Breguet Type XX

BREGUET,  TYPE XX, FLY-BACK CHRONOGRAPH, REF. 3077

ICONEEK price: SOLD

Iconeek is proud to introduce here a very nice, attractive and rare Breguet chronograph: the Type XX. The Breguet “Type XX” is most probably the best known military chronograph, still very sought after by collectors. The Type XX were produced in both civilian and military versions; the military examples being used for test pilots (CEV – Centre d’essai en vol) and for the French navy. Breguet started supplying these models to the French Air Force and Navy in the 1950s.

The “Type” designation was not specific to a model name or a particular brand, but rather for the military specification commissioned by the French Government, seeking a reliable, accurate, robust, multi purpose flyback chronograph and easily reparable wristwatch for their Navy and Air Force army. Sold in 1970, to the company Aero-Shopping in Paris in the amount of NF 664, the present example is a superb representation of a Breguet chronograph from the period. This example was therefore sold during the last year of this Type XX design as the  release of the second generation Model 20 to the public was in the 1970‘s after Chaumet had took control of the brand in 1970. This « new » model had a black anodized bezel which rotated in one direction and the case was fitted with lapidated « square »  lugs.

The model is a fine manual winding stainless steel large pilot’s wristwatch with flyback chronograph.The model comes with a three-body construction:  a large water-resistant steel polished and brushed tonneau-shaped case with concave lugs, two round chronograph buttons in the band, large winding crown, a snap on bi-directionnal rotating steel bezel engraved with 12 hours,  a screwed-down case back.  Under the hesalite glass, we find a matte black dial with painted luminous Arabic numerals, three subsidiary registers for the constant second at 9, 12-hour counter at 6, the 15-minute counter at 3, white painted luminous hands, outer large painted white 5-minute index, minute division, white chronograph hand with luminous tip. The matte black dial  contrasting with the luminous indexes offers a quick and easy readability day and night. Inside ticks a caliber 720, 13 1/2”’, hand wound, rhodium-plated, with 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, index regulator, column-wheel flyback chronograph. The fly-back function allow the user to quickly reset the chronograph without stopping it. Instead of the traditional « start-stop-reset », the user can do directly a « reset & start » in one time, a very practical function for pilots when they are calculating their flight plan.

An already iconic chronograph for the discerning collector.

Condition: 8.5/10, in very great overall condition, some signs of wear in places, due to normal wear, overhaul recommended.