Breguet - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016

  • Manufacturer: Breguet
    Year: 1960
    Case No: 548
    Model Name: Type XX "Big Eye"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. Valjoux 222, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 38mm. Diameter
    Signed: Dial signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The widely acclaimed “Type XX” military chronograph began production in the 1950s. The “type” designation was not a specific model name for a particular brand, but rather it was the military specification commissioned by the French Government seeking accurate timekeeping for both their Air Force and Navy. They sought a multi-purpose chronograph wristwatch with fly-back function, which allowed the user to quickly reset and restart the chronograph all from the single push of a button on the case. The model and specifications evolved over time, and when the timepieces became too expensive for the French Government, Breguet opted to sell them as commercial watches. Recreational flying had gained in popularity, and it would come as no surprise that due to the robust and practical construction of the Type XX, it became a preferred choice for civilian pilots.

    The most recognizable feature of its attractive black dial is the oversized 15-minute chronograph register - referred to as the “Big Eye” by collectors. As the timepiece was originally intended for military use, it was fitted with luminous Arabic hour markers and hands for quick and easy readability also in darkness.
    This example is an outstanding representation of a Breguet from the 1960s, and one that will provide enduring value to the savvy collector.

  • Artist Biography

    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.

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Δ119

Breguet

An extremely attractive and large stainless steel fly-back chronograph wristwatch with oversized register at three o'clock position

1960
38mm. Diameter
Dial signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 15,000 
€9,200-13,800
$10,300-15,500

Sold for CHF25,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016