The Breitling Caliber 17 is a movement that often flies under the radar, overshadowed by the brand's more celebrated in-house calibers. Yet, this workhorse movement, a modified ETA 2824-2, represents a significant piece of Breitling's history and offers a compelling entry point into the world of high-quality Swiss-made automatic watches. Recently acquiring a Breitling A1736402 featuring the Caliber 17, I've had the opportunity to experience its performance firsthand, and this article will delve into a comprehensive review, addressing various aspects of this often-overlooked, yet reliable, movement.
Breitling Caliber 17 Review: A Foundation of Reliability
The Breitling Caliber 17 isn't a groundbreaking, entirely bespoke movement. It's a modified ETA 2824-2, a well-respected and widely used automatic movement known for its robustness and accuracy. This is a key point to understand: Breitling's expertise lies not only in designing watches but also in carefully selecting and modifying existing movements to meet their exacting standards. The Caliber 17 isn't simply a rebranded ETA; Breitling incorporates several modifications to enhance its performance and integrate it seamlessly into their timepieces.
One crucial modification is the addition of COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) certification. This rigorous testing process ensures that the movement meets stringent accuracy standards, typically within -4 to +6 seconds per day. This certification is a significant selling point, signifying a higher level of precision and reliability than many other automatic movements. The COSC certification itself represents a considerable investment on Breitling's part, highlighting their commitment to quality even within their entry-level movements.
My experience with the A1736402 confirms this reliability. Since acquiring the watch, I haven't observed any persistent issues with accuracy or functionality. The movement runs smoothly and consistently, delivering the precision one expects from a COSC-certified watch. This consistent performance is a testament to the inherent quality of the ETA 2824-2 base and Breitling's meticulous modifications.
Breitling Caliber 17 Movement Review: Beyond the Basics
While the ETA 2824-2 forms the foundation, the Breitling Caliber 17 incorporates several key improvements. These modifications aren't always immediately visible, but they contribute significantly to the overall performance and longevity of the movement. While precise details of these modifications are often proprietary, we can infer several enhancements based on Breitling's reputation and the general practices of watchmaking.
These likely include:
* Enhanced Finishing: Breitling is known for its meticulous finishing, even in its entry-level movements. This includes improved surface treatments, polishing, and decoration of components. While not necessarily impacting performance directly, these enhancements contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal and perceived quality of the movement.
* Modified Regulation: The regulation of the movement, the fine-tuning of its timekeeping accuracy, is likely adjusted by Breitling to meet the stringent COSC standards. This involves careful adjustments to the balance spring and other components to ensure optimal timekeeping performance.
* Improved Lubrication: The use of high-quality lubricants is crucial for the smooth operation and longevity of any mechanical movement. Breitling likely utilizes superior lubricants to ensure optimal performance and reduced friction.
* Specific Component Selection: Breitling may select specific components from ETA or other suppliers that meet their higher standards for durability and precision.
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