Breguet “Tropical CEV” Type 20

Description

Up for grabs is a rare, military-issued Breguet “Type XX” (Type 20) chronograph.  This Type 20 is the first model made by Breguet for the French military in 1954 – this particular example was given the Reference of 3107, and dates to 1957.  Commissioned by the French government in 1954, Breguet supplied these watches to the Air Force, Naval Air Arm, and CEV.  This particular example, as confirmed by an Archive of the Extract from Breguet was a CEV-issued watch; however, the CEV engraving has been removed in the past, which was commonly done after service.  In addition, this watch has its original radium dial, which is a rarity in-and-of-itself, as most of the radium dials were either relumed or replaced over time.

The condition of this Breguet Type 20 is excellent.  The case is unpolished, with minimal wear, and original beveled edges still present.  The dial is in beautiful condition, aged to a golden brown “tropical” color, visible regardless of whether indoors or under the sun.  As previously mentioned, the original radium lume is still present on the dial; the hands have been relumed at some point, presumably during service of the watch by the military, as was the norm.