Taking Flight

Breguet introduces a Type XX chronograph crafted in gold and featuring ceramic in the bezel-a first for the brand

- Annabel Tan

Breguet’s Type XX collection has long been synonymous with aviation. Its deep roots date back to the mid‑20th century, when the brand was commissioned by the French Air Force to create robust, flight‑ready chronographs for its pilots. The first iteration approved was known as the Type 20—so named for the military specification for the watch—which was celebrated for its precision and functionality that paved the way for official orders, including a very large one involving 1,100 units for the French Air Force in 1954, followed by a 500‑unit order by the French Naval Aviation in 1958.

In 1953, Breguet started offering a civilian version of the Type 20, which it christened Type XX. This sparked the start of a collection that has seen various generations come and go, including the innovative Type XXII Reference 3880, notable for its unique 10 hertz frequency.