Breguet Type XX Ref. 2067 Review – Pilot’s Legacy Reborn
When Breguet revived the Type XX in 2023, it wasn’t just another heritage reissue — it was a statement. The original Type XX, born in the 1950s for the French Air Force, defined the military pilot chronograph: rugged, legible, and brutally functional. The new reference 2067, part of the civilian Type XX line, carries that DNA into the 21st century with a fully in-house movement, a refined case, and a dial that whispers ‘tool watch’ while screaming ‘luxury’.
This is not the flyback Type 20 (ref. 2057) that purists covet; the 2067 trades the flyback complication for a simpler date-and-chronograph layout, making it more accessible and arguably more wearable for daily life. But does it still capture the spirit of the original? We strapped it on, lived with it, and dug into the details to find out.
Manufacture History
Founded in 1775 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, the brand has been at the forefront of horological innovation for nearly 250 years. From the tourbillon to the perpetual calendar, Breguet’s contributions are foundational. The Type XX line, originally developed in the 1950s for the French Air Force, is one of the most iconic pilot chronographs ever made. The modern reissue pays homage to that military heritage while incorporating contemporary watchmaking.
Movement
At the heart of the ref. 2067 beats the Caliber 728, an automatic column-wheel chronograph movement developed entirely in-house. It operates at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and offers a 48-hour power reserve. The movement features a vertical clutch for smooth chronograph engagement and a date complication. Finishing is superb: Côtes de Genève on the bridges, perlage on the mainplate, and a skeletonized rotor engraved with the Breguet signature. While not COSC-certified, our test unit performed well within chronometer standards.
Specifications
- Case: 42mm stainless steel, 14.5mm thick, 48mm lug-to-lug
- Crystal: Domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Lume: Super-LumiNova on hands and hour markers
- Strap: Brown leather with pin buckle
Wrist Feel
Despite its 42mm diameter and 14.5mm thickness, the Type XX wears comfortably thanks to the short, curved lugs that hug the wrist. The leather strap is supple from day one, and the pin buckle keeps the watch low-profile. On a 7-inch wrist, the case sits flat and the crown doesn’t dig in. The weight is substantial but not fatiguing — you know it’s there, but it never feels like a brick. The bi-directional bezel with its coin-edge grip is a joy to spin, and the domed sapphire crystal adds a vintage touch without distorting the dial.
Accuracy
In real-world use, the Cal. 728 runs within -2 to +5 seconds per day, comfortably beating COSC standards even without certification. The chronograph starts and stops crisply, and the date changes at midnight with no hesitation. Expect reliable performance day in, day out.
Occasions
The Type XX is a versatile companion. It’s sporty enough for a weekend hike, refined enough for a business meeting, and practical for travel thanks to the date and robust water resistance. It’s not a dress watch, but it can easily dress up with a suit.
Wrist Presence
4/5 – Bold and purposeful without being oversized. The black dial and luminous markers ensure it stands out in any room.
Reference Variants
The ref. 2067 is the civilian version with a date and non-flyback chronograph. Its sibling, the ref. 2057 (Type 20), offers a flyback chronograph and no date, staying closer to the original military spec. Both share the same case and movement architecture.
Family References
The Type XX family includes the ref. 2057 (Type 20) and the vintage-inspired limited editions. Breguet also offers the Classique, Marine, and Tradition lines for those seeking different aesthetics.
Other Notable Breguet Models
- Breguet Classique 5177 – Ultra-thin dress watch with enamel dial
- Breguet Marine 5517 – Sporty yet elegant with a date and power reserve
- Breguet Tradition 7077 – Skeletonized chronograph with a modern edge
Similar Watches
- IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 – Similar pilot chronograph heritage with a more modern, tool-watch aesthetic.
- Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph – Another military-inspired pilot chronograph with a strong vintage vibe.
- Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch – Iconic chronograph with a different history but similar everyday versatility.
Homages
For those on a budget, the Seiko SNN233 offers a quartz chronograph with a similar black dial and pilot-style layout for around $250. It lacks the finishing and movement quality but captures the look.
Investment Value
The MSRP is $12,000, and pre-owned examples range from $9,500 to $11,500. The trend is stable — the Type XX is not a hype watch, but its heritage and in-house movement ensure it holds value well. Auction history for this specific reference is minimal, but vintage Type XX models have fetched over $30,000 at auction. Our recommendation: buy it because you love it, not as an investment.
Service Interval
Breguet recommends service every 5 years. The cost is approximately $800 and must be performed by an authorized service center to maintain warranty and authenticity.
Price Range
$12,000–$13,000. For an in-house chronograph from a maison with 250 years of history, the price is justified. It’s a solid entry into high-end pilot chronographs for the discerning collector.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- In-house column-wheel chronograph movement
- Heritage-rich design with military provenance
- Excellent legibility and lume
- Comfortable on the wrist despite size
Cons
- No flyback complication (reserved for Type 20)
- Thick case may not suit smaller wrists
- Leather strap could be more premium for the price
Final Verdict
The Breguet Type XX ref. 2067 is a faithful and well-executed reissue that balances heritage with modern watchmaking. It’s not the most affordable pilot chronograph, but the in-house movement, impeccable finishing, and brand cachet make it a compelling choice for collectors who value history and craftsmanship. If you want a daily-wear chronograph with character, this is it.
