Manufacturer: Breguet Year: 1971 Case No: 20’359 Model Name: Type XX Calibre: Manual, cal. Valjoux 235, jeweled Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle Dimensions: 40.5 mm diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied with Breguet Attestation confirming production of the present watch in 1971 and its subsequent sale on June 12, 1972
Catalogue Essay
Breguet developed their very first prototypical chronograph Type XX wristwatches in the 1950s, and in 1958, the French Aéronavale — the Air Force of the French Navy — commissioned Breguet to create a series of 500 Type XX pieces. The present watch, made in 1971, is a rare iteration of the legendary Type XX oeuvre and belongs to the second generation of Type XX. The second generation exists in both two and three-register layouts, with the caliber Valjoux 235 and 725 respectively. Both versions offer the flyback chronograph function which the original military contract of the French Aéronavale specified.
The present timepiece is an outstanding example of this highly coveted watch model. The watch is preserved in overall excellent condition, showing the extensive level of care and attention from its original owner. The watch is also accompanied with an official attestation from Breguet, confirming production of the present watch in 1971 and its subsequent sale on June 12, 1972. For enthusiasts of fine fly-back chronograph wristwatches, this Breguet is an extremely rare treasure that is certain to amaze.
Established in 1775 by Abraham Louis Breguet, widely considered the greatest watchmaker of all time, the storied brand continues to thrive in the modern era, creating exceptional high-end watches as the Swatch Group's premier prestige brand. Some of the most important and lasting inventions in watchmaking are attributed to Abraham Louis Breguet, including the tourbillon, shock resistance and the use of hammers and gongs employed in nearly all minute repeating watches made since.
Eighteenth and nineteenth century Breguet pocketwatches are especially sought-after by collectors, and many of them were made for the elite of European society, including Napoléon and Marie Antoinette. Key wristwatches from the twentieth century include oversized dress watches, two-register chronographs, triple calendars and Type XX aviator's chronographs made for the French military and civilians.