The Breitling B17, while not a specific model designation like the Navitimer or Superocean, refers to the Breitling Caliber 17 movement, a significant component powering several of the brand's popular watches. My recent experience with a 2022 Breitling Superocean equipped with this movement, however, has prompted a more in-depth examination of both the movement itself and the overall reliability of Breitling watches featuring the Caliber 17. This review will delve into the specifics of my repair experience, analyze the B17 movement's characteristics, and consider the broader implications for Breitling's Superocean line and other models utilizing this caliber.
My own Superocean, a 42mm automatic model, recently suffered a rather significant malfunction. While winding the watch, the crown and stem completely detached from the movement. This is certainly not the behavior one expects from a relatively new, high-end watch, particularly one from a brand with Breitling's reputation. The watch was promptly sent to Breitling USA (BUSA) for repair, and I'm currently awaiting its return. This incident, however, has spurred me to investigate the Breitling Caliber 17 (B17) movement more thoroughly, and to consider the experiences of other owners. I know quite a few people who own Breitling watches, and their experiences, both positive and negative, will inform this review.
Breitling B17 Movement: A Deeper Dive
The Breitling Caliber 17 is not a proprietary movement developed entirely in-house by Breitling. Instead, it's based on the ETA 2824-2, a highly regarded and widely used automatic movement known for its robustness and reliability. However, Breitling modifies the ETA 2824-2, adding its own finishing touches and modifications to integrate it into its watches. These modifications typically include cosmetic enhancements, such as Breitling's signature Côtes de Genève decoration, as well as functional changes tailored to specific models' requirements. The resulting movement is officially branded as the Breitling Caliber 17.
The ETA 2824-2's inherent reliability is a key factor in the Caliber 17's appeal. It's a workhorse movement, known for its accuracy, relatively easy maintenance, and widespread availability of parts. This makes repairs, in theory, less complicated and potentially less expensive than those involving more complex or less common movements. However, my experience highlights the potential for issues, even with a well-regarded base movement like the ETA 2824-2. The detachment of the crown and stem suggests a potential problem with either the crown's fitting, the stem's integrity, or a more serious issue within the movement itself. The full extent of the damage will only be known upon the watch's return from BUSA.
Breitling Superocean B17: A Popular Choice
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