The Breitling SuperOcean collection is renowned for its rugged durability and impressive water resistance, making it a favorite among divers and adventure enthusiasts. But at the heart of this impressive performance lies a robust and reliable movement: the Breitling Caliber 17. This article will explore the Caliber 17, its basis in the ETA 2824-2, and its significance within the broader Breitling SuperOcean lineup, while also touching upon other Breitling models and their movements to provide a comparative context. While the SuperOcean GMT doesn't explicitly feature a dedicated GMT movement in the same way some other models do, the Caliber 17 provides a solid foundation for the watch's functionality, focusing on reliability and precision rather than complex complications.
The Heart of the Matter: Breitling Caliber 17
The Breitling Caliber 17, the engine powering many SuperOcean models, isn't a bespoke Breitling creation from the ground up. Instead, it’s based on the highly respected ETA 2824-2, a workhorse automatic movement known for its robustness and accuracy. This is a strategic choice by Breitling: leveraging a proven, reliable base movement allows them to focus on integrating it seamlessly into their watches, ensuring consistent performance and reducing the risk of complications associated with entirely in-house movements.
The ETA 2824-2 is a self-winding mechanical movement with a power reserve typically around 40 hours. It's a relatively simple movement compared to some of the more complex chronographs and GMT complications found in other Breitling collections, but this simplicity contributes to its reliability and ease of maintenance. Breitling enhances the ETA 2824-2 by adding its own finishing touches, including decoration and adjustments to meet its rigorous quality standards. This results in the Caliber 17, a movement that embodies Breitling's commitment to both precision and durability. The addition of a quick-set date complication further enhances the user-friendliness of the Caliber 17. This feature allows for easy adjustment of the date without having to cycle through the entire day, a small but significant convenience for daily use.
Why the ETA 2824-2? A Strategic Decision
Breitling's decision to base the Caliber 17 on the ETA 2824-2 is a calculated one. Developing and producing entirely in-house movements is a significant undertaking, requiring substantial investment in research, development, and manufacturing infrastructure. While Breitling does produce its own in-house movements for some of its higher-end models, using the ETA 2824-2 for the SuperOcean allows them to offer a high-quality, reliable watch at a more competitive price point. The ETA 2824-2's proven track record and widespread availability also ensure a readily accessible supply chain, minimizing potential production delays.
This approach doesn't compromise on quality. Breitling's rigorous testing and quality control ensure that each Caliber 17 movement meets their exacting standards before being integrated into a SuperOcean watch. The result is a robust and dependable movement that can withstand the rigors of daily wear and tear, making it perfectly suited for the active lifestyle that the SuperOcean is designed for.
Comparing the SuperOcean Movement to Other Breitling Models
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