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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Military chronograph

Breguet Type 20 Military Chronograph

Partially verified

This Breguet Type 20 is a military-commissioned wristwatch housed in a stainless steel round case measuring 38 mm in diameter. The timepiece features faceted lugs, a rotating bezel, and two round pushers. The dial is black with luminescent Arabic numerals. Internally, the watch is powered by a hand-winding Calibre Valjoux 222 movement. The watch is fitted with a leather strap. According to the source, the Type 20 specification was established by the French Ministry of Defense for use by its Navy and Air Force beginning in the mid-1950s. The caseback includes a screw-down design with "Fin de Garantie" engravings, which were used by military watchmakers to indicate service intervals.

Front view of the Breguet Type 20 military chronograph, showing the black dial, rotating bezel, and leather strap.
Front view of the Breguet Type 20 military chronograph, showing the black dial, rotating bezel, and leather strap. — Finarte (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Military chronograph
Maker / attribution
Breguet
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
58
Source-reported date
50s
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
7474

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch features a 38 mm stainless steel case characterized by faceted lugs and a rotating bezel. The caseback is a screw-back design that bears specific military-related inscriptions. The black dial is configured with luminescent Arabic numerals for visibility.

The chronograph pushers are round, positioned on the right side of the case flanking the winding crown. The rotating bezel provides an external timing function, which was a functional requirement for the military specifications defined by the French Ministry of Defense during the mid-1950s.

Evidence for this section
  • “Stainless steel round case and rotating bezel, n.7474, screw back with "Fin de Garantie" engravings, round pushers, faceted lugs.”
  • “Black dial, luminescent arabic numerals.”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is powered by a hand-winding movement identified as the Valjoux 222 caliber. This movement supports the chronograph complications required for its designated role as a military tool watch.

As specified by the commission, the watch was intended for use by the French Navy and Air Force. The technical specifications were provided to various brands by the French Ministry of Defense, with Breguet being one of the manufacturers selected to fulfill these requirements.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hand-winding movement, cal.Valjoux 222.”
  • “The Breguet Type 20 was commissioned by the French Ministry of Defense for its Navy and Air Force beginning in the mid 50s.”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch is documented by an extract from the archives provided by Breguet. This official documentation accompanies the timepiece, linking it to the historical series commissioned during the mid-20th century.

The caseback bears 'Fin de Garantie' engravings. These were historically added by watchmakers to signal to pilots when the next required service was due, serving as a functional record of the watch's operational maintenance during its period of active military service.

Evidence for this section
  • “Accompanied by Breguet extract from the archives.”
  • “these engravings were made by the watchmakers to inform the pilots when they should have the watch serviced next.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production date as verified by the Breguet extract from the archives?
  • Does the serial number 7474 align with a specific batch within the French military contract production?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Breguet Type 20 Military Chronograph
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBreguet“Breguet”
Reference number7474“n.7474”
MovementValjoux 222“cal.Valjoux 222”
Case materialStainless steel“Stainless steel round case”
Size38 mm“Size: 38 mm”
Commissioning entityFrench Ministry of Defense“commissioned by the French Ministry of Defense”
Lot number58“Lot 58”

Visible details

  • Rotating bezel with a triangle marker
  • Two-register dial layout
  • Faceted lugs
  • Prominent crown and round chronograph pushers

Research qualifications

  • The specific service history is not documented beyond the engravings on the caseback
  • The exact production year within the 1950s is not specified

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Breguet Type 20 military chronograph

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 74960a7a2d

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other military chronograph records