it's a particularity of the movement

It is not normal by any means, but the fault you're describing is a potential problem with the continuous minutes counter design in the Cal. 582 variants. This caliber employs a friction clutch for the minutes counter with two pincer jaws that hold the wheel that the minutes counter rides on in place when the chronograph is off. When you start the chronograph, the jaws release the minutes counter and it runs along with the normal minute hand. If the jaws are misaligned, maladjusted or oherwise imperfect they might allow the minutes counter to run even when the chronograph is off, just like you're experiencing.

It shouldn't be too much trouble to diagnose and repair based on the information you've provided, so I'm sure Breguet will have it right as rain for you in no time.

_john

Breguet XXI chrono problem

By: ivanclai : February 3rd, 2010-01:35

Hi Breguet Fans I got a Breguet XXI on bracelet recently, it is an awesome watch, stunning beauty. However, only after wearing it for a while, the chrono minute counting hand (the big one resting at 12 o'clock position when reset) moves by itself one clic...

it's a particularity of the movement

By: ei8htohms : February 5th, 2010-18:54

XXI chrono movement

By: ivanclai : February 6th, 2010-17:13

thanks for the explanation, really helps. The chrono in this watch is unique, I haven't seen any other brand using it. Probably not as fool proof! Anybody knows of anther brand / model using this kind of chrono movement. Probably the chrono in the XX is m...

it's basically the same movement as in the Type XX

By: ei8htohms : February 6th, 2010-18:40

Hi Ivan, The design is quite unique, and the only other movements I can think of using the same solutions are just different versions of the same movement. The Omega 1040 and Ebel 137 are earlier versions and both of those movements as well as the Type XX...

Type XX and XXI

By: ivanclai : February 8th, 2010-22:42

John Thanks a lot for the superb explanation. Hope it comes back from service soon. Is Type XX also using the fly back or just normal chrono? Ivan

Type XX is flyback also. (nt)

By: ei8htohms : February 9th, 2010-08:11

got it fixed, a simple job

By: ivanclai : March 11th, 2010-18:42

Got my Breguet XXI back a few weeks ago, they said it is a minor issue. it has been running for more than a month now without any problem. Just want to share it with you guys. I only have a 6.5" wrist, does the watch seem big on it? It sits on my wrist qu...

Size ...

By: AndrewD : March 11th, 2010-20:08

Hi Ivan, Thanks for reporting back. Pleased to hear things were fixed fairly quickly with the chrono hand. Regarding size, my rule of thumb is that a watch is fine provided there is no overhang of lugs. The amount of overhang is affected not only by the w...