Type XX military chronographs began production in the 1950s. The “type” designation was not model-specific to any one brand, but rather a military specification commissioned by the French Government.
The requirement was for a multi-purpose wristwatch, suitable for both aviation and aerial navigation. The black dial on the present watch features three subsidiary dials, a robust 38.5mm case and rotating bezel. When angled in the sunlight, one can admire the small glimpses of chocolate brown hues emanating from the dial. Intended for military purposes, it was fitted with luminous Arabic hour markers and hands for quick and easy readability in darkness.
A superb watch in its own right, this particular Type XX is especially important due to its superb provenance illustrated by the prominent engraving found on the caseback. Amazingly, this watch originally belonged to the late three-time Formula One car racing world champion, Sir Jack Brabham (2 April 1926 – 19 May 2014). Brabham won the Formula One World Championships in 1959, 1960 and 1966. In 1966 he became the only man to win a championship in a car that he himself built.
For over a decade, this watch was in the possession of Sir Jack, before he later gave it to his watchmaker. The two met after the watchmaker purchased a car through his dealership. After having his clock and other watches repared, Sir Jack Brabham settled his bill in a very fitting way – by bartering this Breguet for the watchmaker’s service.

It is believed Brabham was given this watch in 1960 after winning his first Formula One championship. Scholarship tells us that this watch was sold on May 5, 1960 to Esso Standards for 550 New French Francs, consistent with the engraving on the caseback that reads “Esso J.B. Champion Du Monde 1959”. In the 1960s, Brabham was featured on a number of Esso Extra Motor Oil ads, so it appears they decided to show their appreciation by gifting him with a prestigious stainless steel chronograph – excellent for keeping time on the racetrack.
This example is an outstanding representation of a rare civilian 1960s Breguet, and one that will provide enduring value to the savvy collector. The superb condition, originality and provenance this watch offers is sure to give anyone who bestows their eyes on it an adrenaline rush.