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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Flyback chronograph

Dodane Type 21 French Air Force Flyback Chronograph

Partially verified

This 1969 Dodane Type 21 is a French military flyback chronograph built in a 38mm stainless steel case. According to the source, the model was produced under French Ministry of Defense specifications for the Air Force, and the case back retains military 'Fin de Garantie' (FG) service date markings. The watch features a rotating coin-edge bezel calibrated to 12 hours with black enamel markings, along with pump chronograph pushers and an unsigned crown. Its two-register dial has developed a prominent reddish-brown tropical patina, displaying luminescent Arabic numerals and subsidiary registers at 3 and 9 o'clock.

Front view of the Dodane Type 21 chronograph showing the tropical dial, hands, bezel, and case
Front view of the Dodane Type 21 chronograph showing the tropical dial, hands, bezel, and case — Craft + Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Flyback chronograph
Maker / attribution
Dodane
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
DDTYP21FAF
Source-reported date
1969
Country
France
Source-reported serial
401XXX

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

Identity and Model Context

Catalogued under stock number DDTYP21FAF, the timepiece is identified by the source as a 1969 Dodane Type 21 French Air Force flyback chronograph, designated as a "2nd Generation" model. According to the seller's narrative, the Type 21 followed earlier 1954 French Ministry of Defense specifications that originally established the Type 20 requirement for military pilots.

The vendor dates the piece to 1969, though the exact basis for this calendar year is not further explained in the text beyond the serial number 401XXX, which is partially masked.

Evidence for this section
  • “Tropical 1969 Dodane 'Type 21' French Air Force Flyback Chronograph "2nd Generation"”
  • “In 1954, when the French Ministry of Defense required a pilot's chronograph suited for the specific needs of the Air Force built to their exacting specifications”
  • “Brand Dodane”
  • “Serial 401XXX”

Case and External Construction

The watch features a 38 mm stainless steel case with pump chronograph pushers and an unsigned crown. A bi-directional rotating coin-edge bezel surrounds the dial, retaining engraved black enamel numerals and an inverted triangle marker at 12 o'clock.

The reverse of the case is not depicted in the provided photograph, but the vendor describes it as retaining factory markings and multiple military 'FG' ("Fin de Garantie") service stamps, each followed by sets of numerals indicating service intervals.

Evidence for this section
  • “Bi-directional coin-edge bezel with engraved black-enamelled numerals and an inverted triangle marker at 12 o'clock”
  • “The case back also features a few instances of the letters 'FG' followed by three sets of two numerals. This pertains to when the watch needed to be next serviced (the FG was a French abbreviation for “Fin de Garantie,” meaning "end of guarantee").”
  • “The case features its original pump pushers and unsigned crown.”
  • “Millimeters 38”
  • “Material Stainless Steel”

Dial Characteristics and Patina

The dial has a two-register layout with sub-dials for running seconds and elapsed minutes displaying concentric snailed finishing. Originally finished in matte black, the surface exhibits pronounced reddish-brown or oxblood tropical discoloration, especially visible toward the dial edges.

The Arabic numerals and hands retain luminescent material described by the seller as tritium. The watch is presented on a two-piece leather strap.

Evidence for this section
  • “Two-register dial layout with small seconds and minute counter sub-dials displaying concentric snailed finishing”
  • “Pronounced reddish-brown tropical discoloration across the matte dial surface, especially towards the outer periphery”
  • “The matte black dial is in amazing vintage condition, featuring a red or oxblood-colored tropical patina throughout, though most vibrant at the outer portion of the dial.”
  • “The tritium Arabic numerals have achieved a dar”
  • “Strap 2pc Leather Strap”

Open research questions

  • What specific caliber (e.g., Valjoux 222 or Valjoux 235) powers this individual example, and what internal markings are present on the movement?
  • What specific numerical dates accompany the 'FG' (Fin de Garantie) markings on the case back?
  • What are the final digits of masked serial number 401XXX to permit confirmation against French military supply records?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Dodane Type 21 French Air Force Flyback Chronograph
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
BrandDodane“Brand Dodane”
ModelType 21“Model Type 21”
Case Size38 mm“Millimeters 38”
Case MaterialStainless Steel“Material Stainless Steel”
Serial Number401XXX“Serial 401XXX”
Stock NumberDDTYP21FAF“Stock # DDTYP21FAF”
Generation Designation2nd Generation“Flyback Chronograph "2nd Generation"”
Dial FinishMatte black with red or oxblood tropical patina“The matte black dial is in amazing vintage condition, featuring a red or oxblood-colored tropical patina throughout”
Strap DescriptionTwo-piece handmade leather strap“The watch will come supplied on a two-piece handmade leather strap.”

Visible details

  • Bi-directional coin-edge bezel with engraved black-enamelled numerals and an inverted triangle marker at 12 o'clock
  • Two-register dial layout with small seconds and minute counter sub-dials displaying concentric snailed finishing
  • Pronounced reddish-brown tropical discoloration across the matte dial surface, especially towards the outer periphery
  • Fitted with pump-style chronograph pushers, unsigned crown, and straight lugs attached to a tan leather strap

Research qualifications

  • Serial number is partially masked by the vendor (401XXX)
  • Movement caliber and case back inscriptions are described in source text but not visible in the provided image

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

Consulted source

Tropical 1969 Dodane 'Type 21' French Air Force Flyback Chronograph "2

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record aa36a00e03

Terms in this record

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

Other flyback chronograph records