The Breitling Watch Source Forums

In the past, the idea of manufacture movements was neither here nor there for me. Obviously I wasn't against it, but likewise I never really saw what the big deal was either. As long as a movement was accurate and reliable I never gave the "in-house" nay-sayers (i.e. Rolie boys!) much of a thought.

However, as time has gone on I think my overall watch appreciation has started to evolve and (dare I say) mature and grow. Over the last few months, I've taken a much greater interest in in-house movements....... and bizarrely, the watch I have to thank for this is one that I will probably never own - the Ebel Tekton! Basically I came across that watch at an event run by my AD and it kind of struck a chord with me at how different in-house movements can really be. Before then, the only watch I'd ever really come across that "certain quarters" made a big deal about it having in-house movement was the Rolex Subbie, but I always struggled to see how making a "simple" time and date movement (i.e. just like the B17) was considered such a great horological leap forward. Sure, ANY in-house movement requires a heck of a lot of R&D and it IS a nice smooth and accurate movement, but it wasn't exactly ground-breaking in my eyes.

In contrast, the way the Tekton displays the chronograph hours is different to anything based on an ETA movement.... which immediately made an impression on me. (OK, so it's not totally ground breaking or anything, but it's certainly more interesting that a lot else out there).

Sure, I’d obviously SEEN watches offering different movements before, but this was the first one I’d spent any time handling, reading about, and chatting about with the rep. I know it may sound daft considering how long I've been into watches, but this simple thing made me realise that in-house movements allow manufacturers to throw away the "watch movement rule book" and do pretty much whatever they like. (Kind of like when you look at the interior of a TVR car, you realise that there actually isn't any reason why all mass produced car interiors need to look the same. They threw out the rule book there too!)

I guess this is just an extension of my current desire to own watches with different movements. As I've said before all of my current watches use different Breitling calibres (even though they are all ETA based), so this appreciation of in-house movements is the same kind of thing, just on a grander scale.

As a result, practically ALL of my watch reading (and general drooling) of late has been directed at watches offering in-house movements along with something just a little bit "different". Hence the IWC Big Pilot with its full in-house 51111 calibre 7 Day automatic movement is right up there. The Manifattura Panerai models with their in-house 10 Day automatics, their 8 Day hand-wounds and their brand new 3 Day automatics, have all hugely caught my eye. And let’s not forget the ever present Zenith's with their in-house El Primero movements.

In short, I think this "awakening" may have a pretty significant effect on my watch buying going forward. It's definitely going to be a case of quality over quantity. To be fair, it always was for me anyway, but now I definitely think I will be buying less frequently and probably spending more per piece as a result. But I'm happy with that.

All I can say is roll on Breitling’s first in-house movement! I can't wait!

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

Me too, but can't really say that I'll be thrilled with first in-house movement's price tag.

The concept of an in house movement per se isn't going to be a clincher for me - I personally don't like the ystyle of Rolex so the in house movement is irrelevant to me, However, if a watch has an in house movement then I certainly consider that to be a positive. I am becoming more and more interested in the technical aspects of watch movements and in house movements are inherently more appealing than generic, mass produced movements - it's the same reason why I find modular movements more attractive than complete units.

As I look more at niche watches for my collection the presence of an in house movement is becoming more important, and I am looking forward to seeing what Breitling produce.

Will a Chronomat automatically join the collection if it has an in house movement - no, not unless I like it as a complete package, but it will be more appealing.

Am I the only one being sceptical about the first in-house movement? I dont think they'll come close to the quality of JLC, Glashütte, IWC or Zenith. I think it will be something simple like Rolex does - central minute and daydate. COSC certified? we'll see. For me this movement will have to prove it self over years before spending me big money on this. Next think is the price of it, if it goes up to the price of a Zenith - aren't you better off getting an el Primero watch? I will as I think of it as one of the most intriguing movements around(in its class of cource, can't count turbillions, JLC's Reverso's or Brequet movements in).

_________________

Super Avenger, Black, Batons, Pro 2
SuperOcean Heritage 46, Black, Ocean Classic

I don't have concerns about quality - most pieces will still be produced by 3rd parties, and will still have to meet Breitling QC standards. They will be COSC certified - it's what Breitling touts about all of their watches.

Also bear in mind that there was very little from Breitling R&D last year so I suspect that this has been in progress for quite some time.

I am sure that the price will increase, probably aligned with what Breitling is trying to do with their market positioning, and also bear in mind that production numbers will likely be relatively low initially.

If there are problems with the early in house movements I think they will be design related rather than production.

at least one movement has to be made completely in-house thats the definiton of a manufacture, no third party components then.
@Roffensian: the design is what I am worried and not sure about.

_________________

Super Avenger, Black, Batons, Pro 2
SuperOcean Heritage 46, Black, Ocean Classic

Personally I can't see Breitling making a simple time and date movement as their first piece. Bear in mind Breitling are known first and foremost for their aviation links ("Instruments for Professionals" and all that), and the chronograph is an inherant part of that. Obviously I may be wrong but I just can't see them knocking out a simple time/date piece.

I also agree with Roff that it will undoubtedly be COSC certified. Breitling spent a huge amount of money on their own facility to ensure COSC certification for all their movements, so there is no chance in hell that their first in-house movement won't be Chronometer rated.

Lastly @Roff - I completely agree that just because a watch has an in-house movement doesn't mean that I'll buy it irrespective of whether I actually like it! However if I like the piece as a whole, the in-house movement will undoubtedly be a deciding factor.

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

Not quite - no stipulation that all of the hundreds of parts have to be produced by the company - like cars - not all of the parts are made by the company with the name on the trunk.

We'll see, for sure I am as tensed and thrilled as you guys, I just hope Breitling will provide enough info about this and not say theres something new behind the engraved caseback. At least I would be proud 'bout my first movement in decades.

At last: We all know a COSC cert. says the movement met that standart those 18 days, not that it will work for ages.

_________________

Super Avenger, Black, Batons, Pro 2
SuperOcean Heritage 46, Black, Ocean Classic

Agreed! I hope they'll go the Panerai route and stick a whopping great display back on EVERYTHING that carries an in-house movement!


True, but to be honest modern testing techniques are so good nowadays that they can replicate years of "real world" use in the space of a few weeks so I'm not overly concerned. For example, IWC performed tests on the crown of the Big Pilot that replicated it being unscrewed and then screwed down 100,000 times! (I apologise for using IWC as an example again, but their catalogue is an absolute mine of information for this kind of thing!)

And besides if they do experience "teething problems", well... that's what warranties are for!

_________________
Driver8

Site Moderator

for the display backs!

_________________

Display back would be welcomed. I fear at a great expense though?

_________________
- Nathan
_________________
Breitling Avenger Skyland (Black)

That I don't buy. Other manufacturers that offer display backs don't bend you over so much. You can make the exclusivity argument but not really justify manufacturing costs as a reason

_________________