Icons on the Wrist: Breguet Type 20 Chronograph and a Legacy Forged in the Skies
From cockpit instrument to contemporary chronograph, the Type 20 carries forward Breguet’s aviation legacy with clarity, continuity, and purpose.
Feb 2, 2026
For more than two centuries, Breguet has occupied a foundational place in the history of watchmaking. Founded in 1775 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, the maison introduced inventions that continue to define mechanical horology, from the tourbillon to the Breguet overcoil, and created what is widely regarded as the first wristwatch for the Queen of Naples. By the mid-20th century, this reputation for precision extended beyond workshops and observatories into the skies, as Breguet became a trusted supplier of professional aviation instruments. What sits on the wrist in Episode 7 of Icons on the Wrist is not just a limited-edition chronograph but a direct continuation of one of horology’s most functional design languages to emerge from that era.
A Tool Watch With a Past
Developed in the 1950s to meet the exacting requirements of the French Air Force and Naval Aviation, the Type 20 was conceived as a navigational instrument first. Its defining flyback chronograph allowed pilots to reset and restart timing instantly during flight. Absolute legibility, durability, and accuracy dictated the design, resulting in a watch shaped entirely by function.
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Proportions, Materials, and Wearability
The modern Type 20 Chronograph remains closely aligned with its military predecessors. The 38 mm case reflects historically correct proportions and sits comfortably on the wrist. Executed in 18-carat gold and paired with a navy blue strap, the watch introduces a measured sense of formality while retaining the clarity and restraint expected of an aviation chronograph.
Limited to 250 pieces, this edition offers a quiet reference to Breguet’s more than 250-year legacy. The restriction feels considered rather than promotional, reinforcing the Type 20’s position as a watch defined by continuity and purpose rather than reinvention.
Icons on the Wrist is Robb Report India’s video-led series examining timepieces that have shaped horological history and continue to influence modern watchmaking.