Taken from elsewhere and in answer to my question -
Quote:
What Makes it Tick
One of the most asked questions on the forum is “What calibre is my watch”. Here is your answer. This list was originally compiled and posted by Doug Darter in his excellent FAQ article on the old forum in 2003. With the help of many knowledgeable forum members, it is now updated to encompass more Breitling calibres. To date, 2006, there are 30 mechanical, 13 quartz, and 9 superquartz (thermocompensated) calibres.
The numbers below reflect the “new” Breitling numbering system that went into effect in 1980. If you look at the back of the case on your watch and get the numbers, you will be able to tell what movement is in your watch. A typical model number has a letter followed by 5 numbers. For instance, A42362. The letter denotes the case material of the watch, the next 2 numbers denote the Breitling calibre, the next number will usually be a 3 or a 0. If a 3 it is a COSC certified watch, if a 0, it is non COSC. The last 2 numbers are model specific.
Case material designations
A all stainless steel
B stainless steel with 18K gold rider tabs,crown, and pushers, all models 1980-present except Navitimer series 1980-1992. On these, B represents a 20 micron full rolled gold bezel.
C stainless steel with solid 18k rose gold bezel and rider tabs. 18k rolled rose gold crown and pushers.
D stainless steel with a 18K gold bezel, all models
E all titanium
F titanium and gold
H rose gold
J white gold
K yellow gold
L platinum
From our example of A42362, we can see this watch has a stainless steel case, the Breitling calibre 42 movement, it is COSC certified, and it is a Breitling B-2. (The last numbers, 62).
So whether you have a brand new Navitimer, the world’s oldest continuously produced chronograph, an older quartz model, or anything in between, you will be able to tell what makes your watch tick.
Thanks to Doug Darter, the moderators, and all who helped with this list.
Mechanical Calibres
B10 ETA 2892-A2
B12 Lemania 1873 or 1877 (handwound)
B13 Valjoux 7750
B 15 ETA 2892-A2
B17 ETA 2824
B18 ETA 2892-A2
B19 ETA 2892-A2
B20 Valjoux 7750
B 21 Valjoux 7751
B 22 ETA 2892-A2
B 23 Valjoux 7750
B 24 Valjoux 7754
B 26 ETA 2892-A2
B 27 2006 Skyracer (Base movement unconfirmed)
B 30 ETA 2892-A2
B 32 ETA 2892-A2
B33 ETA 2892-A2
B34 ETA Piguet Rattrapante 1186
B35 ETA 2892
B36 ETA 2892
B37 ETA 2895
B38 ETA 2892-A2
B39 ETA 2892-A2
B40 ETA 2892-A2
B41 ETA 2892
B42 ETA 2892
B43 Valjoux 7758
B44 ETA 2892
B45 ETA 2834-2
B48 2005 Montbrillant (base movement unconfirmed)
B49 2006 Cockpit Big Date ETA 2896 (22 jewels)
Note: The ETA 2892 movements used in Breitling chronographs have been modified by the addition of a Chronograph module by Dubois/Depraz.
Quartz calibres
B50 1990s Colt ETA
B51 Miyota Y652
B52 ETA 956.112
B53 ETA 251.262
B55 (Meca quartz) Piguet
B56 ETA 998.332
B57 ETA 955.412
B59 Miyota C3510
B64 ETA 955.612
B65 ETA 998.332
B67 ETA 956.612
B68 ETA E20.331
B69 (Meca quartz) Piguet 1271 (rattrapante)
B 71 Super quartz (SQ)
B 72 Super quartz (SQ)
B 73 Super quartz (SQ)
B 74 Super quartz (SQ)
B 75 Super quartz (SQ)
B 76 Super quartz (SQ)
B 77 Super quartz (SQ)
B 78 Super quartz (SQ)
B 79 Super quartz (SQ)
B 80 Co-Pilot module. Quartz digital.
It may seem odd, with so many different Breitling calibre numbers, that in reality, Breitling (apart from quartz calibres), mostly use only 4 movements.
These are:
ETA (previously Valjoux) 7750
ETA 2824
ETA 2834
ETA 2892
The ETA/Valjoux 7750, is currently the ONLY integrated chronograph movement used by Breitling.
The remainder are all automatic movements with calendar complication.
The ETA 2892/A2 whilst being a non chrono movement, is used by Breitling having been fitted with a modular mechanical chronograph module by Dubois/Depraz.
The ETA 2892 A2/DD is used because of it's very small dimensions... even with a chronograph module fitted, it is one of the smallest chronograph movements in existence. It is the movement that is used in the more complicated chronographs, because its modular construction allows the fitting of other modules by Breitling Chronometrie, ie, moonphase, month, year, season etc. It is capable of being used as a QP (quantieme perpetual, or perpetual calendar) movement. You can always recognise a Breitling Chronograph fitted with the 2892, because of a 3mm offset between the crown, and the pushpieces.
Some Breitling Chronometrie modifications also permit the 7750
to be fitted with some additional complications, though not as easily as the 2892A2/DD.
The other two ETA movements 2824/2834 are used for the non chronograph modules, and are capable of being fitted with day/date modules, and other complications, where necessary.
Last updated 5/23/06 by RBT