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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Aviator chronograph

Breguet Type XX No. 5131

Partially verified

This Breguet Type XX aviator wristwatch, identified by serial number 5131, was manufactured during the 1970s. The watch is constructed with a three-body stainless steel case featuring polished and brushed finishes, a screwed case-back, and a dust-protecting cap. It measures 38 mm in diameter and 14 mm in thickness. The exterior includes lapidated lugs and a bi-directional revolving graduated bezel. Powering the watch is the Caliber 222 movement, which is rhodium-plated and contains 17 jewels. The movement features a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance with timing screws, a shock-absorber, an index regulator, and a self-compensating blued steel Breguet balance-spring. The black dial presents painted white Arabic numerals, luminous baton hands, an outer minute and second division, and two subsidiary dials for the seconds and 15-minute register. The movement supports an instantaneous fly-back device and round button chronograph functionality.

Front view of the Breguet Type XX chronograph, showing the black dial, luminous hands, and rotating bezel.
Front view of the Breguet Type XX chronograph, showing the black dial, luminous hands, and rotating bezel. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Aviator chronograph
Maker / attribution
Breguet
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
45
Source-reported date
1970s
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
5131

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 is housed in a three-body stainless steel case finished with a combination of polished and brushed surfaces. It incorporates a screwed case-back, a dust-protecting cap, and lapidated lugs. A bi-directional revolving graduated bezel surrounds the crystal.

The black dial features painted white Arabic numerals and an outer minute/second division. Time and chronographic data are displayed via luminous baton hands. Two subsidiary registers provide a 15-minute counter and a running seconds display.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed case-back, dust-protecting cap, bi-directional revolving graduated bezel, lapidated lugs.”
  • “D. Black with painted white Arabic numerals, outer minute/second division, subsidiary dial for the seconds and 15-minute register.”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is powered by the rhodium-plated Caliber 222 movement, which features 17 jewels. Technical components include a straight-line lever escapement and a monometallic balance equipped with timing screws. The movement is shock-protected and uses an index regulator with a self-compensating blued steel Breguet balance-spring.

The watch includes a round button chronograph mechanism integrated with an instantaneous fly-back function, which allows for the rapid resetting and restarting of the chronograph sequence.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. Cal 222, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance with timing screws, shock-absorber, self-compensating blued steel Breguet balance-spring, index regulator.”
  • “Fine water-resistant, stainless steel aviator wristwatch with instantaneous fly-back device, round button chronograph and register.”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description reports the watch as being in 'Good' condition overall, noting slight scratches on both the case and the dial. The movement is also described as 'Good' but is recommended for an overhaul. The dial is signed and the case is numbered 5131.

The auction records indicate the watch was made during the 1970s. The hands are listed as original to the watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good Case: 3-8 Good Slightly scratched Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense Dial: 3-8-01 Good Slightly scratched HANDS Original”

Open research questions

  • Determine the specific production range for the Type XX reference 5131 within the 1970s.
  • Confirm the exact service history or previous ownership provenance if available in archival records.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Breguet Type XX No. 5131
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBreguet“Breguet, "Type XX", No. 5131.”
MovementCaliber 222“M. Cal 222”
Case constructionThree-body stainless steel“C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed case-back, dust-protecting cap”
Dimensions38 mm diameter, 14 mm thickness“Diam. 38 mm. Thickness 14 mm.”
FunctionsChronograph with fly-back“Fine water-resistant, stainless steel aviator wristwatch with instantaneous fly-back device”
EscapementStraight line lever“straight line lever escapement”
Jewel count17“17 jewels”

Visible details

  • Bi-directional rotating bezel with numerals
  • Three-button configuration including the crown and two pushers
  • Subsidiary dial located at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions
  • Luminous material present on numerals and hands

Research qualifications

  • Condition report notes slight scratches on case and dial
  • Mechanical state requires an overhaul per the auction description

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

Consulted source

Type XX Breguet, "Type XX", No. 5131. Made in the 1970's. Fine water-resistant, stainless steel aviator wristwatch with instantaneous fly-back device, round button chronograph and register.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 5f38530b1e

Terms in this record

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