About Breguet Watches
Founded in Paris in 1775 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, the manufacture that bears his name is credited with inventing the tourbillon, the self-winding mechanism, and the shock-absorbing parachute device, making it one of the most consequential houses in horological history. The Type XX and Type 20 lines trace their heritage directly to French military and naval aviation contracts, producing flyback-capable chronographs prized for legibility, robustness, and an unmistakable aesthetic rooted in mid-20th-century tool-watch design. The Marine collection, exemplified by the Hora Mundi 5557, pivots to maritime tradition while adding haute horlogerie sophistication in the form of an instantaneous world-time display that jumps between time zones at the press of a pusher. Across all lines, signature Breguet elements such as engine-turned dials, open-tipped hands, and the arabesque numerals the founder himself invented create immediate recognition on the wrist.
What to Look For
Buyers exploring this collection should note that the Type XX 2075 references come in a smaller 38mm gold case paired with leather straps in silver or black dial variants, while the Type XX 2067 and Type 20 2057 step up to a sportier 42mm case available in steel, rose gold, and on either leather or bracelet configurations, with the bracelet option on the 2057ST/92/SW0 being particularly versatile for everyday wear. The Marine Hora Mundi 5557BB in 43.9mm white gold is the most technically complex piece in this grouping, with its galvanic blue dial available on either rubber or leather, and white gold cases commanding a premium that reflects both material cost and the world-time complication inside. Case material, dial color, strap choice, and reference number together determine value, with gold and white gold references sitting at a significant premium over steel, and complete sets with original documentation adding further desirability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Breguet Type XX and the Type 20?
The Type XX designation refers to Breguet's civilian and commercial line of aviation chronographs, while the Type 20 name is more directly linked to the original French Air Force specification that inspired these watches. In practical terms, references like the 2067 carry the Type XX name and the 2057 carries the Type 20 name, but both share the same 42mm steel case architecture, leather or bracelet options, and black dial aesthetic seen in this collection.
What complication does the Breguet Marine Hora Mundi 5557 offer?
The Marine Hora Mundi 5557 features an instantaneous world-time complication that allows the wearer to switch between time zones with a push of a button, with the local time jumping immediately rather than advancing gradually. The 43.9mm white gold case houses a galvanic blue dial and is available in this collection on either a rubber strap or a leather strap, referenced as 5557BB/YS/5WV and 5557BB/YS/9WV respectively.
Are the Breguet watches at Bizak and Co. authentic and does the collection include complete sets?
Every Breguet watch offered by Bizak and Co. is authenticated prior to listing, and the team can provide details on accompanying papers, boxes, and service history for individual references upon inquiry. Buyers are encouraged to contact Bizak and Co. directly for the most current information on completeness, condition, and availability for any specific reference in this collection.
Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
