The Breitling 6017, while not a formally designated model name by Breitling themselves, serves as a convenient shorthand to refer to watches powered by Breitling's Caliber 17 movement. This article delves deep into the intricacies of this movement, addressing common questions and misconceptions surrounding its origins, performance, and place within Breitling's rich horological history. We'll explore the relationship between the Caliber 17 and other movements, address the often-debated question of its "in-house" status, and examine its market value.
Breitling B17 Movements: A Closer Look at the Caliber 17
The Breitling Caliber 17 is a significant piece of the brand's story, though its origins are often shrouded in a degree of ambiguity. While Breitling proudly markets many of its movements as "in-house," the Caliber 17 presents a more complex picture. The truth lies in understanding the landscape of modern watchmaking, where collaborations and modifications of existing movements are commonplace.
The Caliber 17 is fundamentally based on the highly respected ETA 2824-2 or the functionally equivalent Sellita SW200-1. These are robust, reliable, and widely used automatic movements known for their accuracy and durability. They form the bedrock upon which many prestigious brands build their own customized calibers. Therefore, while not entirely "in-house" in the sense of being entirely designed and manufactured from scratch within Breitling's own facilities, the Caliber 17 represents a significant level of modification and refinement.
Breitling takes the ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200-1 and enhances it with several key features, elevating it beyond a simple "off-the-shelf" movement. These modifications often include:
* COSC Certification: A crucial distinction is the Caliber 17's certification by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC). This rigorous testing process ensures the movement meets stringent accuracy standards, guaranteeing a higher level of precision than uncertified movements. This alone significantly increases the value and prestige of a watch featuring the Caliber 17.
* Decorations and Finishing: Breitling typically applies its own distinctive finishing touches to the Caliber 17, adding visual appeal through perlage, Côtes de Genève, or other decorative techniques. These aesthetic enhancements are a hallmark of Breitling's commitment to quality and craftsmanship, distinguishing it from the more basic versions found in less expensive watches.
* Specific Modifications: Depending on the model and era, Breitling may introduce additional modifications specific to the Caliber 17. These might include altered rotor designs, adjusted power reserve, or other functional changes tailored to the specific watch it powers. This level of customization further reinforces the Caliber 17's position as more than simply a rebranded ETA or Sellita movement.
Breitling Caliber 17 Manual: A Misnomer
It's crucial to clarify that there is no "Breitling Caliber 17 Manual." The Caliber 17 is exclusively an automatic, self-winding mechanical movement. The term "manual" implies a hand-wound mechanism, which is not the case here. This misconception might arise from confusion with other Breitling calibers or from inaccurate information circulating online.
Breitling 17 Caliber Movement: Specifications and Performance
The Caliber 17 boasts a number of impressive specifications:
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