Breguet Type XXI Flyback automatic 42 mm Full Set 2010

The Origins

After World War II, aeronautics is in full swing. The revival is strong and the great powers are acquiring new means of offense. General de Gaulle's France prepared and consolidated the country's future. France is acquiring new measuring instruments, of which watches are a part.

With a view to purchasing a chronograph in large quantities for the French military air force in the early 1950s, the French Ministry of Defense drew up strict specifications to invite bids from watch manufacturers. Several watch manufacturers responded to the call. These new chronographs were initially called "Type 20". A few years later, as the design of these first examples had become obsolete and their maintenance costly, a new specification allowed the introduction under the name "Type 21" of new models with greater reliability.

Each Type 20 or 21 was to have a bi-directional rotating bezel with a 12 o'clock type marking a black dial with indexes, Arabic numerals and luminescent hands, and a movement with the "flyback" function!

Suppliers include Auricoste, Breguet and Vixa in the 1950s and then Dodane in the 1960s. The Dodane house is also at the origin of models under other brands such as Airain and Chronofixe.

Ces chronographes étaient fournis en dotation aux pilotes et navigateurs de l’armée de l’air. Certains étaient aussi proposés à la vente au sein du corps militaire.

Faisons connaissance

Moderne, sportif, racé, le Chronographe TYPE XXI 3810 affirme haut et fort sa personnalité sur un élégant cadran chocolat mis en valeur par un boîtier au diamètre agrandi de 42 mm et aux proportions équilibrées. Façonné en acier, celui-ci arbore une carrure finement cannelée, chère à la Maison, et une lunette tournante bidirectionnelle. S’associant à cette configuration graphique très nette, les aiguilles et index luminescents améliorent la visibilité du cadran.
Incarnant la maîtrise technique consacrée par les siècles, le mouvement mécanique à remontage automatique Breguet 582, actionne, tant sur la seconde que sur la minute, la fonction spéciale dite « Retour en vol », spécificité des chronographes TYPE XX depuis 1954. Le totalisateur des minutes situé au centre permet une lisibilité immédiate. At 6 o'clock, the date indication in an aperture and the 12-hour counter participate in the measurement of time; the day-night indicator and the running seconds sub-dial add to the precision of the chronograph.

The Package

This 2010 Breguet Type XXI is in excellent condition. It will be delivered to you Full Set with its original case, instructions for use and original warranty card. This Type 21 has been authenticated and checked by our watchmakers and as such benefits from the Lepage Vintage 1 year warranty.