Breguet is expanding its pilot’s watch collection with the Breguet Type XXI 3815. It is a modern and sporty reinterpretation of the Type XXI 3817, presented back in 2016. Particularly striking features include the flashy numerals and hands, which are either orange or green. The watch appears in a titanium case, which allows a view of the in-house calibre 584Q through the caseback. The two versions of the Breguet Type XXI 3815 are special editions and hence limited to 250 pieces each.
Today’s pilot watches from the manufacture go back to the military Type 20 models that Breguet developed for the French Air Force in the 1950s. The Type 20 specification included a number of features that the chronograph for fighter pilots should have. Among other things, the watch was to have a black dial with Arabic numerals. In addition, the chronograph should offer a flyback function, which was an important navigation aid for combat pilots. In the following years, Breguet presented various further developments of the watch, which were increasingly being worn on civilian wrists. At Baselworld 2016, Breguet presented the Type XXI 3817, which was the latest addition to the collection.
The Breguet Type XXI 3815 comes in a 42 mm titanium case. It also has the typical fine cannelures on the middle part of the case – a Breguet trademark. In addition, the case has a screw-down crown and a bi-directional rotating bezel that bears a black lacquered 60-minute scale. On the back, the sapphire crystal allows you to see inside the watch. Meanwhile, with a water resistance of 100 metres, the watch should be suitable for most everyday use.
The front of the Breguet Type XXI 3815 is distinguished by the large numerals, hands and indices, which are either orange or green. Underneath lies the black dial, which bears both the Breguet signature and the words: “retour en vol” (French for flyback). Interestingly, Breguet has dispensed with the 12-hour counter, which can still be found on the Type XXI 3810 at 6 o’clock. For this reason, the new Breguet Type XXI 3815 can only measure up to 60 minutes via the central minute counter. The sub-dial at 3 o’clock, reminiscent of a BigEye totaliser, is in this case a day/night indicator. Finally, at the bottom of the dial, Breguet places the date window.
Breguet equips the new Type XXI 3815 with its in-house calibre 584Q. It offers automatic winding and a power reserve of 48 hours. As befits a Type XXI, this watch also has a chronograph with flyback function. Here, the manufacture relies on the column-wheel mechanism, which improves useability. Meanwhile, the watchmakers also install a modern silicon hairspring. Last but not least, Breguet decorates the movement with Geneva stripes and pearlage. In addition, the oscillating weight is made of gold and decorated by hand.
The Breguet Type XXI 3815 comes in two versions that have different colours for the numerals, indices and hands. The choice here is between orange and green. However, the straps of the two watches also differ, with the green variant appearing on a lighter brown calfskin strap. Both straps, however, are secured by a three-blade folding clasp. The two special series of the Breguet Type XXI 3815 are limited to 250 pieces each, all of which are numbered. The price for both watches is 14,400 euros.
