Breitling Navitimer: ETA Movement Reliability

Emil Wojcik · 2016-08-11T10:06:59Z

Emil Wojcik defends Breitling's ETA-based movements, sharing his 2002 Navitimer's exceptional accuracy and durability over 14 years without service.

Yes, Breitling gets little respect. And on the surface of it I can see why. The use of slightly modified ETA movements in many models has certainly contributed the most to this lack of respect among serious watch aficionados. But there's still a certain appeal for me. It's simple, really...I just li

But there's still a certain appeal for me. It's simple, really...I just like them.

I truly appreciate a well made movement. Based on that, most would say Breitling doesn't fit. But durability and timekeeping are a big part of being considered a well made movement. And here I can only speak from personal experience.

I've had this Navitimer since new, purchased in 2002. It has never been serviced. I don't consider it more than a good daily watch and it has been used regularly as such. It has not only held up extremely well as far as general ware to the case, crystal, crown and pushers due specifically to the design of the case, it has also maintained it's timekeeping accuracy far better than my AP or Rolexes...without any service! My current Rolex has been serviced twice in this same time period due to losing accuracy and my AP isn't as accurate as it was a year ago.

The ETA based movements have proven to be reliable and accurate over time and are easily serviced. They're fitting workhorses for many reliable daily-ware watches. Even my Fortis B42, another good daily beater, keeps better time than my higher end watches.

I think it comes down to this--there's a place for watches at this level and just because a watch may have an in-house movement, that doesn't automatically mean it's a better watch at keeping time.

Emil

The Discussion

Bill

Aug 11, 2016

obviously from the reflection. Nice looking Carrera. Very cool. Bill

Bill

Aug 11, 2016

Silver (my guess) is such perfect color. Enjoy that bad boy. Bill

fernando

Aug 11, 2016

I'm happy with my two. left Navitimer 806 with Venus 178 and right Cosmonaute with Lemania movement. I'm very impressed with the performance of both movements. cheers fernando

Bill

Aug 11, 2016

Original colors is the way to go. I love the look of these old boys. Bill

joeyza

Aug 12, 2016

This is a Spatiographe that I picked up in a trade a few months back. It features a digital ten minute counter at the 9 o'clock position. My lame photography skills can't come close to capturing the various finishes of the dial. All the same, I'm really enjoying it. <

Ares501 - Mr Green

Aug 12, 2016

Thank you for sharing Sincerely D

Breitling Navitimer: ETA Movement Reliability

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