Created in the 1950s for the French Air Force, the Type XX accompanied the history of aviation. Today, it is part of the Breguet collections and is available in both civilian and military versions.
Military Type 20, civilian Type XX
Breguet clearly distinguishes the collection’s two heritages. The name Type 20, in Arabic numerals, designates the military-inspired version, faithful to the French Air Force specifications: 30-minute counter, 1/5-second graduations, non-graduated bezel and pear-shaped crown.
The Type XX in the light of Breguet's decorative arts
Breguet timepieces are distinguished both by their technical design and the richness of their finishing. The Type XX collection is no exception. Every component is crafted to the same exacting standards, reflecting the decorative arts and watchmaking expertise that the Maison has cultivated for more than two centuries.
Breguet and the conquest of the skies
The Breguet name belongs as much to the history of watchmaking as to that of aviation. A century after Abraham-Louis Breguet’s inventions, his great-great-grandson Louis Breguet was among the pioneers who contributed to the development of modern aeronautics.
In 1930, a Breguet 19 named Point d’Interrogation linked Paris to New York without a stopover. This feat, accomplished by Dieudonné Costes and Maurice Bellonte, preceded the birth of the first Type 20 and Type XX chronographs by two decades.
At the heart of the chronograph
Designed to meet the demands of an aviation chronograph, the Type XX movement combines mechanical precision, functional architecture and refined watchmaking finishes. Every stage of its assembly reflects the expertise of the Manufacture's artisans.
Bridge engraving
Before assembly, the bridge is engraved by hand to reveal the decoration visible through the sapphire caseback. A meticulous gesture, performed directly on the material, that gives the calibre part of its distinctive identity.
Assembly of the regulating organ
The regulating organ is positioned at the heart of the movement with extreme precision. The hairspring, balance wheel and anchor points require a perfectly controlled gesture, as they play an essential role in the chronograph's performance.
Shared standards of excellence
Every component benefits from the same uncompromising standards, inherited from the decorative arts and watchmaking expertise that the Maison has cultivated for more than two centuries.
Case assembly
The movement is fitted into its case through a meticulous assembly process. Every component finds its place with absolute precision, ensuring the perfect balance between technical performance, robustness and elegance.
Type XX, the legend of the skies
In the early 1950s, the French Air Force issued a call for tenders for the creation of a chronograph intended for its pilots, under the code name “Type 20”. Breguet was among the selected houses and, from 1952, developed a true instrument watch designed to meet the demands of aviation.
Adopted by different aeronautical corps before appearing in numerous variations, the Type XX established itself over the decades as one of the Maison’s emblematic collections.
Inspired by the skies, guided by time
Every model combines technical functionality with watchmaking expertise, enhanced by finishes refined down to the smallest detail. A collection of strong character, faithful to its heritage yet resolutely contemporary.
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