Dodane Chronograph Type 21 Flyback 41,5 mm automatic Full Set 2015

The origins

After the Second World War, the aeronautical industry was in full swing. The revival was strong and the great powers acquired new means of attack. General de Gaulle's France is preparing and consolidating the country's future. France was equipped with new measuring instruments, including watches.

In order to purchase a chronograph in large quantities for the French military air force in the early 1950s, the French Ministry of Defense drew up strict specifications for invitations to tender from watch manufacturers. Several watch manufacturers responded to the call. These new chronographs were initially called "Type 20". A few years later, the design of these first examples having become obsolete and their maintenance expensive, a new specification allows the introduction under the name "Type 21" of new models with a greater reliability.

Each Type 20 or 21 had to have a bidirectional rotating bezel with a type 12hn marking, a black dial with indexes, Arabic numerals and luminescent hands, and a movement with the "return to flight" function!

The suppliers include Auricoste, Breguet and Vixa in the 50s and Dodane in the 60s. Dodane is also at the origin of models under other brands like Airain and Chronofixe.

These chronographs were provided as endowment to pilots and navigators of the air force. Some were also offered for sale within the military corps.

Let's meet

Dodane 1857 is a legendary French brand! Since 1930, Dodane has been one of the regular suppliers of military aviation, not only for wristwatches but also for on-board chronographs for the largest fighter squadrons, civil aviation or international organizations such as NATO. When the brand made its comeback at the 2015 Basel Fair, it presented its re-editions of the Type 21 Heritage collections. It is precisely one of these pieces that we present to you in this 10h10!

This Type 21 3 counters has a polished steel case of 41.5mm in diameter and 13.70mm thick, topped with a brushed bezel. The case is adorned with a sapphire crystal that effectively protects the watch from scratches and scuffs.

The watch is equipped with a Swiss automatic movement Dubois Depraz 42021, which offers the "Flyback" function, i.e. the possibility to set the chronograph function to zero and then start it again immediately. The Air Force command imposed this requirement as it was of vital importance to the airmen when they passed over a beacon or had to land based on the times indicated by the control tower.

The package

This Dodane limited to 400 pieces is in excellent condition, with a new leather strap. It will be delivered to you Full Set with its original case, its instructions for use and its original warranty card dated 2015. This Type 21 has been authenticated and serviced by our watchmakers and as such benefits from the Lepage Vintage 1 year warranty. The water-resistance has also been checked.