Breguet Type XXII Transatlantique Flyback 10hz Chronograph 3880ST/H2/3XV

Description

Breguet Type XXII Transatlantique Flyback 10Hz Chronograph – Black Dial, Stainless Steel, 44mm

Reference: 3880ST/H2/3XV
Collection: Type XXII Transatlantique
Condition: Pre-Owned

Specifications

• Brand: Breguet

• Collection: Type XXII Transatlantique

• Reference: 3880ST/H2/3XV

• Year Introduced: 2010

• Case Material: Stainless Steel

• Case Diameter: 44mm

• Case Thickness: Approximately 18.05mm

• Crystal: Scratch-Resistant Sapphire Crystal

• Dial: Oxidized Black Dial with Contrasting Red Chronograph Accents

• Hour Markers: Luminous Arabic Numerals and Hour Markers

• Hands: Luminous Hour and Minute Hands with Red Chronograph Indications

• Bezel: Bidirectional Rotating Stainless Steel Bezel with 60-Minute Scale

• Case Design: Signature Breguet Fluted Caseband

• Movement: Breguet Manufacture Caliber 589F

• Movement Type: Self-Winding Automatic Flyback Chronograph

• Movement Frequency: 10Hz / 72,000 Vibrations per Hour

• Chronograph Precision: 1/20th of a Second

• Escapement: High-Frequency Silicon Escapement

• Balance Spring: Silicon

• Jewels: 28

• Power Reserve: Approximately 40–45 Hours

• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds, Flyback Chronograph, Second Time Zone, Day/Night Indicator and Date

• Central Chronograph Hand: Completes One Revolution Every 30 Seconds

• Chronograph Minute Counter: Central Minute Totalizer

• 30/60-Second Indicator: Positioned at 12 O'Clock

• Day/Night Indicator: Positioned at 3 O'Clock

• Second Time Zone: Positioned at 6 O'Clock

• Small Seconds: Positioned at 9 O'Clock

• Date Display: Positioned at 6 O'Clock

• Water Resistance: Originally Rated to 100m / 330ft

• Crown: Screw-Locked Crown

• Case Back: Stainless Steel with Partial Sapphire Exhibition Window

• Original Strap: Black Leather Strap

• Clasp: Stainless Steel Folding Clasp

• Condition: Pre-Owned

The Breguet Type XXII Transatlantique Flyback 10Hz Chronograph Reference 3880ST/H2/3XV is an extraordinary example of advanced Swiss mechanical watchmaking, combining the prestigious aviation heritage of Breguet with revolutionary high-frequency chronograph technology. Featuring a substantial 44mm stainless steel case, distinctive black dial with red accents, and an exceptional 10Hz automatic movement, this remarkable timepiece represents one of the most technically innovative interpretations of the legendary Type XX collection.

Breguet's association with aviation dates back to the early twentieth century, when the manufacture developed precision instruments and chronographs for professional pilots and military aviation services. During the 1950s, Breguet produced the iconic Type XX chronographs for the French military, incorporating specialized flyback mechanisms designed to facilitate rapid consecutive timing measurements during aerial navigation. The Type XXII, introduced in 2010, celebrates this distinguished heritage while introducing a level of mechanical sophistication that places it among the most remarkable aviation chronographs of the modern era.

The defining achievement of the Type XXII is its extraordinary 10Hz movement frequency, equivalent to an impressive 72,000 vibrations per hour. While conventional mechanical chronographs generally operate at frequencies between 3Hz and 5Hz, Breguet developed an advanced escapement capable of operating at twice the frequency of many traditional high-beat movements. This technological breakthrough enables the chronograph to measure elapsed time in increments of just 1/20th of a second, offering exceptional mechanical timing resolution.

One of the most visually captivating aspects of this innovative chronograph is its unusual central seconds display. Unlike conventional chronographs, whose central seconds hands complete one revolution every 60 seconds, the Type XXII's central chronograph hand completes a full revolution in just 30 seconds. A specialized indicator positioned at 12 o'clock distinguishes between the first and second halves of each minute, allowing the wearer to interpret elapsed time accurately. This accelerated chronograph display creates a fascinating visual demonstration of the movement's remarkable mechanical performance.

Powering the watch is the sophisticated Breguet Manufacture Caliber 589F, a self-winding automatic movement featuring 28 jewels, an advanced silicon escapement, and a silicon balance spring. Silicon's exceptional physical properties allow critical escapement components to operate with reduced friction and inertia, making the movement's extraordinary 10Hz frequency possible. The caliber delivers approximately 40 to 45 hours of power reserve, depending on the manufacturer's published specification, while maintaining the reliability and mechanical precision expected from Breguet.

The flyback chronograph complication further emphasizes the watch's authentic aviation heritage. Unlike a conventional chronograph, which requires separate operations to stop, reset, and restart timing, a flyback chronograph allows the wearer to instantly reset and restart the chronograph with a single press of a pusher. This specialized function was originally developed for pilots who needed to record successive navigation intervals without interruption, making it one of the most historically significant complications in professional aviation watchmaking.

Beyond its exceptional chronograph capabilities, the Type XXII incorporates a practical second time zone display at 6 o'clock, allowing the wearer to monitor the time in another geographic location. A corresponding 24-hour day/night indicator at 3 o'clock provides an immediate indication of whether the second time zone is experiencing daytime or nighttime hours. These functions make the watch particularly appealing to international travelers and collectors who appreciate sophisticated yet practical mechanical complications.

The striking oxidized black dial features luminous Arabic numerals, highly legible hands, and contrasting red chronograph indications. Its technical arrangement of subsidiary displays creates a distinctive instrument-inspired aesthetic while preserving the exceptional readability associated with Breguet's historic aviation watches. The red chronograph accents provide a dynamic contrast against the dark dial, reinforcing the watch's sporting character and emphasizing its high-frequency timing functionality.

The substantial 44mm stainless steel case features Breguet's signature fluted caseband, a distinctive design element that reflects the manufacture's centuries-old tradition of fine watchmaking. The bidirectional rotating bezel incorporates a graduated 60-minute scale, providing additional timing functionality, while the prominent chronograph pushers and screw-locked crown reinforce the watch's professional aviation-inspired construction.

The stainless steel case back incorporates a partial sapphire exhibition window, allowing collectors to observe elements of the extraordinary high-frequency movement within. This thoughtful detail offers a glimpse of the sophisticated engineering responsible for the Type XXII's exceptional performance while maintaining the robust construction expected from a professional luxury sports chronograph.

The reference was originally offered with a black leather strap and stainless steel folding clasp, providing a refined contrast against the substantial steel case. The combination of traditional leather and technical chronograph design gives the watch a versatile appearance suitable for both professional and casual settings.

The Breguet Type XXII Transatlantique 3880ST/H2/3XV occupies a distinguished position within contemporary horology. Its combination of a revolutionary 10Hz movement, advanced silicon escapement, flyback chronograph, second time zone, and historically inspired aviation design makes it a remarkable achievement in modern mechanical watchmaking.

For collectors who appreciate technical innovation, precision engineering, and the heritage of one of Switzerland's most prestigious watchmakers, the Breguet Type XXII Transatlantique Flyback Chronograph offers an exceptional combination of mechanical sophistication, historical significance, and unmistakable design.

Alexanders Jewelers is located in Columbus, Ohio and has specialized in luxury watches and fine jewelry for over 20 years. We are members of Jewelers of America and the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating. Every pre-owned luxury timepiece is carefully inspected for authenticity and condition. We offer financing options and accept all major credit cards and wire transfers.