The Breguet Type XXI 3817 is a steel, aviation-style flyback chronograph that puts timing functions ahead of the ornate dress-watch image often associated with Breguet. Reference-specific reporting describes a 42 mm case and slate-grey dial, with a prominent central chronograph-minute display. Its Type XX family has roots in French Air Force requirements, but that heritage does not establish that this particular 3817 was issued to military pilots.
What is the Breguet Type XXI 3817?
The watch discussed here is reference 3817ST/X2/3ZU, also shown as 3817STZL3ZU in Breguet’s manual-request interface. Reference-specific reporting describes a 42 mm stainless-steel case, slate-grey dial, bidirectional bezel, automatic calibre 584Q/2, flyback chronograph, date, day/night display, small seconds, and 10-bar (100 m) water resistance. A reference database lists the case thickness as 15.2 mm. These are reported specifications rather than a current official product specification page; confirm the precise reference variant when checking documentation or a listing. Xbiao’s reference listing
A chronograph-led dial
The most distinctive feature is the central chronograph-minute display, rather than a conventional small minute counter. The layout also places a 12-hour counter and date at six o’clock, a day/night indication at three, and small seconds at nine. This gives the watch a busier, more instrument-like appearance than a simple three-hand dress watch.
How does the flyback chronograph work?
A flyback lets the wearer reset and restart a running chronograph in one operation, rather than stopping it first and then resetting it. That is useful when timing successive intervals, such as consecutive legs of a journey. The official instructions for the 3810/3817 family explain the controls and operating sequence; consult them before operating an unfamiliar watch. Breguet user manuals
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- Modern, pilot-inspired Promaster timepieces equipped for professional use to discover the world from high above.
- Atomic Timekeeping Technology with Synchronized Time Adjustment Available in 43 World Cities, 1/100 Second Chronograph Measures up to 24 Hours, Perpetual Calendar, Dual Time (Second Time Zone), Power Reserve Indicator
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What is the Type XXI’s connection to aviation?
Breguet’s account of the Type XX lineage begins in the early 1950s, when the French Air Force sought a robust pilot’s chronograph and Breguet was among the selected makers. The brand distinguishes military “Type 20” models, using Arabic numerals, from civilian “Type XX” models, using Roman numerals. It says subsequent orders came from the Centre d’Essais en Vol, Aéronautique Navale, and civilian pilots. This is the collection’s historical context—not proof that reference 3817ST/X2/3ZU itself was a military-issue watch. Breguet’s Type XX collection history
Breguet describes the lineage this way: “Created in the 1950s for the French Air Force, the Type XX accompanied the history of aviation.” The statement refers to the collection’s history, not to the service record of every later Type XX or Type XXI reference.
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- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Sapphire Crystal
- 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
How much power reserve does the Breguet 3817 have?
Published figures conflict. Secondary reference listings give calibre 584Q/2 a 48-hour power reserve, while Breguet’s official 3810/3817 user manual says a fully wound watch runs for about 40 hours off the wrist. Because the official manual’s figure is approximate and the secondary figure differs, neither should be treated as a definitive, reference-specific guarantee without confirmation from Breguet. Xbiao reference listing · Breguet user manuals
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Verify the exact reference and condition
The reference may appear in different formats, so compare the watch’s documentation and case markings with the seller’s listing. No current retail or resale value is established here. A CHF 13,500 launch price was reported in 2016; it is historical, not a current price. Time and Watches, 20 March 2016
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- Modern, pilot-inspired Promaster timepieces equipped for professional use to discover the world from high above.
- Synchronized to Atomic Time Clock for Superior Accuracy, Atomic Timekeeping Technology with Synchronized Time Adjustment Available in 43 World Cities, 1/100 Second Chronograph Measures up to 24 Hours, Perpetual Calendar, Dual Time (Second Time Zone), 2 Alarms, 99-Minute Countdown Timer, Digital Backlight Display, Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) Display, Power Reserve Indicator
- Black Stainless Steel
- Ana-Digi Display; Luminous Hands and Markers; Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal
- 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
- Ask for clear photographs and documentation that match the exact reference.
- Check condition, completeness, service history, and authenticity rather than relying on a price or listing description alone.
- For a current price or availability, check with an authorized retailer or compare current listings for the same reference and condition.
Use official support for manuals, service, and parts
Breguet provides a reference-based manual lookup, so confirm the variant before requesting instructions. The brand says it does not sell spare parts directly to consumers; it directs owners to a Breguet boutique, Tourbillon boutique, or official retailer for service and parts requests. Breguet service and support · Breguet user manuals
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- Silver-tone watch featuring left-handed crown and black dial with 1/20-second chronograph function, slide-rotating inner bezel, and date window
- 45.5 mm stainless steel case with mineral dial window
- Quartz movement with analog display
- Stainless steel band featuring fold-over push-button clasp with safety
- Water resistant to 100 m (330 ft): In general, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not scuba diving
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- Modern, pilot-inspired Promaster timepieces equipped for professional use to discover the world from high above.
- Synchronized Atomic Timekeeping Technology with Synchronized Time Adjustment Available in 43 World Cities, Perpetual Calendar, Dual Time (Second Time Zone), 2 Alarms, 99-Minute Countdown Timer, Digital Backlight Display, Power Reserve Indicator
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Anti-Reflective Mineral Crystal
- 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
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