A replica Type XXI is a copy of the Breguet Type XXI, a 42mm flyback chronograph that traces back to the French naval aviation Type XX line. Replicas sell from about $90 for quartz versions to $350 or more for high-grade automatic builds. The gap between cheap and good copies comes down to subdial spacing, movement type, and case finishing.
What Is the Breguet Type XXI?
The Type XXI is the modern branch of Breguet's Type XX family, a series of pilot chronographs first ordered by the French navy in the 1950s. The current model keeps that military dial layout but adds a flyback function, a date window, and a 24-hour subdial. Case sizes sit near 42mm, with steel, titanium, and rose gold options across the range.
Original references such as the 3810 and 3817 carry an automatic movement, a screw-down crown, and roughly 100m of water resistance. Secondhand prices run into the thousands of dollars, which is why the replica market exists at all.
How Much Do Type XXI Replicas Cost?
Price tracks movement type and finish, not the name on the dial. Three tiers cover most of the market.
- Entry ($60 to $120): quartz movement, printed dial, mineral glass, thin stamped caseback.
- Mid ($130 to $250): automatic chronograph movement, sapphire crystal, solid bracelet or leather strap, working lume.
- High end ($260 to $450): better movement finishing, correct subdial spacing, proper anti-reflective coating, engraved caseback, case thickness closer to the original.
Movement Options in a Replica Type XXI
Chinese automatic chronograph (7750 base)
This is the workhorse of the replica market. It gives you a sweeping chronograph seconds hand, a 12-hour counter, and running seconds, so the dial looks busy in the right way. It runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour and adds depth, so many copies sit 14mm thick or more.
Seagull ST19
The ST19 is a manual-wind column wheel chronograph built on a Venus design. It looks correct through a display caseback and feels smooth to start and stop. The trade-off is hand winding and no rotor.
Quartz
Quartz versions keep the case thin and the price low. Subdials often work as decoration, and the pushers can feel hollow. They suit buyers who want the look on a wrist without service costs.
Does a Replica Type XXI Have a Real Flyback?
Almost never. A true flyback lets you restart the chronograph with one push of the reset button while it runs. That needs extra parts inside the movement, so replica makers copy the dial layout instead of the function.
Standard start, stop, and reset work on most automatic copies. Test all three before you buy.
Dial and Case Details Worth Checking
Small details separate a convincing copy from an obvious one. Compare seller photos against reference images of the genuine watch before you order.
- Subdial spacing: the 24-hour and running seconds subdials should sit near 9 and 3, not crowd the center.
- Date window: position and font size matter more than most buyers expect.
- Pushers and crown: should match the case metal and sit flush, not wobble.
- Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating on both sides reads clear at an angle.
- Caseback: engraving depth, reference numbers, and any see-through window.
- Lume: charge it under a lamp and check that all hands glow the same color.
What Separates a High-End Replica From a Cheap One
Two things matter beyond the movement: case finishing and dial printing. A good case has brushed sides with polished bevels, sharp lug edges, and even brushing on the bezel. Cheap cases look soft and rounded under a phone light.
Dial printing on a good copy stays crisp under magnification. Text on a cheap dial bleeds, and the subdial rings look painted rather than applied.
How to Spot a Low-Quality Copy
- Subdials that do not work or jump in steps.
- Mineral glass with a blue or green tint at the edges.
- Strap hardware that feels light and sharp.
- Caseback screws that strip the first time you open them.
- Listing photos that hide the case profile or the crown side.
Care and Maintenance
Keep the watch away from hot water, saunas, and soapy sinks, even if the listing claims water resistance. Rinse the case with fresh water after contact with sweat, then dry it with a soft cloth.
Automatic chronographs need service every three to five years if you run the chronograph often. A local watchmaker who handles Chinese movements can do this for far less than a brand service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a replica Type XXI safe to swim with?
Treat water resistance claims as marketing. Gaskets on most replicas are basic, so skip swimming and showers.
Which replica Type XXI is closest to the original?
The automatic versions with correct subdial spacing, sapphire on both sides, and a 42mm case. Ask the seller for the movement name and case thickness before paying.
Can I get a replica Type XXI in titanium or rose gold?
Yes. Plated and PVD versions exist, and titanium-look copies are common. Plating wears through at the lugs and caseback over time, so steel is the safer long-term pick.
Does the date change at midnight?
On a working automatic movement, yes. On quartz and low-grade copies, the date can lag or need a manual push.
Quick Buying Checklist
- Ask for the movement name and a photo of the caseback.
- Request real photos, not catalog renders.
- Confirm case diameter and thickness.
- Check the return window and payment method.
- Test the chronograph and the date change when the watch arrives.