Breguet launches a special Type XX Chronograph watch for the biannual charity event.
Breguet has confirmed its attendance at Only Watch 2021, a charity event organized by the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophy. It is also a highly-anticipated occasion in the international watchmaking industry as 54 other participating brands will also be contributing with their unique auction pieces to raise funds in support of muscular dystrophy medical research.
Since the event started in 2005, Breguet has consistently demonstrated strong support for the cause. Not any different this year, Marc A. Hayek, President of Montres Breguet, has once again donated an exclusive timepiece just for the occasion to reaffirm the brand’s commitment to fighting children’s diseases.
The Breguet Type XX Only Watch 2021 Chronograph
Breguet will present a faithful re-edition of its renowned pilot watch which pays tribute to the civilian versions of the Type XX watch chronograph from the 1950s and 1960s. Exclusively produced for the auction, the timepiece is a fitting follow-up to the former Type 20 military chronograph that was donated to Only Watch 2019.
The visual language and mechanisms are certainly reminiscent of the emblematic Breguet watch as the case remains at 38.30mm along with the signature curvature of the horns embellished by a lateral bevel and pushbuttons. What differentiates this civilian version from its previous military models though, is first and foremost, the sub-dials. It now includes a larger minute register at three o’clock for better readability, as well as a small seconds sub-dial at nine o’clock. On top of that, there is also a bi-directional steel bezel that is engraved with a 12-hour scale and a straight crown that are not found in military versions before.
Luminous markers, a teardrop-shaped hand along with the Breguet signature at 12 o’clock are some of the latest updates on the new civilian version.
This model is also most notable for its unique bronze dial, a nod to the extremely rare civilian and military models with similar dial colours. After being subjected to sunlight or moonlight exposure, the dial would progressively acquire a bronze hue that is akin to the patina effect, which is highly sought-after amongst watch collectors today. This phenomenon, coupled with the complimenting brown calfskin leather strap gives the watch its own distinct character and the full rustic treatment.
Paying homage to its history in more ways than one, the Type XX Only Watch 2021 is driven by the Valjoux 235 13-line movement, which is directly inherited from the Valjoux 222 14 lines used by Breguet in the 1950s and early 1960s. This hand-wound column wheel chronograph movement has been restored and returned to service by the luxury watchmaker, and of course, the pilot chronograph is completed with a flyback function.
Ultimately, the steel caseback is specially engraved with “Only Watch 2021 Pièce Unique” to render the timepiece truly exclusive and one of a kind for its future owner.
The 2021 Only Watch Auction will be held at Four Seasons Hôtel des Bergues, Geneva on 6 November 2021, 2pm Geneva time. To view the full range of watches available at the auction, visit https://www.onlywatch.com/collection.
