The Breitling B17, often referred to as the Breitling Caliber 17, is a ubiquitous movement found in a wide range of the brand's automatic watches. While not an in-house movement in the strictest sense, its widespread use and reliable performance have cemented its place in Breitling's history and the hearts of many watch enthusiasts. This article will delve into the details of the Breitling B17, exploring its specifications, performance, history, and place within the broader context of Breitling's horological offerings. We'll also address common questions surrounding its price, reviews, and maintenance.
Breitling Caliber 17 Movement: A Closer Look
The Breitling Caliber 17 isn't a movement designed and manufactured entirely within Breitling's own workshops. Instead, it's based on a modified ETA 2892-A2, a highly regarded base movement known for its robustness and accuracy. This strategic approach allowed Breitling to leverage the proven reliability of ETA's manufacturing while adding its own unique modifications and finishing to create a movement tailored to its specific needs and aesthetic. This "manufacture-modified" approach is common amongst many watch brands, offering a balance between cost-effectiveness and brand identity.
The modifications made by Breitling to the ETA 2892-A2 resulted in a movement that's both visually appealing and functionally robust. While the core architecture remains largely unchanged, Breitling typically incorporates its own rotor design, bridges, and finishing touches. These often include côtes de Genève, perlage, and other decorative elements that enhance the visual appeal of the movement when viewed through the exhibition case back, a feature frequently found in watches equipped with the B17.
The Caliber B17 is an automatic movement, meaning it winds itself through the motion of the wearer's wrist. This eliminates the need for manual winding, offering convenience and consistent timekeeping. It typically boasts a power reserve of around 42 hours, meaning it will continue to run for approximately two days after being fully wound. This power reserve is considered standard for movements of this type and is sufficient for most wearers. The frequency of the balance wheel is generally 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), which contributes to its relatively smooth and precise timekeeping.
Breitling Caliber 17 Movement Review: Performance and Reliability
The Breitling Caliber 17 has garnered a largely positive reputation amongst watch enthusiasts and owners. Its performance is generally considered reliable and consistent, reflecting the quality of the underlying ETA 2892-A2 movement. Many users report accurate timekeeping and minimal issues over extended periods. However, like any mechanical movement, regular servicing is crucial to maintain optimal performance and longevity.
While generally reliable, some users have reported occasional minor issues, such as slight variations in accuracy or infrequent problems with the date mechanism. These instances are generally not widespread and often attributable to factors such as wear and tear, lack of proper maintenance, or environmental conditions. It's crucial to remember that even the most robust movements require periodic servicing from a qualified watchmaker to ensure continued accurate timekeeping.
One advantage of using a modified ETA movement is the readily available parts and expertise for repairs. The widespread use of the ETA 2892-A2 means that finding qualified technicians capable of servicing the Breitling B17 is relatively straightforward compared to movements from smaller, less common manufacturers. This accessibility contributes to the long-term value and maintainability of watches equipped with this movement.
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