1948
TYPE 10 Classic
CHF 3’950.00
iThe Type 10 is a monopusher military chronograph, officially certified as a chronometer by the COSC, featuring a unique and innovative design and a patented movement. It is the hypothetical ancestor of the Type 20 from the French Army and could have been commissioned by it in 1948 as its first official chronograph.
Imaginary History
Pilot chronograph wristwatches from the past hold a fascinating place in horological history. Born out of necessity during the early 20th century, these timepieces were developed specifically for aviators, who required accurate and reliable instruments to navigate the skies. These watches were not only tools but also symbols of the adventurous spirit and technological progress of the time.
The origins of pilot chronographs can be traced back to World War I, when aviation was rapidly evolving and pilots needed precise timekeeping devices to calculate flight durations, synchronize maneuvers, and plan navigation.
Many iconic models emerged in the 1950s, which all became enduring symbols of aviation timekeeping.
From all these chronographs, the Type 20 is certainly the epitome of pilot chronographs. The Type 20 was manufactured for the French Army by various watchmakers such as Breguet, Vixa, Auricoste, and Dodane. It was designed as a tool watch for pilots, featuring a flyback function, a rotating bezel, and anti-magnetic properties. It gained popularity due to its robustness, functionality, and elegant design.
Unfortunately, the Type 20 does not have a direct predecessor. However, let's imagine how an earlier model, the Type 10, an elusive ancestor of the Type 20, developed during the end of 1940s might have looked like.
Crafted with precision and purpose, the Type 10 may have been commissioned by the French Army in 1948 as its first official chronograph.
Technical
specifications
COSC certified chronometer (Contrôle Official Suisse des Chronomètres)
Manual winding
Monopusher
Height: 5,70 mm
Diameter: 30,00 mm
Hours, minutes and running seconds at 4:30 o’clock
60 seconds counter in the center
30-minute counter at 7:30 o’clock
Patented chronograph function indicator at 12 o’clock
Stop second device
28'800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
21 jewels
Typical power reserve: 65 hours
Case diameter: 39 mm
Lug to lug: 47,7 mm
Lug width: 20 mm
Case thickness: 12 mm (with sapphire); 11,1 mm (without sapphire)
60 unites scale
Bezel diameter: 41,7 mm
Pusher in red anodized aluminum
White painted chronograph second and minute hands filled with beige Super-LumiNova®
Beige Leather strap with Albishorn buckle
Movement
The Watch
Like all pilot chronographs, the dial of the Type 10 was designed with a focus on legibility and functionality. Its striking grained finish serves as a backdrop for the contrasting luminous numerals, ensuring easy readability in various lighting conditions, making it highly suitable for pilots who require quick and accurate time readings during their flights.
To further ensure excellent legibility and unlike any other mechanical chronograph wristwatch (including the Type 20), the Type 10 boasts two sub-dials positioned at 4:30 and 7:30, showcasing the running seconds and the elapsed minutes respectively. The inclusion of two counters at the bottom of the dial contributes to a clear and well-organized “dashboard type” design. In addition, it features a unique and patented chronograph function indicator at 12 o’clock.
The hands are filled with luminous material (Super-LumiNova®) as well, allowing for easy reading in low-light conditions, critical for night flights.
Case
With a sleek stainless steel case of only 12 mm height (sapphire box crystal included!), the Type 10 reflects a seamless blend of robustness and elegance. The alternance of brushed and polished surfaces provide a subtle contrast, accentuating the watch's overall presence. All edges of the case have been chamfered and polished, offering a sophisticated haute horlogerie aesthetic.
One of the standout features of the Type 10 is its black turning bezel. Made from DLC-coated steel, the bezel was designed to rotate in a bidirectional manner. The black color not only adds a bold and distinctive touch to the watch's appearance but also offered a high contrast against the case, enhancing legibility.
The rotating bezel features engraved graduations alternately filled with lacquer and luminous material, enabling aviators to perform various calculations related to flight planning and navigation. The conical shape of the bezel adds a dynamic element to the watch's design, further enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Positioned at 10:30 on the case, the crown allows for easy winding and time-setting while keeping it clear of any obstructions during crucial maneuvers. The crown is specifically crafted from steel or bronze, depending on the model. The choice of bronze emphasizes the prototype aspect of the watch and adds character and visual distinction to the timepiece. Over time, it will develop a patina, giving the watch a unique, aged appearance.
Adjacent to the crown, at 9:30 on the case side, is a red aluminum pusher, discreetly integrated into the case design. The location at 9:30 allows the pusher to be activated by the thumb, which is considered the best finger for operating a chronograph. The overall design and the large size of the pusher simplify the operation and add a touch of uniqueness to the watch. This innovation is a testament to the Type 10's commitment to practicality and usability, as its simplicity in operation perfectly aligns with the Type 10's intended purpose as a reliable tool for professional pilots. The concept of a single pusher chronograph is also reminiscent of early chronographs that featured a single button for starting, stopping, and resetting the chronograph function. This single pusher controls all the chronograph functions —start, stop and reset—allowing pilots to measure elapsed time with precision.