Marking 250 years of horological excellence, Breguet redefines the art of watchmaking with its latest aviation-inspired timepieces, blending aerospace engineering, fine craftsmanship, and cutting-edge design.
Inspired by the sky, guided by time, and driven by the spirit of adventure, Breguet continues its 250th anniversary celebration with the unveiling of the Type XX Chronographe 2075, a stunning tribute to its rich aviation and watchmaking legacy. Following global showcases in Paris and Shanghai, the Maison lands in New York with two striking interpretations of a legendary timepiece first introduced in 1955.
Presented at the elegant Kempinski The Boulevard, with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop, the Type XX 2075 models blend technical innovation, aeronautical history, and timeless luxury, setting a new benchmark in the world of high-end chronographs.
A Tribute to Aviation Pioneers
These new models are inspired by more than mechanics—they pay homage to the human spirit of exploration. From Abraham-Louis Breguet, the 18th-century horological visionary, to his descendant Louis Breguet, a pioneer in aviation and aircraft manufacturing, the Type XX is a living testament to bold invention.
Their story is anchored in a historic event: the daring 1930 flight from Paris to New York by aviators Dieudonné Costesand Maurice Bellonte. Piloting a Breguet 19TR Super Bidon—decorated with a mysterious question mark on its fuselage—the duo completed the first east-to-west transatlantic flight in just over 37 hours. The aircraft’s nickname, “Point d’Interrogation”, encapsulated both the uncertainty and ambition of this record-setting mission.
From Flight to Time: The Evolution of the Type XX
Originally developed in the 1950s to fulfill a French Air Force tender, the Type XX chronograph quickly earned a reputation for precision, durability, and military-grade reliability. With a flyback function that allows the chronograph to reset and restart instantly with a single push, the watch became an essential tool for naval and air force pilots.
Fast-forward to today, and Breguet honors this legacy with the Type XX reference 2075, available in two limited-edition variants: one with a deep black aluminum dial and the other with a vertically brushed solid silver dial. Both housed in the brand’s proprietary Breguet Gold a distinctive alloy combining gold, silver, copper, and palladium—they offer a contemporary reinterpretation of the classic 1955 civilian model.
Dialed-In Innovation: Black Aluminum & Brushed Silver
For the first time, Breguet introduces a dial made of anodized aluminum, echoing the Duralumin materials used by Louis Breguet in his aircraft designs. The black dial, achieved through advanced anodisation techniques from the aerospace industry, delivers high contrast legibility and corrosion resistance, ensuring lasting performance and elegance.
The silver-dialed model, limited to just 250 pieces, remains faithful to the original reference 1780 with a brushed finish and elegant glow. Both timepieces feature the iconic Breguet signature in applied gold, and Arabic numerals that speak to the brand’s unwavering commitment to detail and heritage.
A subtle “Al” or “Ag925” between 7 and 8 o’clock discreetly signals the material composition of each dial—another nod to transparency and authenticity in craftsmanship.
Powered by Precision: Calibre 728 and Flyback Function
At the core of both models lies a manual-winding movement, evolved from Breguet’s high-frequency calibre 728, first unveiled in 2023. These updated versions—calibre 7279 for the black dial and calibre 7278 for the silver—offer flyback chronograph functionality, a 5Hz frequency for superior timekeeping accuracy, and a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock.
The silver dial includes a 30-minute counter, while the black dial features a 15-minute counter—each designed for intuitive readability during high-intensity scenarios, whether in the cockpit or on land.
A transparent case back reveals a hand-engraved depiction of the 1930 transatlantic flight route, etched with masterful detail. The frosted continents and smooth Atlantic create a vivid contrast—an artistic nod to Breguet’s aviation legacy.
Elegant Design, Everyday Luxury
The 38.3 mm case mirrors the dimensions of the historic model, with a slim 13.2 mm profile for a comfortable yet commanding wrist presence. A bi-directional rotating bezel with black or blue numerals completes the vintage-inspired aesthetic.
Each timepiece is paired with a gradient leather strap—black for the aluminum dial, blue for the silver—and features interchangeable lugs for a seamless switch between looks.
The crown bears the signature B, sealing the piece with Breguet’s unmistakable mark of quality.
A Visionary Legacy in Flight and Time
Beyond being a master watchmaker, Louis Charles Breguet also played a pivotal role in shaping 20th-century aviation. From building experimental helicopters to contributing to Air France’s creation, his work propelled human ambition skyward. His innovations in both air and time continue to inspire today’s generation of watchmakers and dreamers.
The Type XX Chronographe 2075 captures this legacy perfectly bridging the past and future in a case of gold, powered by precision, and inspired by the freedom of flight.