Breguet Type 20 Sterile Dial Chronograph
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Why We Love it
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Why We Love it
–Why We Love It
Amongst collectors of military watches, the Type 20 is perhaps the most sought after. And of all those out there on the market, those made by Breguet command the most respect.
With a spartan, function-first design including a highly legible sterile black dial with luminous Arabic indices, rotating bezel with coin edge grip, and an oversized onion-style crown for easy winding, its hard to beat in the minimalist department. Barrel pushers operate the Valjoux 222 column-wheel chronograph movement with 60-minute counter and subsidiary seconds. Large luminous hands - including a lovely chronograph seconds hand - tie the package together just right.
This particular example was originally issued to the French Military for use in aviation units in a batch of 2000 unites in 1954, and saw continuous service through 1982, as evidenced by the numerous FG (Fin de Garantie) engravings etched onto the case back with each contract servicing.
Provenance incroyable à coup sûr!
The Story
The Type 20 was designed according to a standard—Type 20—that the Aéronautique Militaire issued in the 1950s. Aesthetically, the Type 20—with its stark black dial, bold Arabic numerals, and 38mm stainless steel case—resembled other military chronographs of the era. But the Type 20 had to have a flyback function—or, in French, retour en vol—that enabled the pilot to stop, reset and start the chronograph again by depressing the bottom pusher just once.
Several manufactures produced the Type 20, including Dodane, Vixa, Auricoste, and Airain.
But the Breguet versions are without a question the most desirable amongst collectors, if for no other reason than the maison responsible for many of the greatest innovations in haute horology dipped their toes into the world of spartan, robust field watches destined for military use.
A:S Guarantee
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A:S Guarantee
+Our Pledge
Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.
Condition
Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.
Warranty
We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.
International Buyers
Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.
Shipping & Returns
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Shipping & Returns
+All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.
Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.
We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.
Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.
We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.
Breguet Type 20 Sterile Dial Chronograph
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- Sold