Interview - Breguet Type XX Chronographe 2075

Breguet’s Timeless Flight

PRESS RELEASE | 811 WORDS | 8 MINUTE READ

To celebrate its 250th anniversary, Breguet unveils the Type XX Chronographe 2075 in New York—two hand-wound masterpieces in Breguet gold, blending aviation heritage, technical innovation, and timeless elegance inspired by a legendary 1955 civilian model.

Image courtesy - Breguet

Interview with Gregory Kissling, CEO of Breguet

Why launch two new gold Type XXs in 2025?

These strong timepieces celebrate several elements. First and foremost, in 2025 we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the first gold Type XX. Breguet actually produced 3 of them in 1955, with yellow gold cases. Quite original for aviation timepieces normally made of steel! A few years ago we were able to acquire one of these models at auction for our museum collection.

The choice of a 38.3 mm diameter and manual winding is certainly no coincidence…

We wanted to get as close as possible to the original model, and these elements were part of that. So, we’re presenting two products aimed at purists, connoisseurs of the Type XX, who are looking for a worthy heir to the models of the 1950s.

Why launch these models in New York?

Paris had already been linked by air from New York in 1927, but the first plane to fly from Paris to New York was an authentic Breguet, in 1930. And we know that flying from east to west remains significantly more difficult because of headwinds. The aircraft that contributed to this success had made its first flight in 1929.

How important is the Type XX line in the Breguet collections?

The Type XX line occupies a special place in Breguet’s collections. Born from a rich history linked to aviation, it bears witness to the House’s technical expertise in the field of chronographs. For the Type XX models, particular attention has been paid to historical design codes in order to harmoniously complement the House’s collections, and equally to appeal to a public with a passion for watchmaking and history.

Is this a collection that will change over the next few years?

Absolutely. Having introduced models in steel and gold, which can be worn with a wide choice of straps or bracelets, the possibilities are far from exhausted, especially as the collection is aimed at such a large audience. The possibilities are still very broad, particularly in terms of diameters, finishes and materials. The collection will therefore continue to gradually evolve.

Interview with Emmanuel Breguet, Head of Patrimony

What is the link between Montres Breguet and the world of aviation?

Since its beginnings, the House of Breguet has been attentive to the needs of the aviation world, faithful to its tradition of accompanying major technical advances. Having designed watches for maritime navigation, it was only natural that it should turn its attention to air navigation. Moreover, it should not be forgotten that one of the great pioneers of aviation, Louis Breguet - a direct descendant of A.-L. Breguet - had become a very important and renowned aircraft manufacturer. Although the Breguet family had sold the watch brand, links remained between the two worlds. It is therefore highly likely that Louis Breguet played a key role in raising the company’s awareness of aviation issues, thereby helping to initiate this fruitful rapprochement.

What became of Louis Breguet’s aviation company?

Breguet Aviation, founded by Louis Breguet in 1911, has left its mark on the history of French aviation and that of many other countries. A pioneer in the development of both military and civil aircraft, Breguet made its mark with the Breguet 14 during the First World War, followed by innovative aircraft such as the Breguet Deux-Ponts and the Breguet 941. In 1971, Breguet Aviation merged with Dassault to form Avions Marcel Dassault-Breguet Aviation. The name “Breguet” disappeared in 1990 when the company name was simplified to Dassault Aviation. Although the company has ceased to exist as such, its spirit of innovation lives on in the French aeronautics industry.

Does the Breguet XIX aircraft still exist?

Yes, it is now on display at the Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace at Le Bourget, Paris, where it has been since 1937. It is one of the highlights of this rich museum.

What is the origin of the flyback function?

Requested by the official aviation authorities in the 1930s and 1940s, this function, which is not a Breguet invention, has been fitted on all Type XX chronographs since 1954, as well as various models of chronographs for aircraft instrument panels. Appreciated by pilots as a real time-saver, the flyback function enables the chronograph hand to be reset to zero by simply pressing the lower pusher. The chronograph hand then immediately starts counting again from zero. Without the flyback function, three manipulations would be necessary for this operation.

The Eiffel Tower has the names of French personalities engraved on its structure, including Breguet. Is this a reference to Abraham Louis or Louis?

Neither! The name Breguet on the Eiffel Tower refers to Louis-Clément Breguet (1804-1883), a watchmaker and physicist who pioneered a telegraphy system and the uses of electricity, which was an emerging technology at the time. He was both Abraham-Louis’s grandson and Louis’s grandfather!

For further information, visit breguet.com