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 et la conquête des airs
Le nom Breguet appartient autant à l’histoire de l’horlogerie qu’à celle de l’aviation. Un siècle après les inventions d’Abraham-Louis Breguet, son arrière-arrière-petit-fils Louis Breguet compte parmi les pionniers qui accompagnent le développement de l’aéronautique moderne.
En 1930, un Breguet 19 baptisé Point d’Interrogation relie Paris à New York sans escale. Cet exploit, accompli par Dieudonné Costes et Maurice Bellonte, précède de deux décennies la naissance des premiers chronographes Type 20 et Type XX.
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, la légende des airs
Au début des années 1950, l’armée de l’Air française lance un appel d’offres pour la réalisation d’un chronographe destiné à ses pilotes, sous le nom de code « Type 20 ». Breguet figure parmi les maisons retenues et développe, dès 1952, une véritable montre-instrument pensée pour répondre aux exigences de l’aviation.
Adoptée par différents corps aéronautiques avant de connaître de nombreuses déclinaisons, la Type XX s’impose au fil des décennies comme l’une des collections emblématiques de la Maison.
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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