Here is a one-of-a-kind Breguet pilot watch that has been made for the Only Watch 2015 auction event that will take place in Geneva this November. We don’t take much stock in watch auctions, but we like to make an exception for Only Watch when it at least comes to noticing the lots available – since each of them are, by the rules of the event, “unique.” For Only Watch 2015, Breguet has produced this platinum-cased, vintage-inspired version of one of my favorite pilot watches, the Breguet Type XXI 3810 series. Specifically, they call the watch the Breguet Type XXI 3813 with the reference 3813PT/G2/3ZU.
According to Breguet, this is the first time they have produced a Breguet Type XXI model in platinum. Still, this type of watch would decidedly fall into the category of “stealth wealth,” because of its attractive yet unassuming retro pilot-inspired look, complete with vintage-style leather strap and “aged-style” sand-colored luminant on the dial. While I am not particularly keen on endorsing platinum sport-style watches, there is a coolness to the Breguet Type XXI 3813 that cannot be denied – if only because it is wonderfully un-gaudy in its gaudiness. Back in 2011, we last covered the Breguet Type XXI with the release of the titanium model (hands-on here).
The all-platinum 42mm-wide case is water resistant to 100 meters and contains a Breguet automatic mechanical flyback chronograph movement. The Breguet Type XXI was released as a follow-up to the Type XX – which itself was released as an homage to the French pilot watches Breguet was producing during the 1950s. “Type XX” (Type 20) actually refers to a military style watch dial. I’ve always been a fan of the refined legibility and sophisticated approach to utilitarian design apparent in the case, rotating bezel, and dial. Very few pilot watches are this sexy, in my opinion, and this particular Breguet Type XXI 3813 version (that you cannot even buy) is particularly nice.
Breguet hasn’t done too much in the last few years with its pilot watch collection. The most recent addition is the very complicated high-beat Breguet Type XXII 3880 (hands-on here). One has to wonder if choosing a Breguet Type XXI watch for its entrant to Only Watch 2015 is a coincidence or a sign that Breguet might update or add to its iconic-looking pilot watch collection later in 2015 or in 2016. Again, the Breguet Type XXI 3813 watch is a piece unique in platinum that will be auctioned off at the Only Watch 2015 event in November in Geneva. breguet.com