange accents on the central chronograph seconds hand and hour and minute hands provide an additional sporting character. Inside is the manually wound Venus calibre 178, a column-wheel chronograph movement closely associated with Breitling's celebrated aviation watches. Accompanied by correspondence from the Breitling Museum in Grenchen, this uncommon reference represents a fascinating crossover between the manufacturer's aviation heritage and the world of competitive sailing.

Watch is in overall excellent condition. The stainless steel case is well defined, with signs of wear and some light surface marks. The case back shows scratches and small nicks around the tool slots, while the engravings remain crisp and well defined. The winding crown and pushers show some surface marks. The black finish on the bezel exhibits some wear, although the bezel remains well defined, while the insert is in near-mint condition. The dial is in excellent condition, with only a couple of very minor marks and a small chip between 12 and 1 o’clock. The hands remain clean. It is fitted with a black Tropic strap and stainless steel pin buckle. Comes with a digital Extract from the Archives.

Please note: The watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.