Breguet type xx aeronavale

The Breguet Type XX Aeronavale is a pilot chronograph with military heritage, created for French naval aviation in the 1950s.

About this subject

The Breguet Type XX Aeronavale is an automatic pilot chronograph that carries the legacy of French military aviation. Its development began in the 1950s when the French Navy (Marine Nationale) commissioned Breguet to create a robust and precise watch for its pilots. The original model, known as the Type 20, was equipped with the Valjoux 222 manual-wind movement, later replaced by automatic versions. The Type XX Aeronavale features a matte black dial with large luminous Arabic numerals and two typical chronograph pushers. A bidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute scale and an inverted triangle at 12 o'clock are iconic elements. The stainless steel case, ranging from 39 mm to 42 mm depending on the variant, offers water resistance up to 100 meters. The automatic movement Breguet caliber 582, visible through the sapphire caseback, provides a 38-hour power reserve. An interesting fact: the name 'Aeronavale' combines 'aero' (aviation) and 'navale' (naval), reflecting its use on aircraft carriers such as the Arromanches and Clemenceau. The Type XX was also used by the French Air Force and even by NASA in some test flights. The modern reissue maintains the vintage aesthetics with contemporary technology, paying homage to the original 1950s design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the name 'Type XX'?

The name 'Type XX' comes from the French military designation for pilot chronographs. The 'XX' (20) refers to the original project reference number.

Is the Breguet Type XX Aeronavale a dive watch?

It is not primarily a dive watch, but it has a water resistance of 100 meters, suitable for light water activities. The rotating bezel is designed for flight calculations.

What movements are used in modern Type XX versions?

Modern versions use the automatic Breguet caliber 582 (based on Valjoux 7750) with chronograph, date functions, and a power reserve of approximately 38 hours.