Breguet’s earliest chronograph wristwatches can be traced back to 1935. These early examples are extremely sought after amongst collectors, and were the guiding predecessors for the firm’s most recognizable wristwatch of the mid 20th-century - the “Type XX”. The present example was made in 1938, and showcases Breguet’s pioneering design skill in wristwatch chronographs. Its elegance rests in its high quality craftsmanship and simplistic design for which the brand is best known. Fresh to the market, it is fitted with a rare black dial that over the years has taken on a beautiful “tropical” shade of dark brown. Enhancing its beauty is the crisp, copper colored printing, with a tachymeter scale along its outer circumference.
For a watch like this to have survived over 70 years with no signs of restorations is remarkable. The stainless steel case, with its original crown and olive-shaped pushers, remains crisp and in overall excellent condition, illustrating how carefully its past owner wore and preserved it. This watch comes accompanied with a certificate from Breguet confirming the authenticity of this watch, and indicating that it was in fact sold on June 10, 1939 for 2,800 FFR. One of the earliest examples of a Breguet chronograph wristwatch, together with its superb overall condition makes this a unique opportunity for collectors of vintage steel chronographs.