In May 2004, during a trip in Sicily, I was fortunate to fall on this Breguet Type XX Transatlantique in platinum, with its gorgeous salmon dial which is made in rose gold. 

That was a totally unexpected encounter, truth to be told. I was aware that such a version existed, unveiled the same year or in 2003, but I never saw one in the flesh.

There is a reason behind this: This is a limited edition of 90 pieces only, which can be considered as a true limited edition. At the point that when I visited the Paris Breguet Boutique some months after, with that watch on my wrist, the salesman noticed it and asked me if he could handle it. He told me that he only received two or three, and that they sold pretty fast. 

The choice of platinum for the case is spot on. It gives to the watch a very pleasant density, the watch sits very well on the wrist, and is very comfortable. 

The dimensions, on the paper, are hard to believe: The 39 mm case looks bigger in the real, and the announced 14, 40 mm in height seem to be much less thick, when I compare it to the 13, 5 mm thickness of a Jaeger Lecoultre Duometre à Chronographe for example. There may be an explanation, the hyper domed sapphire glass, which is another very sensual detail on this watch.

The case back is see through, which is not common for the Type XX, as I only know it for the Steel version blue dial limited edition, and this platinum one. 

So you can see the movement, the Cal 582Q which is, in fact a Lemania 1372, a no column wheel movement, automatic, decorated, offering a power reserve of 48 hours, and, if I m not wrong, beating at 28, 800 alternances per hour. Let's not forget that it is a flyback chronograph, which is an interesting sophistication. 

The accuracy of the watch is satisfactory, as the movement runs around 5 seconds too fast, per day. 

The feeling of the crown is very smooth, when you wind it, at the contrary of the pushers, which are stiff to use. 

The buckle is folding, in platinum, which is a good thing. For once, I find a folding buckle which is pleasant and comfortable. Another good point. 

But let's end with the morceau de choix of this watch, its dial. 

As I said, the beautiful salmon dial is made in rose gold, decorated in a circular way, even for the sub dials. The applied numbers in white gold, if I am not wrong, are superb. 

The only thing I slightly regret on this version is the presence of the date, in the hours sub dial at 6 o clock, which makes a hole. Without, it would have been much better, but still, not a deal breaker. 

What can I say, 14 years after? This watch is a marvel, is still very dear to my heart, even if I don't wear it very often, but this is most often the case when you have several ( too many? ) watches in your collection: The well known rotation phenomenon...

Though, just below the manual winding chronograph movements, which are and stay my favorites, this Type XX has a lot of charm, refinement in its treatment, and class, with its salmon dial. 

A " fish " you will have some issues to catch... during all these years, I saw less than ten for sale. 

So, if you ever cross the road of one, don't think it too long, it may escape from you and it may take a long time before you see the next one. 

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts, 

Best,

Nicolas