Two new flyback-chronographs pay tribute to the iconic 1955 model.

While the legacy of Abraham-Louis Breguet holds enough technical brilliance to celebrate the maison’s 250th anniversary in grand style, the brand’s latest commemorative release turns the focus to a more recent yet no less storied chapter of its history.

One that involves military contracts, transatlantic aviation, and the remarkable fusion of horology and engineering. The newly unveiled Type XX Ref. 2075 takes its inspiration from a 1955 model that itself stemmed from a military commission issued by the French Ministry of Defense.

In 1952, Breguet was tasked with producing pilot’s chronographs for the armed forces. The result was two versions: the Type 20 for the French Air Force and the Type XX for naval aviation. These were followed by civilian interpretations that retained much of the same utilitarian charm. The original 1955 model was fitted with a satin-finished silver dial, which was eventually replaced with a black version in later production runs.

Rather than choosing between these two historical directions, Breguet opted to bring both into the present day, offering the 2025 Types XX with either a black anodized aluminum dial or a silver-tone variant, the latter released as a limited edition of 250 numbered pieces. But this anniversary model goes deeper than aesthetic references.

Engraved on the caseback is a tribute to the 1930 Paris–New York flight completed by aviators Dieudonné Costes and Maurice Bellonte. Their east-to-west crossing of the Atlantic, a feat made even more significant by its direction, followed the path of Charles Lindbergh’s famed solo expedition in 1927.

Their aircraft, the Super Bidon “Point d’Interrogation,” was a modified Breguet 19 – an aviation icon designed by Louis Breguet, aeronautical pioneer and direct descendant of the legendary watchmaker. This same aircraft, along with stylized representations of the European and North American coastlines, is also depicted on the movement plates of both new references.

The watches are housed in cases measuring 38.3 mm in diameter and 13.2 mm in height, crafted from Breguet’s proprietary gold alloy, which is also used for the movement bridges. Another historical tribute lies hidden on the dial itself. Both versions are made from duralumin, a robust aluminum alloy composed of 95% aluminum and widely used in early aircraft construction.

The material is explicitly acknowledged with the discreet engraving of “Al” between 7 and 8 o’clock, a nod to the Breguet aviation legacy. Powering the new Type XX models are mechanical calibers derived from the Calibre 728, introduced by Breguet in 2023. Both feature flyback chronograph functionality and are equipped with column wheels and vertical clutches.

The black dial version uses Caliber 7279, with a 15-minute counter at 3 o’clock, while the silver dial version houses Caliber 7278, which features a 30-minute counter. With these two releases, Breguet not only pays tribute to one of its most iconic pilot’s watches but also demonstrates its continued ability to weave historical depth with cutting-edge mechanical refinement.