Vixa
Type 20 pilote f-84 - armée de l'air

Military chronograph Vixa flyback from 1954, issued to the French Air Force, with black dial featuring a 12-hour railway track and luminous Tritium-enhanced numerals. This timepiece is one of the very first pilot watches of the post-war period to offer improved resistance to dust, shocks, magnetic fields, and water splashes thanks to its steel case.

Equipped with a 17-jewel mechanical Hanhart 4054 movement beating at 18,000 vibrations per hour, based on the Valjoux 41 calibre developed during World War II and produced by Hanhart for its famous Flieger chronograph Cal 41 used by Me-109 fighter pilots during the Battle of Britain. This post-war 15½ ligne version differs from its predecessor by upgraded flat steel return springs (replacing the more fragile wire springs) and a redesigned minute counter jumper. This lever escapement watch, worn by French Air Force pilots, began its career on the wrists of fighter squadrons flying Dassault “Ouragan,” F-84F Thunderstreak, and later “Mirage” jets. Numerous archival photos show these chronographs in use throughout the 1960s. Caseback markings show that it was serviced throughout its military life (1954–1982) by the Péchouin workshops (hence the “P” engraved under the serial number). Because of its specific features and unique history, this collectible watch holds special value—both historically and technically.

This chronograph is part of the watches produced using movements delivered by Germany as war reparations after World War II. Assembled in France by Kiplé under the VIXA brand, the watch consists of components and movements manufactured in Germany by Hanhart, under the supervision of the French forces occupying the region where the Hanhart factory was located. As post-war pilot watch requirements evolved, the new standards for jet aircraft pilots led Hanhart to shift toward steel cases and more shock- and acceleration-resistant movements. These early Cold War specifications were fully adopted by the French Air Force when drafting the technical requirements for the new "Type 20 Pilot Navigator Chronographs" at the end of 1953.

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