Breguet has nailed it for Only Watch 2019

James Robinson

Only Watch 2019 is now less than 24 hours away from kicking off, and Breguet has really knocked it out of the park with their entry in this year’s charitable auction.

The Breguet Type XX Only Watch 2019 is, I think we can all agree, a handsome timepiece, and that’s largely because the pièce unique is a faithful re-creation that aims to pay homage to a very early variant of the original Type XX.

As a result, the aesthetics offer a charismatically vintage ’50s appearance and, as is the case with any homage piece made today, you’re getting old world charm with new world practicality, or in other words, the best of both worlds.

The bronze dial of this Type XX is particularly arresting, and features faux-patina lumed Arabic numerals and hands, chapter ring and two simple sub-dials located at three and nine o’clock that display a 30-minute counter and running seconds, respectively.

Another standout is the stainless steel case, which, true to the original Type XX, measures in at a very reasonable 38.3mm and 13.9mm thick. Featuring both polished and brushed accents, the case is also adorned with a simple bi-directional rotating bezel, and a solid case back engraved with the following text: “Breguet Type 20 Only Watch 2019 Pièce Unique”.

Housed inside the svelte case is the prolific Valjoux Calibre 235, a manually wound movement that is actually a direct descendant of the original Valjoux Calibre 222, which was used in the 1950s variants of the Type XX.

The Valjoux 235 hosts a great many technical benefits that include a flyback chronograph complication with column wheel, in-line Swiss lever escapement, 17 jewels, 45 hours of power reserve and an operating frequency of 21,600 (3Hz) vibrations per hour.

Capping off the powerful vintage vibes, the Breguet Type XX Only Watch 2019 is paired with an attractive chocolate brown calfskin leather band with contrasting cream stitching.

It’s a very nice watch, no two ways about it; however, before you start figuring out exactly how you can register to get bidding on this wonderful watch, we should probably mention that the estimate for the Breguet Type XX Only Watch 2019 is set at an eye-watering $35,000 – $50,000 USD (roughly $51,000 – $73,000).

However, if you’ve got the means, I reckon it’s one of the nicest on offer at Only Watch this year, and all your spondulicks will be going towards a great cause.