The Breitling Caliber 17, often referred to as the Breitling Caliber B17, is a ubiquitous automatic movement found in a significant number of Breitling watches. Its prevalence makes understanding its strengths, weaknesses, and potential problems crucial for both prospective buyers and existing owners. This article will delve into the specifics of the B17 movement, addressing common issues, its history, and its place within the broader Breitling ecosystem. We'll also address common misconceptions surrounding its origins and explore its connection to the iconic "Forrest Gump" watch.
Breitling 17 Caliber Movement: A Closer Look
The Breitling Caliber 17 is not an in-house movement, a point of frequent confusion among watch enthusiasts. Unlike many high-end watch manufacturers who develop and produce their movements entirely in-house, Breitling sourced the Caliber 17 from ETA, a renowned Swiss movement manufacturer. Specifically, the B17 is based on the ETA 2892-A2, a robust and reliable automatic movement known for its accuracy and serviceability. However, Breitling significantly modified the ETA base to incorporate its own design elements and functionalities, including the addition of a date complication and often incorporating Breitling's signature aesthetics. This modification process isn't simply cosmetic; it involves adjustments to the movement's architecture, potentially impacting its performance and longevity.
The Caliber 17's architecture is relatively straightforward, employing a classic three-hand design with a date complication. It's an automatic movement, meaning it winds itself through the natural movement of the wearer's wrist. This automatic winding mechanism, while convenient, can be a source of potential issues. The rotor, responsible for winding the mainspring, is a complex component subject to wear and tear over time. Furthermore, the inclusion of the date mechanism adds another layer of complexity, increasing the number of potential points of failure.
Breitling B17 Movements: Common Problems and Their Causes
While the ETA 2892-A2 is generally considered a reliable base movement, the modifications made by Breitling to create the Caliber 17 can introduce new vulnerabilities. The following are some of the common problems reported by owners of Breitling watches equipped with the B17 movement:
* Date Wheel Issues: The date wheel is a relatively delicate component, and problems can range from the date failing to advance correctly to the date jumping erratically or not setting properly. This can be due to wear and tear on the date wheel itself, issues with the date-setting mechanism, or even lubrication problems.
* Rotor Problems: As mentioned earlier, the rotor is a crucial component in an automatic movement. Over time, the rotor can become loose, leading to inconsistent winding and potentially affecting the watch's power reserve. Damage to the rotor bearings or the winding mechanism itself can also cause significant issues.
* Shock Damage: Like any mechanical movement, the Caliber 17 is susceptible to shock damage. A significant impact can knock the movement out of alignment or damage delicate components, requiring expensive repairs.
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