The Breguet Type XX Aeronavale Chronograph: An elegant sports watch classic

Breguet is usually thought of for their wondrously elegant and immediately recognizable dress watches, or their complicated masterpieces–particularly anything with a tourbillon. However, one of my all time favorite Breguet watches is the Type XX Aeronavale chronograph. Scarcely changed in its basic aesthetic form from the original Breguet “Type XX” chronograph which was issued to the French Naval pilots during the 1950’s, this is a sports watch with style and elegance. There’s just a great blend of elements that make the Breguet Type XX Aeronavale chronograph so irresistible. For starters, you have that matte black dial with the luminous arabic figures; somehow managing to bridge the divide between pure sport and pure dress, its definitely one of the nicest “faces” on any watch ever made. The stainless steel case is also extremely fine, with its fluted Breguet-style caseband, and impeccable finishing. In short, there are few sporting chronographs that are so well-suited (no pun intended) to being worn formally. While it may not be ideal for men who prefer their watches to be hockey puck sized, the vast majority of wearers will find the 39.5mm case size to be an ideal compromise between masculine presence, elegance, and wearability. Ladies, Breguet also makes a 33mm version of the Type XX watch for you as well, so if you are interested in a beautifully crafted, technically impeccable mechanical chronograph, definitely give one of these a try.