Breguet

• cal. 14''' jeweled manual winding nickel lever movement, mono-metallic balance • black dial, painted luminescent Arabic numerals, luminescent hands, 3 subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 15-minute and 12-hour registers, white painted outer minute track • stainless steel case, bi-directional rotating bezel calibrated for 12 hours, coin-edge band, round pushers to the case band, screw down crown and solid case back • case, dial and movement signed 

The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. Case in overall good vintage condition with scuffing and scratches consistent with use and age. Coin edge bezel still crisp and well defined. Some oxidation along adjoining areas of case band which may benefit from cleaning. Crystal has scuffing with three small scratches at the center. Dial has beautiful and even patina. numerals and hands are no longer luminescent but have developed a very attractive tan patina overall. Hands have some oxidation from age. Movement in excellent condition. Chronograph function working properly.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Breguet started producing the 'Type XX' around 1954 and the model became the company's most sought after post-war aviator's wristwatch. The reference has a special flyback feature, so-called by the French Air Forces 'retour en vol', which enabled pilots to quickly reset and instantaneously restart the chronograph by means of one pusher.

There are three generations of the 'Type XX', the first of which was introduced in the 1950s and of which the present lot is an example; the second known as the 'civilian version' introduced in the 1970s; the third version is currently available on the contemporary market and is known as 'Type XX Aeronaval.'

A special feature of this particular watch is that it is the version with a 15-minute chronograph subsidiary dial, instead of the usual 30-minute counter found on the more common Air Force models.