Vixa Type XX Flyback Chronograph, Matte Black Dial

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

Vixa is best known today for one watch: the Type 20 flyback chronograph issued to the French Air Force. While the brand's catalog was never especially broad, its place in military watchmaking history is firmly secured thanks to one of the most respected pilot's chronographs of the post-war era. Established as a Swiss trademark in the late 1920s, the Vixa name took on new significance after the Second World War, when chronographs built around German Hanhart movements were supplied to the French military under the Vixa name. Produced to meet the demanding Type 20 specification, these rugged flyback chronographs served French military aviators throughout the 1950s and beyond, earning Vixa a lasting reputation among collectors as one of the defining names in vintage military aviation watches. The Type XX was designed and produced to conform to the standards of the French Aéronautique Militaire. That is to say, that this was designed for one specific purpose: the French Airforce. To meet specification, these pieces featured what at the time would have been considered a large 38mm case to accommodate a highly-legible dial, with a two-register chronograph display and 'flyback' function for precise, rapid timing. The dials used minimal text (some models, such as the Breguet were devoid of any branding entirely) and high-contrast luminous paint, which was complimented with a white-painted 'syringe' handset. The crown is oversized, designed to be used with gloves on. There is also a rotating 'coin-edge' steel bezel with an indicator triangle for additional marking of time, or elapsed timekeeping. The example that we have here dates to circa 1954 and is offered in fantastic condition given the life it has lived. Rare for any military watch, the case has seemingly been spared of any previous polishing and retains its factory finishing — albeit with honest wear. The 'pump' pushers and oversize crown also remain, both of which operate the Hanhart Cal. 4054 manual-winding flyback movement within. The matte black dial is also very nicely preserved and likely original to the watch, with deeply patinated 'Arabic' indices and a white-painted handset that has been replaced under contract service. Last but not least, flip this piece over and you'll find the factory engravings from Vixa with the case number and no fewer than TEN 'Fin De Garantie' service engravings confirming this watches provenance. To many collectors of vintage, regardless of whether the focus is of military watches or not, this Type XX has everything going for it. Military issued, properly vintage, and fantastic condition. What more does one need?