Breguet Transatlantique Type XX

Originally launched in the 1950s as a pilot's chronograph for the French air force, the Breguet Type 20 Transatlantique faded into obscurity for many years, overshadowed by flashier and more complicated pilots chronographs. That was, until Breguet decided to re-issue the Transatlantique as the Type XX / XXI flyback chronograph.

It's a shame that the original Breguet Transatlantique was overshadowed by the busier pilot's chrono designs, because it was one of the most elegant pilot's watches of the time. While the busier designs have their use, it's refreshing to have something simple. Somehow, the Transatlantique seems to suit the French commission perfectly - this is an elegant chronograph, simple and classic, devoid of superfluous function. And the Type XX is just as beautiful as the original.

At first glance you'd think the Type XX is a well-kept vintage watch. It has a parabolic sapphire crystal that looks like an acrylic item, classic hands and fonts on the dial, and the Breguet signature coin-edge finish on the case. Nice little details abound, like the square-edged finishing of the bi-directional rotating bezel - fans of 1950s Rolex Submariners will recognize this type of bezel edge with its distinctive wafer pattern. Or the simple stove-pipe pushers that engage with a solid click, familiar to anyone who has handled a Lemania handwound chronograph. Top this all off with a fine genuine crocodile strap and you have a watch that is more than a retro homage - it's more like a re-edition. The only noticeable difference between the new and the vintage is the width of the bezel.

Of course, what's under the hood is totally modern. The Type XX features a Breguet 582 calibre chronograph with automatic winding and a flyback function, so you can reset the timer with only the lower pusher and instantly restart the countdown without stopping it. Experts will notice it has a diving-watch type elapsed-time bezel rather than a tachymeter/telemeter/slide rule bezel you normally see on pilot's chronographs - this is because the original Type 20 was designed to measure elapsed timing by combining the bezel and the flyback function.

The movement is quiet, smooth winding, and features an easy-to-read date at the bottom of the dial in a contrasting colour. Our example was completely overhauled by Breguet in Switzerland and is in as-new condition with the original box, so you won't find a nicer example without buying a new one.

If you are interested in seeing the Type XX, feel free to drop by our shop on Crescent street in downtown Montreal, or give me a ring at 514 845 8878. You can also get in touch with us through our contact page or Facebook fan page.

For every luxury product, there are fakes and replicas, so I guess it was only a matter of time before the counterfeiters turned their attention to the popular U-Boat watches. One particular vendor situated in Montreal uses a link to MattBaily.ca to promote his products on Craigslist. The watches that he shows are replicas of the Flightdeck MSG and MSB with different colour combinations. The watches display what looks like a Unitas manual winding movement, but some have the word 'AUTOMATICO' etched into the back of the case. Some models also mention 'CRONOGRAFO' on their case-backs. This is pretty suspicious, as non of the models shown are chronographs! The vendor sometimes claims that they are pre-owned and prices range from $700 to $1,000.

Purchasing counterfeit timepieces has a negative impact not only on our economy but on our planet. Causes for concern range from the use of illegal and child labor sources to extreme waste and a negative effect on the environment. By not disclosing that these watches are replicas, this craigslist vendor, who's email address is brian_kernan@live.com, is amongst the worst offenders in the counterfeiting market.

Vintage and modern mix is the latest and greatest from Bell & Ross. The new BR Heritage, each timepiece features a black dial, with numbers, index marks and hands covered with a sand-colored photo luminescent coating. The crystals are anti-reflective sapphire and water-resistant (down to 100m). The bracelets are printed natural leather of heavy-duty synthetic.

Bell & Ross became the official supplier to The French Air Force in 2008. This marriage became particularly apt as B&R took inspiration directly from aircraft cockpit instrument panels, hence 'The Instrument collection.'

We will keep you posted on every new model as we find out more from the Basel Fair this year.

The large watch fashion trend is still going strong. It makes quite the fashion statement when you see an elegantly dressed woman or celebrity wearing a large sporty timepiece. It exudes confidence and attitude, while still being functional and incredibly easy to read.

Watches that have been great sellers with the ladies, are the Bell & Ross BR01 and BR03 Instrument models, the U-Boat Flightdeck and Classico models even up to 55mm if you can believe that, as well as the Alpina 48mm Avalanche Extreme and Corum Admirals Cup 48mm Competition.

Imagine your husband or boyfriends face when he sees you wearing a watch that is bigger than his.

Women are getting more and more into wearing a men's full size watches. It is extremely fashionable to wear a large high-end timepiece, the term a mens or womens watch is out the window. Bell & Ross has a new model that has elegance and beauty with the 39mm square size that is comfortable for either sex to appreciate.

The BRS Ceramic line has the simplistic style of their Instrument watches, with a ceramic case, and thinline to house a quartz movement. They come in White or Black Ceramic, as well as with a rose gold or diamond bezel. If you want to exude pure elegance, there are BRS full white or rose gold models with a variety of dial colors.

With the new Bell & Ross BRS Ceramic watches its never been easier to find a timepiece that represents your own personal style no matter what gender.

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