{"product_id":"exceptionnel-chronographe-breguet-type-20-militaire-5101-54-de-1ere-generation-cadran-glossy-gilt-laque-livre-au-ministere-de-l-air-en-1956-p4p7","title":"Exceptional 1st generation Breguet Type 20 military chronograph 5101\/54, “Glossy Gilt”\/Lacquered dial, delivered to the Air Ministry in 1956","description":"We are very pleased to present this superb and legendary 1st generation military Breguet “Type 20” pilot chronograph, delivered to the French Air Ministry on June 1, 1956.\n Designed according to rigorous specifications, this watch was intended for pilots of the Air Force, Naval Aviation and the Brétigny-sur-Orge Flight Test Center.\n Its remarkably well-preserved 38.5 mm steel case features finishes that alternate between satin and polished surfaces, with horns with prominent chamfers. It is equipped with a fluted rotating bezel and a domed plexiglass crystal with a typically vintage charm. Its oversized crown, known as a “pear”, was designed for easy handling even in flight with pilot gloves.\n Its original dial, called “sterile” (without Breguet signature) with 2 counters, conforming to military specifications, is presented here in a very rare lacquered version (“glossy”), in a deep black. Over time, the whole has developed a magnificent homogeneous patina.\n On the mechanical side, this watch is powered by a Valjoux 222 caliber modified by Breguet, a column-wheel chronograph with a flyback function, allowing the chronograph to be restarted instantly with a single press – a strategic asset for pilots on a mission.\n The dodecagonal screwed case back is marked with the public order number 5101\/54, the individual serial number, as well as the inscriptions “FG” (End of Warranty) testifying to military revisions, the last dating from February 1983 – proof of almost 30 years of active service.\n Our example, among the rare survivors of the military destruction to which these tool watches were destined at the end of their use in the field, is accompanied by an official Breguet Archive Extract confirming its delivery in 1956.\n The Breguet Type 20, a true “tool watch” at the heart of the history of French military aviation, is undeniably one of the most sought-after chronographs among collectors. Its unique and balanced design and its reliable movement make it a watch that is perfectly wearable on a daily basis, 70 years after its birth. Our example, one of the rare “survivors” of the destruction planned by military regulations, belongs to the 1st generation of Type 20, has an extremely rare lacquered dial, has remained in superb aesthetic condition, and has been completely overhauled by an experienced watchmaker. An exceptional opportunity for discerning collectors.\n We have written a more detailed description of this exceptional watch – see below.","brand":"Breguet","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52663487693123,"sku":"P4P7","price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/1378\/9763\/files\/c2f802776777fae9a26e950be95e71da.jpg?v=1740866105","url":"https:\/\/amplitudewatches.co\/en\/products\/exceptional-1st-generation-breguet-type-20-military-chronograph-5101-54-glossy-gilt-lacquered-dial-delivered-to-the-air-ministry-in-1956-p4p7","provider":"Amplitude","version":"1.0","type":"link"}