de Owar
59
Breguet Type XX or XXI?
Hi All,
Since I've decided that my very first mechanical chronograph should've been a Breguet Type XX-XXI, I've read almost everything on this topic here. Truly great forum, I do appreciate your passionate expertise!
The sweetest debate of mine is quite simple: I do know that the Breguet Type XX (3800 Aéronavale) was the ORIGINAL pilot watch in the 50's and this is still the tool watch of Breguet, very different from anything else they make recently, BUT the XXI has a bit more Breguet with those very fine details on the dial. Of course one would easily recommend to try them both, but my local AD just has a Type XXII, and offered a very fair price if he orders my choice of preference from the manufacturer. I also contacted a mono-brand boutique hundreds of kilometres away, but they have neither the steal 3810 nor the 3800 Aéronavale.
So, what would you choose, and why? Any help and opinions on these models would be highly appreciated!
Regards,
de Owar
stock photos from Breguet
This message has been edited by de Owar on 2015-10-24 14:55:56
Collection
Explore nitediver's Breguet Type XX Aéronavale Ref. 3800 acquisition. Compare it with the Transatlantique, delve into collector preferences, and see why this no-date chronograph remains a favorite.
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Breguet Type XX or XXI?
Hi All, Since I've decided that my very first mechanical chronograph should've been a Breguet Type XX-XXI, I've read almost everything on this topic here. Truly great forum, I do appreciate your passionate expertise! The sweetest debate of mine is quite s...
I would go for the Type XX, not only because it doesn't have a date, but also...
Because I find the dial more harmonious, related to the size of the case. With the Type XXI, the subdials are too centered, which reveals the fact that the movement is a bit lost in this oversized case. Just my opinion... Best, Nicolas
Thank you Nicolas
I\'m going through your previous posts about the Aéronavale, very interesting indeed!
My personal preference would also be the Type XX
For the lacking date, the slightly smaller size and the more classical chronograph arrangement. The XXI, while not as complicated to read as a Type XXII is not so pure IMHO but it does have a lovely ruthenium dial and the curved strap ends that fit the ca...
Thanks KMII
+one for Type XX. Purists probably would choose this option for those reasons you mentioned with Nicolas!
Don't get me wrong
Whichever one you choose, you will probably be very happy - neither one is anything but a good choice
You really should try them on first...
They wear quite differently. I much prefer the steel XXI of all options. I need a date fxn, prefer the central minute totaliser, the presence of the larger case, and all the wonderful little bits of detail, some captured in this shot by member zhege... ...
Looks great! The first vote for the XXI
Yes I think I would also love those very fine details, even the dial color is very intriquing. Somehow, I\'ll try to find a dealer to check this out! Thank you!
My choice is - and would be again the Type XX
but for me clearly the Transatlatique! Exactly because of the details. It has the wonderful polished steel hands, the polished steel indexes, the brushed bezel, and as well the date. But it contains the harmonic lines and site of the Type XX. Best of both...
Huh, what a beauty...
I didn\'t realised those differences between the Aéronavale and the Transatlantique, apart from the date window. Thank you very much! I could easily end up with this.
Beauty or function?
For beauty and purity of form, the Type XX. But without doubt the Type XXI is superior for the legibility of the chronograph. The markings on the minute counter of the Type XX, are in two minute intervals. For me it is hard to do the math at a glance. The...
Thank you jkingston! Beauty! :-)
I\'m partial recently to the Aéronavale, and curiously the Ti version of the type XXI looks to be the real contender, as this has less numbers and font types on the dial, and the subdials vs the whole circumference of the watch looks to have better propor...
No, but I've found a Friend in Vienna! :-)
Just briefly, on Friday I went to Breguet and Jaeger. The later was very very exiting, as the Manager was equally enthusiastic, and finally we were digging deeper and deeper into haute horology. I\'ve never seen such unbelievable complications, namely the...
The range is much narrower here, but I can show you good places.
Looking forward to it! ;-)
It's a great city alright!
We tend to go around twice a year - close, pleasant, great food, nice people, and we always have a wonderful time. The advantage with our daughter now is that we have been so often that we do not feel we have left anything out, even if she doesn\'t feel l...
Haha. I'm glad to hear that! Yes we have nice new playgrounds! :-)
Just let me know when you\'re comming. Maybe before Christmas?
So they are
Actually the little one was truly disappointed with Prague some weeks ago, as there were no slides or swings downtown. The fine architecture was nowhere near enough to compensate What she also thoroughly enjoyed were the street musicians in Budapest - you...
Than you should also check a sunday morning children's program at MüPa
That\'s classy, really, even the smallest babys can try simple instruments in several "workshops"
Great idea!
We were told of a special Hungarian method of teaching children music some years back and I am sure she would enjoy it - will need to check MüPa out next time we\'re there. Funny thing, she still falls asleep best to a lullaby in Hungarian that we were ta...
Kodály-method! :-)
From Breguet to Kodály, that's an interesting topic. We were not very keen on the method at school, but that's perfect to teach music to masses, except for those who have perfect pitch. I've got a friend who collects lullabies, I shall consult with him.
my first chrono was the 3800
I bought it because it is classic and has no unneeded text or a date on the dial. It was a great watch that was unfortunately stolen a while back. Great watch and now some years later I may get another, but perhaps the anniversary model with the black bez...
Thank you for your opinion!
This is the same with me, the Aéronavale looks best in the flash! Even though I've never seen the anniversary model in the real, hope that also sports the same 39mm size. I'll talk to my AD today, anyway ;-)
Fully agree! :-)
I can remember the articles of 8Ohms! And its true! The movement is a classic and very special! I never had any issues with the push buttons. The 2 min. counterscale I did not like in particular too. But it looks fantastic! And actually I use it very very...
Thank you for your detailed, personal opinion!
That\'s always something invaluable amount of a help. I\'ve finally went for the 3800 leather strap. Thank you all for your precious (literally) help! Csaba
Thank you! Yes of course! But I've just ordered the Aéronavale.
It\'ll come at the end of november. I\'ll also post a short story, when it arrives, as there was a bit of a historic, personal reason behind my decision. Thank you, again!!
Excellent - looking forward to it!
Forgot that your AD did not have it in stock. Interested in the story, too
Dreamed for the type XXI, tried it and went for the type XX
Hi, I dreamed for the type XXI for a long time.. I was sure that that was my watch.... until I went to the Breguet shop in London to pull the trigger and when on the wrist felt too big, not too balanced... tried the type XX and ended buying it... well bal...
Thank you! Absolutely the same happend to me.
But in Vienna Thank your ALL for your kind and friendly help!
Had both in my hands yesterday ...
Yesterday I went to the Breguet boutique in Vienna (triggered by the recent article on Hodinkee). I was focussing on: 3800ST/92/9W6 (Type XX, „Aéronavale”) 3810TI/H2/3ZU (Type XXI, Titanium) They had both models in the shop, and fortunately both in the le...
That is the greatest part of our hobby: Taking the time to think about the watch we'll get.
Doing his homework, taking the time of the reflexion, balancing the pros and the cons. We should always do it this way! Bravo, Harry, and please keep us posted. Best, Nicolas
Dear Nicholas, I surely will. All my watches came to stay. As with the kids: they are never given away.
I seem to be a little inclined towards Titanium, based on experiences with one of my Speedmasters ... Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 45th Anniversary LE, Ref: 311.62.42.30.06.001 If only the Type XX Aéronavale were available in Titanium ... ...
Never seen this version on a bracelet
Makes it very different from the NATO it came on. Also in titanium?
First I couldn't figure out how to adjust the original NATO strap properly. I felt it was too long for my wrist size. Then ...
... I purchased the bracelet. A year later I gave the strap another try. I found out that it is NEVER too long - even on 16 cm wrists. It just needs proper adjustment. No bending needed! Since then, I use both strap and bracelet - it just depends on the m...
And how do you adjust a NATO strap propperly?
I have the same "problem" - a less then 16cm wrist... ;-)
The watch should not be centered between the two "keepers" of the NATO ...
(this is the mistake I made in the first place, thinking that for symmetry reasons, it should be centered), but close to the keeper which is closer to your body. This way, there is more space on the other side for the excess strap. The picture explains it...
ok, thanks! But ...
this means that the buckle wanders also to the left, correct? And the end of the strap is totally lose... ?
A picture says more than 1000 words ...
This is the situation from both sides. Wrist circumference is 16.5 cm. The strap end is "loose"? Yes. So what? ...
Nope. See my post from December 7th, 2015-12:47, third picture.
When kept in the travel pouch over night, the shape is preserved the whole day.
Funny, I also checked exactly those, exactly in the same boutique,
And I've also read that article on Hodinkee since then. Tough competition, I finally went for the Aéronavale that looked to be more versatile, with classic size, no date layout. And also got some personal explanation behind my decision, more to come when ...
I think I am going to check out the Marine ref 5817ST/12/5V8 too. Just for comparison.
The boutique in Vienna has it on stock. Why not an engine-turned, guilloché dial (one of Breguet's assets) with a sporty touch? But I am skeptical about the long-term durability of the rubber strap. And the bracelet, as far as I have seen on pictures, loo...
I've been searching for a classical chronograph this time
and I've never thought, it would be a Breguet. The Marine collection is great, and the rubber strap could be very durable, indeed, but I would rather go for a Tradition 7097 next time, I love this collection since they were realesed.
A little window shopping was enough to learn that the Marine is not my style.
However, on the same walk in Vienna city center, I fell in love with this beauty: www.alange-soehne .com'> borrowed from www.alange-soehne.com m This is going to be my project for 2016. ...
If you are looking for a time only watch
It\'s very difficult to beat a Lange und Söhne! ;-)
Recommend type XX
I remember that I was very excited a few years back when I saw the press pics of the type XXI with the chocolate brown dial . However in real the dial looks much lighter than on the photos and I decided it is not for me. I went for a Type XX transatlantic...
thank you!
I finally went for the type XX Aeronavale, and since 2 months I've been very rarely wearing any other watch. Volltreffer!
Gratulations!
I am sure you will never regret this type XX. Viel spass und poste mal ein paar Bilder Stefan