The Breitling Caliber 23 isn't a name that rolls off the tongue with the same recognition as some of the brand's more celebrated movements, yet it represents a significant chapter in Breitling's horological history. This robust and reliable chronograph movement, essentially a Breitling-modified version of the renowned Valjoux 7753, forms the backbone of several popular Breitling models, showcasing the brand's commitment to both performance and accessibility. Understanding the Caliber 23 requires exploring its origins, variations, related movements, and the watches it powers. This article will delve into the specifics of the Breitling Caliber 23, covering everything from its technical specifications to its market price and the iconic watches it animates.
Breitling Caliber 23: A Valjoux Foundation
At its core, the Breitling Caliber 23 is a derivative of the ETA/Valjoux 7753, a highly respected automatic chronograph movement known for its reliability and modularity. This base movement provided Breitling with a solid platform upon which to build its own distinct character. While sharing the fundamental architecture of the 7753, Breitling has implemented its own finishing, adjustments, and potentially modifications to enhance performance and align it with the brand's aesthetic. This is a common practice among watch manufacturers, who often source base movements and then customize them to meet their specific requirements and branding.
The Caliber 23 is an automatic (self-winding) chronograph movement, meaning it uses the wearer's movement to wind the mainspring, eliminating the need for manual winding. Its automatic winding mechanism, typically a rotor, efficiently transfers kinetic energy into stored power, ensuring consistent operation. The chronograph function, controlled by pushers on the case, allows for precise time measurement of events up to 12 hours.
Breitling Caliber 23 Specs: A Look Under the Hood
The Breitling Caliber 23 boasts a substantial number of components, reflecting the complexity of a high-quality automatic chronograph movement. While precise component counts vary depending on specific versions, it generally incorporates:
* Jewels: Typically 25 jewels, contributing to smoother operation and reduced friction. Jewels are strategically placed at points of high stress within the movement.
* Frequency: The balance wheel typically oscillates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph) or 4 Hz, a standard frequency offering a good balance between accuracy and power reserve.
* Power Reserve: The power reserve usually falls within the range of 42-48 hours, indicating the length of time the watch can run on a fully wound mainspring before needing to be rewound (or worn to self-wind).
* Functions: The primary functions are hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph minutes, and chronograph seconds. Some versions also include a 12-hour totalizer.
* Diameter: The movement diameter is approximately 30mm, a common size for automatic chronograph movements.
Precise specifications may vary slightly depending on the specific watch model and any minor modifications implemented by Breitling over the years. This highlights the importance of consulting the official Breitling specifications for a particular watch incorporating the Caliber 23.
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