The Breitling Calibre 17, a ubiquitous movement found in many of the brand's popular diver watches, represents a fascinating intersection of heritage, modification, and value. While not a completely in-house creation, its performance and reliability have cemented its place within the Breitling ecosystem, powering a range of iconic timepieces. This comprehensive review delves into the intricacies of the Calibre 17, examining its origins, modifications, performance, and overall place within the broader context of Breitling's watchmaking philosophy.
Origins and Basis: The ETA 2824-2
The foundation of the Breitling Calibre 17 lies in the highly respected ETA 2824-2, a workhorse movement known for its robustness and accuracy. This Swiss-made automatic movement has served as a base for numerous watch brands, offering a reliable and cost-effective platform for various complications. The ETA 2824-2's proven track record makes it an ideal starting point for a brand like Breitling, allowing them to focus on modifications and enhancements to align with their own brand identity and performance standards.
The decision to base the Calibre 17 on the ETA 2824-2 is not a sign of compromise, but rather a strategic move. Using an established and reliable base allows Breitling to maintain consistent quality control while investing resources in other aspects of their watchmaking, such as case design, dial aesthetics, and overall finishing. This approach allows them to offer high-quality watches at competitive price points, making their timepieces accessible to a broader range of consumers.
Breitling's Enhancements: Beyond the Base Movement
While the Calibre 17 shares its DNA with the ETA 2824-2, Breitling doesn't simply slap their name on it and call it a day. The brand implements several key modifications and enhancements to elevate the movement's performance and align it with their brand's standards. These improvements are crucial in differentiating the Calibre 17 from the standard ETA 2824-2 and justifying its place in Breitling's lineup of watches.
One of the most significant upgrades involves the incorporation of high-quality components. The use of materials like Nivaflex mainspring and Nivachron hairspring (in later iterations) significantly improves the movement's shock resistance and anti-magnetism. These components are known for their superior performance and longevity compared to standard components found in other movements. This focus on material quality directly contributes to the Calibre 17's overall reliability and accuracy.
Breitling also implements rigorous testing and quality control procedures during the assembly and finishing processes. This ensures that each Calibre 17 meets the brand's stringent standards before being incorporated into a Breitling watch. This meticulous approach to quality control is a hallmark of Breitling's commitment to delivering reliable and durable timepieces. The movement undergoes several stages of inspection, guaranteeing that it operates within the specified parameters of accuracy and performance.
Performance and Specifications:
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