In praise of smaller chronos

Chronographs are usually large and thick to accommodate the extra gears and registers. Therefore finding a sub 40mm mechanical chrono isn't an easy task, but it's doable.

Image

One such chronograph is the Mathey-Tissot Type XX that was recently launched in collaboration with Asia Mechanical Watches Group (AWMG), and is now sold through Hemel. With its 38.5mm diameter It's very close to the dimensions of the original Type XX and it somehow manage to stay a bit below 14mm of thickness.

Image

Obviously it's not a 1:1 copy of the original Mathey-Tissot Type XX that was supplied to Breguet, and some concessions had to be made. Therefore it has a Sellita SW510 manual wind movement instead of the original in house flyback, and it features a sapphire coated glass instead of a more period correct acrylic crystal lens.

Image

I never wore an original Type XX, but they must have been exceptionally easy on the wrist, if my modern re-creation is an indicator. Small size has its own advantages after all.