Military Flyback Chronographs GTG

Marv's post captures a unique collector's gathering dedicated exclusively to military flyback chronographs, offering a rare visual and historical tour of these specialized timepieces. The article meticulously details nine watches from French and German air forces, highlighting their shared characteristics and individual historical significance. This provides an invaluable resource for enthusiasts interested in the specific design and functional requirements of vintage military aviation watches.

I would like to share with you few photos I have taken this afternoon during a special GTG for which only military flybacks were invited.

First of all, the group photo

9 watches were participating. They all share a lot of caracteristics:
- chronograph
- black dial
- on leather
- without date
- bicompax
- and flyback!

6 were coming from France and 3 from Germany.

Let's introduce them.

On the left

Starting from the left, the Heuer chronograph was produced for the Bundeswehr. The use of radioactive tritium is indicated twice on the dial, with the 3H mark and the small T above the 6. The movement for this specific watch is a Valjoux 230.

Then, the Junghans chronograph. It was also issued to German Air Force. Its movement is the in-house calibre 88. You can also pay attention to the original faceted rotating bezel.

The third watch of that group is the Dodane Type 21, used by the French Air Force. The markings on the back indicates that the last official service was done in 1977. The movement is a Valjoux 222.

On the right

Starting now from the right, the Tutima is the oldest of the group. Tutima started in 1941 to produce chronographs at Glashütte for the German Air Force pilots. The movement is the Urofa 59. Please be attentive to the original big crown and the lower push-button which is very close to the lug.

The Vixa chronograph was produced in 1950s for the French Air Force and was still used in the early 80s!
The German origin of the movement, Hanhart 4054, illustrates the take-over of some materials by the Allies after WWII.

Below, the Chronofixe is marked "type 222". It was produced by the Dodane company, which distributed its watches under different names. Among them: Dodane, Chronofixe and Airain.

In the center

In the center, both the Airain and the Auricoste are marked "type 20". This mention signifies that these watches were produced to fit the French Air Force requirements and specifications. The Auricoste has an internal rotating bezel, a pure flat glass and a nice movement, the Lemania 15TL.

Finally,
the Breguet chronograph.

At the time when this watch was produced, Breguet was not the successful luxury brand we all know today. Military orders helped the company to pass through the hard times.

I really like the dial (no marking except the Breguet name) with this typical enlarged minute register, which is marked every minute. It totals 15 minutes. The movement is a modified Valjoux 222.

Breguet was also commissioned to supply other equipments to the Air Force such as the Type 11/12 clocks.

The type 12 is an aircraft chronograph that also offers a flyback feature. The movement is Valjoux 555.

Hope you have enjoyed the minute of this GTG.

Have an nice weekend!