The Breguet Type XX is a legendary collection of pilot's chronographs, originally designed for military aviation and now revered by collectors worldwide. Known for its distinctive flyback function and robust design, a pre-owned Breguet Type XX represents a blend of historical significance and enduring horological craftsmanship. At BQ Watches, we offer a curated selection of used Breguet Type XX watches, each meticulously authenticated and prepared to our exacting standards, ensuring you acquire a timepiece of impeccable quality and provenance in the UK.
Explore our diverse range of second hand Breguet Type XX watches, from iconic vintage models that capture the spirit of mid-century aviation to modern interpretations with updated movements and materials. Each Breguet Type XX in our collection has passed rigorous checks by our expert watchmakers, guaranteeing authenticity and performance. Find your ideal Breguet pilot's watch within our selection, ready for its next adventure.
Opting for a pre-owned Breguet Type XX allows enthusiasts to acquire a highly sought-after pilot's chronograph with significant heritage and modern appeal. The secondary market offers access to discontinued references and rare configurations not available new, often at a more accessible price point than boutique retail. These watches are renowned for their robust construction and distinctive flyback chronograph function, making them both a practical instrument and a collector's item. Many Breguet Type XX models have shown strong value retention, offering potential investment appeal alongside the joy of ownership. Buying a second hand Breguet Type XX from BQ Watches ensures authenticity, expert verification, and peace of mind.
The Breguet Type XX series traces its origins to the 1950s, when the French Ministry of Defense issued specifications for a robust chronograph watch for its air force. Breguet, with its rich history in aviation timekeeping, responded with the Type XX, a precision instrument featuring a 'flyback' function that allowed pilots to reset and restart the chronograph with a single push. This innovation was crucial for rapid timing in flight. Initially supplied to the French Aéronavale and Armée de l'Air, these military-issued Type XX models are now highly collectible.
Over decades, the Type XX evolved into civilian models, including the Aéronavale and Transatlantique, maintaining its iconic design and core functionality while incorporating modern materials and movements. The lineage expanded with the introduction of the Type XXI and Type XXII, pushing boundaries with increased frequency and additional complications. The Breguet Type XX remains a symbol of functional elegance and a testament to Breguet's profound connection to aviation history, making any second hand Breguet Type XX a piece of living heritage.
The Breguet Type XX and its subsequent iterations (Type XXI, Type XXII) are defined by a set of distinguishing characteristics:
Flyback Chronograph: A signature feature, allowing the chronograph to be reset and restarted instantly with one push, critical for sequential timing tasks.
Movement: Early models featured manual-wind movements (e.g., Valjoux 225). Modern versions utilise self-winding Breguet calibres, such as the Calibre 582 in the Aéronavale, Calibre 584Q in the Transatlantique, and the high-frequency Calibre 589F in the Type XXII.
Case Design: Typically robust stainless steel cases, often around 39mm for the Type XX, growing to 42-44mm for the Type XXI and XXII. Many feature bi-directional rotating bezels.
Dials: Highly legible black or brown dials with luminous Arabic numerals and hands, often featuring two or three sub-dials for chronograph functions and small seconds.
Crystals: Domed acrylic crystals on vintage models, transitioning to sapphire crystals on modern iterations for enhanced durability.
The primary variants often encountered in the pre-owned market include the military-issued Type XX (typically without a date), the civilian Aéronavale (no date) and Transatlantique (with date) versions, and the more complicated Type XXI and XXII models.
The value of a pre-owned Breguet Type XX watch in the UK is influenced by several factors that reflect its rarity, condition, and desirability among collectors and enthusiasts:
Reference & Era: Military-issued Type XX models often command the highest prices due to their historical significance and scarcity. Early civilian Aéronavale references are also highly sought after.
Condition & Originality: A watch with its original dial, hands, and case in excellent, unpolished condition will significantly increase its value. Any service history and use of genuine Breguet parts are also key.
Provenance: Documentation, such as original box and papers, adds confidence and can increase liquidity. Military provenance (e.g., engravings) further enhances value.
Rarity: Limited editions or rare dial configurations can lead to higher prices in the second hand Breguet Type XX market.
Market Demand: Current collector trends and the overall demand for vintage and modern pilot chronographs play a significant role in pricing.
At BQ Watches, we ensure transparent valuations and competitive pricing for all second hand Breguet Type XX models, leveraging our deep market knowledge to provide exceptional value whether you are buying, selling, or exchanging.
At BQ Watches, we make buying a pre-owned Breguet Type XX clear, accountable, and hassle-free, drawing on three decades of UK market expertise. Connect by phone, email, or in person and deal directly with seasoned professionals who offer straight, practical advice. We provide same-day valuation, competitive part exchange options, and strong trade prices with instant bank transfer, all from a permanent London showroom. Every Breguet Type XX is verified, even where boxes or papers are absent, and shipped via insured Special Delivery to £25,000 with free returns and easy collection. With standout customer feedback and recognition from respected watch voices, we’re the go-to choice whether you want to sell Breguet Type XX or buy used Breguet watches with confidence.
Beyond our selection of Breguet Type XX watches for sale, BQ Watches also offers comprehensive services for those looking to sell, exchange, or source specific models. If you own a Breguet Type XX and are considering an upgrade or sale, our experts provide competitive valuations and immediate bank transfers. If the specific Breguet Type XX reference you desire is not currently in our inventory, our extensive network and sourcing capabilities mean we can efficiently locate your ideal timepiece. Contact our London specialists today to discuss your requirements.
