Breguet “Type 20” Chronograph

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, given the Reference of 5101/54.  Commissioned by the French government in 1954, Breguet supplied these watches to the Air Force, Naval Air Arm, and CEV.  The caseback on this example is engraved with Breguet, Type 20, 5101/54 and then further engraved with FG and a date, which stands for “Fin de Garantie” or end of guarantee.  Apparently, all these chronographs were  overhauled and their precision controlled by the Dodane company at the Service Officiel de Contrôle de la marche des montres de Besançon (CETEHOR) while in service, and those watches with radium lume were converted to tritium.

The condition of this Breguet Type 20 is excellent.  The case is unpolished, with minimal wear, and original beveled edges still present.  The dial and lume remain untouched, seemingly since its last service by the French military watchmakers.