Breitling watches are undeniably nice; very nice. Their robust designs, association with aviation, and generally excellent build quality are undeniable. There’s little question about the finishing and perceived reliability of a Breitling on the wrist. However, the brand's pre-owned market value, often selling for a significant discount compared to their original retail price, leads many to question the underlying mechanism: the movement. This article delves deep into the quality and history of Breitling movements, exploring their manufacturing, specific calibers, and overall reputation to answer the central question: are Breitling movements any good?
Who Makes Breitling Movements?
The answer to this question has evolved significantly over Breitling's history. For much of its existence, Breitling, like many other watch brands, relied on established ébauche manufacturers for their movements. An *ébauche* is a basic, unfinished watch movement that serves as a foundation. Breitling would then source these ébauches and finish them, adding their own decorations, adjustments, and potentially modifications to create their final product. This practice allowed Breitling to focus on their design and branding while leveraging the expertise of specialized movement makers. This approach is common among many brands, particularly those not producing movements in-house.
However, Breitling's approach to movement sourcing and manufacturing has shifted in recent decades, reflecting a trend within the luxury watch industry towards greater vertical integration – meaning control over more aspects of the production process. This transition has resulted in a mixed bag of movements found within Breitling watches, ranging from modified ébauches to in-house developed calibers.
Breitling In-House Movements: A Growing Presence
Breitling's commitment to in-house manufacturing represents a significant step toward asserting greater control over quality and brand identity. Developing and producing their own movements allows Breitling to fine-tune performance, aesthetics, and reliability to precisely match their brand vision. This commitment signifies a move towards higher levels of prestige and exclusivity, aligning them more closely with other brands that pride themselves on fully integrated production. While not every Breitling watch uses an in-house movement, the increasing presence of these calibers signifies a clear direction for the brand. The development and introduction of these movements represent a substantial investment in research, development, and manufacturing capabilities, highlighting Breitling's long-term commitment to the quality and innovation of its timepieces.
Specific Breitling Movements: A Closer Look
Let's examine some key Breitling calibers to understand their strengths and weaknesses:
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