The Breitling Calibre 17, a robust and reliable automatic movement, holds a significant place in the history of the brand. While not as widely discussed as some of Breitling's more modern calibres, the Calibre 17 represents a crucial stage in their evolution, offering a blend of performance and features that appealed to a broad spectrum of watch enthusiasts. This in-depth article delves into the intricacies of the Calibre 17, exploring its specifications, performance, history, and its place within the broader context of Breitling's horological legacy. We will also address common questions and misconceptions surrounding this often-overlooked yet worthy movement.
Breitling Calibre 17 Movement Review: A Deep Dive
The Breitling Calibre 17 is a self-winding automatic movement, a hallmark of Breitling's commitment to producing timepieces capable of withstanding the rigors of daily wear and even more demanding activities. It's not a movement developed entirely in-house by Breitling, but rather a modified ETA 2892-A2, a base movement renowned for its reliability and accuracy. This base, however, undergoes significant alterations to meet Breitling's standards. The modifications are crucial in distinguishing the Calibre 17 from its ETA counterpart, adding features that align with Breitling's brand identity.
One of the most notable additions is the chronograph function. The Calibre 17 is a chronograph movement, meaning it possesses the ability to measure elapsed time with precision. This is achieved through the addition of a column-wheel mechanism, which enhances the smoothness and precision of the chronograph's start, stop, and reset functions compared to a simpler cam-operated system. This makes the Calibre 17 a more refined and satisfying chronograph movement than many others in its price range.
The movement's robust construction is another key feature. The ETA 2892-A2 is already a durable base, but Breitling further enhances its resilience through rigorous testing and quality control procedures. This results in a movement capable of withstanding shocks and vibrations, a crucial aspect for a brand associated with aviation and professional use.
Breitling 17 Movement Review: Accuracy and Performance
The Calibre 17 generally exhibits excellent timekeeping accuracy, often falling within the range of -4 to +6 seconds per day. This level of precision is commendable for a movement in its price bracket and reflects the quality of the underlying ETA 2892-A2 and Breitling's modifications. However, individual variations can occur, and factors such as temperature, wear, and maintenance can influence the movement's long-term accuracy.
The chronograph function, as mentioned earlier, is smooth and reliable, thanks to the incorporation of the column-wheel mechanism. The pushers exhibit a satisfying tactile response, and the chronograph hands move precisely and without hesitation. The Calibre 17's power reserve is typically around 42 hours, providing ample timekeeping even if the watch is not worn for an extended period. This is a respectable power reserve for a chronograph movement of this type.
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