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The Dodane Type 23 is an automatic chronograph with an optional flyback function, housed in a 42.5 mm steel case. It draws on the brand’s Type 20/21 chronograph heritage, but the Type 23 discussed here should not be mistaken for an officially commissioned military-issue watch. In a 2012 review, Max E. Reddick praised its legible dial and flyback action while noting that its supplied strap was short for his wrist.
What is the Dodane Type 23?
The Type 23 is a modern Dodane pilot-style chronograph. Dodane’s product listing identifies a Swiss-made, self-winding Dubois-Dépraz caliber 42030; flyback is offered as an option, so buyers should confirm whether the specific watch includes it. The manufacturer’s surfaced listing is for a black PVD version with a brushed black bezel and black veal-leather strap with butterfly clasp. Dodane’s Type 23 product page is the primary reference for its current configuration and specifications.
“Pilot’s watch” describes the design and timing functions here. The cited sources do not establish that the Type 23 is certified for aviation or intended to replace cockpit instruments.
How is it connected to the Type 20 and Type 21?
The connection is one of heritage, not proof of identical military status. Dodane’s official history says the French General Staff requested the Type 21’s development in the 1950s. In that military context, chronographs were expected to serve as navigation instruments if onboard equipment failed and to withstand acceleration, vibration, temperature changes, and magnetic effects. Dodane says flyback was the principal requirement in the historic specification: “The ‘fly-back’ function was the principal requirement in the stringent specifications then set out for the chronograph by the Ministry of Defence.” Dodane’s history describes that Type 20/21 lineage; it does not establish the Type 23 as an official military procurement.
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- VK63 MECHA-QUARTZ CHRONOGRAPH: The WD1863 uses a VK63 mecha-quartz movement with a central 1/5-second chronograph hand, 60-minute counter, running small seconds and a 24-hour display. The pushers control start, stop and reset, combining quartz accuracy with crisp mechanical-style chronograph action for practical elapsed-time measurement.
- BUBBLE SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL & ALUMINUM BEZEL: The raised bubble-style sapphire crystal adds depth above the dial, while a high-clear inner AR coating helps reduce reflections. A 316L stainless steel case and bracelet provide a solid everyday build, and the fixed aluminum bezel creates a defined frame around the vintage chronograph display.
- SUPER BGW-9 BLUE LUME: BGW-9 super luminous material is applied to the hands, hour markers and selected dial details. After exposure to light, these elements produce a blue glow that supports quick time reading in darker surroundings. Coverage follows the individual dial design and remains clearly arranged around the three-register chronograph display.
- 100M WATER RESISTANCE: The screw-down crown and screw-down case back support a 100M water-resistance rating for daily wear and suitable surface-water use. Always tighten the crown fully before contact with water, do not operate the chronograph pushers while the watch is wet or submerged, and avoid hot water, steam and diving. Water resistance should be checked periodically as seals age.
- COMPACT 39MM WRIST PROFILE: The WD1863 measures 39mm across the bezel, with a 41mm mid-case, 46mm lug-to-lug length, 12.9mm thickness including the raised crystal and 20mm lug width. These proportions balance the detail of a three-register chronograph with a wearable footprint. The 20mm bracelet remains proportionate to the case, while the raised crystal adds vintage depth to the compact design.
Dodane’s undated official history gives a production figure of about 5,000 Type 20 or Type 21 chronographs produced by the company from 1956 through 1994 under several brand names. That number concerns the predecessor family, not Type 23 production.
Reddick also reported a remark attributed to Laurent Dodane: “This watch was made to be the symbol of recognition of the French Air Force members.” That is the reviewer’s reported quotation, not independent evidence that the Type 23 was issued to or commissioned by the French Air Force.
What are the listed specifications?
The manufacturer’s surfaced listing describes a black PVD configuration. The specifications below reflect that product page; finishes, options, and listing details may differ by variant.
| Specification | Dodane listing |
|---|---|
| Case | Brushed 316L stainless steel, 42.5 mm diameter |
| Water resistance | 10 bar |
| Bezel | Bidirectional rotating bezel; brushed black on the surfaced black PVD listing |
| Crystal and caseback | Scratch-resistant sapphire upper crystal; hardened mineral-glass caseback |
| Dial and hands | Super-LumiNova C3 |
| Movement | Swiss-made, self-winding Dubois-Dépraz 42030; 45 jewels |
| Frequency and reserve | 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz); 42-hour power reserve |
| Chronograph | 1/5-second display; flyback available as an option |
| Strap and clasp | Black veal-leather strap with butterfly clasp on the surfaced listing |
The page displayed a price of €3,700 including VAT for that black PVD configuration when surfaced. Because product variants, prices, and availability can change, check the listing for the exact watch being considered.
What do the chronograph, flyback, bezel, and tachymeter do?
Flyback timing
A conventional chronograph generally needs to be stopped before it can be reset and started again. With flyback, pressing the relevant control resets the running chronograph and immediately starts a new timing interval. That can help when timing successive legs or events without pausing to perform separate stop, reset, and restart actions. The Type 23’s flyback is an option, not a feature to assume on every configuration.
Countdown bezel
Reddick describes the bidirectional bezel as a countdown aid: align the bezel marker with the minute hand to track elapsed time against a chosen interval. Its usefulness depends on the wearer’s timing task and how the bezel is set.
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- 【Unique Tonneau Design】 This men's chronograph watch features a bold tonneau barrel-shaped case and a mechanical-style dial design, combining sporty energy with modern fashion. Perfect for business wear, casual outfits and outdoor activities.
- 【Multifunction Chronograph】 Powered by a precise quartz movement with three functional sub-dials including stopwatch seconds, stopwatch minutes and a 24-hour indicator, offering accurate timing for sports, workouts and daily use.
- 【Comfortable Silicone Strap】 The soft silicone strap is flexible, breathable and comfortable to wear. Lightweight yet durable, it provides a secure fit and excellent comfort for sports, work or daily activities.
- 【Durable & Easy to Read】 Crafted with a sturdy alloy watch case and scratch-resistant mineral glass. The bold dial design with clear markers ensures easy readability and long-lasting durability.
- 【Ideal Gift for Men】 A stylish and versatile watch suitable for business, casual or sports occasions. A great gift for husband, boyfriend, father or friends on birthdays, Christmas, Father's Day or other special events.
Tachymeter
The tachymeter scale can be used to estimate speed over a known distance by timing how long that distance takes. It is a calculation aid, not a substitute for dedicated navigation equipment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How did the Type 23 wear in the 2012 review?
Max E. Reddick’s review, published on 10 July 2012, describes an example he inspected before public availability; he later said he ordered one. His comments are personal observations, not universal fit or performance results. He praised the high-contrast black-and-white dial, luminous markers and hands, bezel action, and responsive feel of the flyback. He found the watch substantial but lighter on the wrist than he expected, and said it could just fit beneath a shirt cuff.
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In explaining the movement, Reddick characterized the Dubois-Dépraz caliber as modular and contrasted modular serviceability and cost with integrated-chronograph design. That is his explanation, not evidence that this watch is more accurate or cheaper to service than another chronograph. His review is a dated description and should not be used to infer current configurations or market conditions. Read Reddick’s 2012 review at Monochrome Watches.
Should you choose the flyback version?
The decision is about whether immediate reset-and-restart timing matters to you, and whether the specific offered configuration is the one you want. Reddick strongly favored flyback as part of the Type 23’s pilot-chronograph identity; that is his preference, not a requirement for every buyer.
Quick Recap
- Choose a flyback configuration if you expect to time successive intervals and value restarting without separate stop and reset steps.
- Consider the non-flyback version if ordinary chronograph timing meets your needs and you prefer that exact configuration. Confirm the movement and functions listed for the watch rather than relying on the Type 23 name alone.
- Compare the complete watch: case finish, bezel, strap and clasp, flyback status, price, and availability can vary by listing or variant.
What should you check before buying?
- Confirm whether the specific watch includes flyback; Dodane describes it as an option.
- Verify the case and bezel finish, strap material, and clasp against the exact product listing.
- Check strap length and fit for your wrist. The 2012 reviewer found his supplied strap short, but the sources do not establish strap dimensions or a compatible replacement size.
- Check the current price, stock, and precise configuration directly with the seller; the surfaced €3,700 including VAT figure applies to a listed black PVD configuration and may change.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
