The Type XX 3800 flyback chronograph is a proven collector reference with direct military heritage; secondary prices are firm because the category of historically anchored flyback chronographs from a grande maison is genuinely limited.
Editorial estimate, 2026 Q2. Actual prices vary by condition, date, and box/papers status.
Versatile size: fits most wrists (6–7.5 in / 15–19 cm)
39 mm case. The sweet spot for the broadest range of wrist sizes. Neither too dainty nor too bold.
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Flyback function must reset and restart instantaneously; any hesitation is a service indicator.
Known issues in the market
Chronograph column wheel wear causing sluggish or incomplete flyback reset.
Pusher gasket failures on used examples reducing water resistance.
Area
What to check
What is correct
Red flag
case
Flyback pusher function
Single press of lower pusher (4 o'clock) resets and immediately restarts the chronograph; response is instantaneous
Hesitation before restart; partial reset; pusher not engaging column wheel cleanly
dial
Type XX dial layout
Flyback-specific subdial layout; correct color scheme for the reference variant; Breguet signature at 12
Non-flyback pusher configuration; dial from a non-flyback Type XX variant
crown
Military-heritage crown profile
Large, easy-grip crown at 3; original Type XX crown profile without added crown guards
Crown guards added post-production; crown replaced with non-Breguet profile
Common legitimate replacements
Column wheel and flyback lever are service items; document the last chronograph service.
Pusher gaskets require replacement at each service to maintain water resistance.
Expert resources: Breguet Type XX history and variant documentation at breguet.com. WatchUSeek Breguet forum for flyback function testing protocols.
Authentication guide
Last reviewed June 2026
The Type XX is Breguet's military aviation chronograph, originally developed for the French Air Force and Navy. The 3800ST is the most collected steel variant. The flyback mechanism and the "presto" rotating-bezel system are the unique functional authenticators -- no other production Breguet model shares these features.
Known reproduction risks
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HIGH RISK
Non-functional flyback
Pressing the 4 o'clock pusher does not reset and restart a running chronograph instantaneously
Chronograph operates but must be stopped before reset (standard chronograph behavior, not flyback)
A Type XX without functioning flyback has its primary complication disabled. This affects value significantly.
MEDIUM
Presto bezel replacement
Inner bezel ring with scale misaligned to outer ring positions
Click action that skips or feels different at different rotation positions
LOW
Dial with incorrect text placement
"BREGUET PARIS" in single line rather than two separate lines
Dial with guilloché texture -- the Type XX 3800 uses a matte tool-watch dial, not a guilloché dress-watch dial
Dial variants by era
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Era
Description
Identifiers
1995 to 2005 (early modern production)
Black or silver matte dial with applied luminous indices and Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9. Pusher-operated flyback chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour counters.
Matte black or silver dial, not guilloché -- the Type XX is a tool watch, not a dress watch
Applied white-metal indices with lume plots; Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, 9
"BREGUET" text at 12 o'clock, "PARIS" below it -- this two-line signature placement is specific to the Type XX
Flyback pusher at 4 o'clock (flyback reset and restart)
Rotating bezel: the "presto" mechanism allows the bezel ring to be rotated by the fluted outer bezel rotation -- no separate inner bezel pull
Sub-dials at 3 (12-hour), 6 (small seconds), and 9 (30-minute counter)
2005 to 2015 (transitional production)
Continued production with minor finishing refinements. Dial and function remain identical.
Identical layout to early production
Cal. 582Q visible through exhibition caseback
Case finishing slightly refined on later examples
2021 to present (Type XX revival, new generation)
New Type XX generation with updated case profile and revised movement. Distinct from the 3800 -- the new generation uses a different reference number. This guide covers the 3800ST specifically.
Reference 3800 on caseback is specific to the earlier generation
Cal. 582 family movement, not the newer Cal. 728 used in the 2021 revival
Service part flags
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Presto bezel system
Original: The outer serrated bezel ring rotates the inner timing bezel ring via a ratchet mechanism. The inner ring has a triangular marker and 60-minute scale. Rotation should be smooth and click with moderate resistance.
Replacement tells
Inner bezel ring with a scale that does not align correctly with the outer ring rotation
Ratchet action that skips or has inconsistent click spacing
Inner bezel ring that has been replaced with a non-Breguet part (aftermarket bezels occasionally fitted on worn examples)
Flyback pusher
Original: The pusher at 4 o'clock operates the flyback: pressing it resets the running chronograph seconds hand to zero and restarts it immediately without stopping. The action should be firm and positive with immediate hand response.
Replacement tells
Pusher that requires the chronograph to be stopped before reset -- this indicates the flyback function has been disabled or the column wheel has been replaced with a non-flyback cam
Sluggish hand reset that takes more than one full second to complete
Case back markings
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All 3800ST production
Exhibition caseback with Cal. 582Q engraved on movement plate
"BREGUET" and individual serial number on caseback rim
Reference 3800ST/92/3W6 or variant code engraved on caseback
Stainless steel hallmark and serial on lug or case flank
Movement tells
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Flyback chronograph service is specialist work -- the column wheel and flyback lever must be correctly reinstalled to preserve the instantaneous reset function
After service, verify flyback: start the chronograph, then press the flyback pusher at 4 o'clock; the seconds hand must reset to zero and restart without a visible pause
Presto bezel system should be inspected and cleaned during service; worn ratchet teeth produce inconsistent click spacing
Sources: Breguet Type XX history; WatchProSite -- Breguet Type XX thread; Revolution Watch -- Type XX military history.
