Mathey-Tissot x Massena LAB Type XX Flyback Chronograph
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Introducing the Mathey-Tissot x Massena LAB Type XX Flyback Chronograph, one of two vintage-inspired chronographs both honoring one of the great tool watches of mid-century aviation, released in collaboration with famed, Swiss watchmaker Mathey-Tissot. In the 1950s and 60s, several prominent manufacturers, like Breguet, were issued contracts by the French Ministry of Defense (MOD) to produce pilots watches according to certain military specifications. The requirements included a flyback function, or retour en vol , which allowed a pilot to instantaneously restart a running chronograph without the typical need to stop, reset, and then restart; a black dial with large, luminous, Arabic numerals and two registers at 3 and 9 oclock; a bidirectional, 12-hour rotation bezel; and a power reserve of at least 35 hours. When Breguet, based in France at the time, lacked the resources to complete the contract on their own, they turned to their partner in Switzerland, Mathey-Tissot. Mathey-Tissot was the one of the most industrious suppliers of the Type 20 chronograph of the post war era, supplying a great number of the chronographs to the French government. In fact, out of the 2,000 Type 20 chronographs that Breguet had agreed to supply, none were made by Breguet. They were, instead, made by Mathey-Tissot. The Mathey-Tissot x Massena LAB Type XX Flyback Chronograph features a clean, black dial with large, coffee-colored Arabic numerals, painted with soft layers of lume and two registers: a big eye thirty-minute counter at 3 oclock, and small seconds at 9. This dial is exclusive to Massena LAB. The Mathey-Tissot x Massena LAB Type XX Flyback Chronograph is the companion piece to the Mathey-Tissot x Massena LAB Type XX Tribute Chronograph . The Mathey-Tissot x Massena LAB Type XX Flyback Chronograph is powered by the self-winding Arola caliber 7750 FlyB, so-named for its flyback complication, with a power reserve of 48 hours, and 29 jewels. The Mathey-Tissot x Massena LAB Type XX Flyback Chronograph is limited to 25 pieces and is available immediately. Free, express shipping.
Who this watch is really for
developing dataBest for
- Collectors who want a chronograph from an independent brand rather than the usual big-brand shortlist.
- Smaller wrists or buyers who prefer compact proportions over oversized wrist presence.
- Daily wear, travel, and tool-watch buyers who value legibility and straightforward utility.
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- You are looking for a very different style, size, or movement than this listing shows.
Value note: Value depends on whether the design, specs, and brand story line up for you at the high-end level. Use the official listing for current pricing before deciding.
