Type XX
Breguet's pilot chronograph family, developed for the French naval air arm (Aeronavale). The Type XX introduced a flyback function on the column-wheel cal. 533; the Type XXII (2010) pushed the oscillator to 10 Hz (36,000 bph) so the flyback-return arc takes less than 1/10th of a second. Both generations share a coin-edge bezel, Arabic-numeral legibility, and a fabric or leather strap in a 39 mm or 44 mm steel case.
References in this family
Which ref to buy
The Type XX is Breguet's aviation chronograph line, with heritage in the French military specification of the 1950s. The modern reference 3820 is a flyback chronograph -- the most useful chronograph complication for pilots and navigators. Steel case, column wheel movement, serious tool watch credentials from a grand complication manufacturer.
- 1Open
Type XX 3820 -- flyback chronograph with genuine military aviation heritage, Breguet's most wearable sport watch.
- The case for it:
- The Type XX has real provenance -- the French Aeronavale specification, the flyback function that pilots actually used. The modern version keeps that heritage without being a costume piece. Among luxury flyback chronographs, the Type XX competes directly with Longines Lindbergh and IWC Pilot at a comparable price but with more interesting movement architecture.
- Consider instead if:
- Breguet's sport watch secondary market is not as strong as IWC or Rolex. The Type XX is the right watch on merits but not the right watch for investment.
Rankings last reviewed 2026-06-07. Editorial perspective only. Not financial advice.