Watch Review | Breguet Type XXII

The Breguet Type XXII, chronograph was originally designed in 1950's for the air force of the French Navy and to commemorate the 60th anniversary , Breguet introduced the Type XXII 3880 ST , an updated and contemporary reinterpretation of that legendary chronograph.

The Type XXII 3880 ST is a beauty in every way, its robust construction, as well as the black dial which blends well with the fly-back indications in red. Inside the 44mm stainless steel case, houses the self winding Breguet calibre 589F, endowed with a silicon escapement and a flat silicon balance spring that vibrates at 72,000 vibrations per hour, which gives the movement exceptional regulating power. A unique features for this timepiece ,is its chronograph seconds hand that makes a complete rotation in 30 seconds, not the usual 60 on most watches. This means it takes two passes to count to one minute, which is counted by adding the two 30 seconds spans by an extra hand located at the center of the dial ,this makes the chronograph more precise. A rectangular retrograde counter at 12 o'clock displays whether the seconds hand is completing its first or second 30 second revolution. The Type XXII 3880 also has a second time zone indicator at 6 o’clock, with a date calendar in it. The two position crown resets the indicator by moving the main hour hand without affecting either the minute hand or the date calendar , while the 24 hour indicator at 3 o’clock indicates day or night time in the area covered by the second time zone.

This gorgeous timepiece is fitted with a alligator strap with contrasting red piping, and is priced at around $18,000.

Details for Type XXII 3880 ST

Movement:

Calibre 589F self-winding chronograph with flyback function and second time-zone,72,000 vph, 28 jewels,45-hour power-reserve, High frequency silicon escapement, Breguet balance-wheel with regulating screws, silicon balance-spring.
,Adjusted in 5 positions.

Case :

Stainless steel, with fluted caseband.

Diameter :

44 mm.

Bezel :

Two-way rotating with 60-minute scale.

Water-resistant :

to 10 bar (100 m).