No Reserve
8055
Breguet
Type XX
A fine and attractive stainless steel flyback chronograph wristwatch
- Estimate
- HK$60,000 - 90,000•€6,600 - 9,900$7,700 - 11,500
HK$82,550
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Breguet
- Year
- Circa 1965, Switzerland
- Case No
- 3077
- Model Name
- Type XX
- Material
- Stainless Steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 720, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 38.5mm diameter
- Signed
- Case numbered, dial and movement signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
• Breguet’s foray into aviation timekeeping began in the early 20th century with specialized instruments such as aerodrome chronometers and split-seconds chronographs. However, it wasn’t until the early 1950s that the brand introduced its now-iconic Type 20 and Type XX pilot’s chronographs. These models had later defined Breguet’s aviation legacy for decades.
• In 1955, Breguet unified its pilot chronographs under the “Type XX” designation. A notable exception occurred in 1957, when a rare batch of eight watches retained the “Type 20” label. These featured 15-minute and 12-hour counters and are now highly coveted by collectors. That same year, Breguet launched a civilian version of the Type XX, broadening its appeal beyond military use.
• By early 1970s, production had reached approximately 1,700 military Type 20s and 2,300 civilian Type XXs. The civilian models, including the rare Ref. 1888, were favoured by private pilots and aviation organizations such as ENAC, STNA, and the Aéro-Club de France.
• From 1963 onward, the series was enhanced with modern Valjoux calibres: the 230 for two-register chronographs and the 720 for three-register versions like the present example. These movements offered flyback functionality, Incabloc shock protection, and improved balance wheels. Signature design elements included a bidirectional bezel, a 15-minute counter with five 3-minute divisions at 3 o’clock, small seconds at 9 o’clock, and a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock.
• The Type XX remains a cornerstone of Breguet’s horological heritage, celebrated for its technical innovation and historical significance. Presented in excellent condition, this timepiece is a compelling acquisition for collectors and aviation enthusiasts around the world.
• In 1955, Breguet unified its pilot chronographs under the “Type XX” designation. A notable exception occurred in 1957, when a rare batch of eight watches retained the “Type 20” label. These featured 15-minute and 12-hour counters and are now highly coveted by collectors. That same year, Breguet launched a civilian version of the Type XX, broadening its appeal beyond military use.
• By early 1970s, production had reached approximately 1,700 military Type 20s and 2,300 civilian Type XXs. The civilian models, including the rare Ref. 1888, were favoured by private pilots and aviation organizations such as ENAC, STNA, and the Aéro-Club de France.
• From 1963 onward, the series was enhanced with modern Valjoux calibres: the 230 for two-register chronographs and the 720 for three-register versions like the present example. These movements offered flyback functionality, Incabloc shock protection, and improved balance wheels. Signature design elements included a bidirectional bezel, a 15-minute counter with five 3-minute divisions at 3 o’clock, small seconds at 9 o’clock, and a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock.
• The Type XX remains a cornerstone of Breguet’s horological heritage, celebrated for its technical innovation and historical significance. Presented in excellent condition, this timepiece is a compelling acquisition for collectors and aviation enthusiasts around the world.
Breguet
Swiss | 1775 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.
Browse MakerEighteenth 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.