Why We Love It

Among collectors of military watches, the Type 20 is perhaps the most sought after. And of all those out there on the market, those made by Breguet command the most respect. However, that heightened desirability comes with a price tag to match, making other variants look mighty promising.

Dodane produced approximately 5000 examples of the Type 20 (and its more common successor, the Type 21) from the 1950s to the 1980s, making theirs among the most attainable. However, the Type 20 is certainly rarer than the Type 21, which makes the one we offer here all the more special. Moreover, this is an early example dating from the late 1950s to early 1960s. 

Inside and out, this Type 20 has all the makings of a classic. It boasts a strong case replete with military engravings just above "Acier Inoxydable," as well as delicious patina to the luminescent elements of the dial. Recently treated to a full service, it will serve as a faithful companion in all life’s adventures—in the air or on land.

The Story

The Type 20 was designed according to a standard—Type 20—that the Aéronautique Militaire issued in the 1950s. Aesthetically, the Type 20—with its stark black dial, bold Arabic numerals, and 38mm stainless steel case—resembled other military chronographs of the era. But the Type 20 had to have a flyback function—or, in French, retour en vol—that enabled the pilot to stop, reset and start the chronograph again by depressing the bottom pusher just once.

Several manufactures produced the Type 20, including Breguet, Vixa, Auricoste, and Airain.

Dodane, too, was one of them. Although founded in 1857, Dodane didn’t truly hit its stride until the advent of aviation. Under the direction of Alphonse Dodane, Jr., the company focused on producing chronographs for both pilots and the aircrafts they flew.