It seems like nearly every single automatic chronograph watch out there not using an in-house movement has a Valjoux 7750 in it. This statement, while a slight exaggeration, highlights the ubiquitous nature of the ETA Valjoux 7750 movement. This robust and reliable chronograph calibre has powered countless watches across various price points and brands, and Breitling is no exception. The Breitling 7750 movement, a modified version of the original Valjoux 7750, represents a significant chapter in the brand's history and continues to be a popular choice for its dependable performance and versatility. This article delves deep into the world of the Breitling 7750 movement, exploring its history, characteristics, modifications made by Breitling, its strengths and weaknesses, and providing insights for potential buyers.
Breitling 7750 Movement: A Legacy of Reliability
Breitling's association with the Valjoux 7750 movement is extensive. Before discussing the specifics of Breitling's modifications, it's crucial to understand the base movement. The Valjoux 7750, originally designed and manufactured by Valjoux (later acquired by ETA), is a modular chronograph movement. This means that the chronograph function is added as a separate module to a base automatic movement. This modular design makes it relatively easy to manufacture and modify, contributing significantly to its popularity. Its robust construction and relatively low cost compared to in-house movements made it a highly attractive option for many watch brands, including Breitling.
The original Valjoux 7750 boasts a 25-jewel automatic winding mechanism, a 48-hour power reserve, and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz). These specifications, while not groundbreaking today, were impressive for their time and continue to provide a solid foundation for many watches. The movement is known for its relatively high accuracy and durability, making it suitable for everyday wear.
Breitling Valjoux 7750: Brand-Specific Enhancements
While Breitling utilizes the Valjoux 7750 as a base, they don't simply drop it into their cases. Breitling typically incorporates several modifications and enhancements to align the movement with their brand's standards of quality and performance. These modifications can include:
* Decorations: Breitling often adds decorative finishing to the movement, such as Côtes de Genève (Geneva stripes) and perlage (circular graining). This elevates the aesthetic appeal of the movement, making it more visually engaging when viewed through the exhibition case backs found in many Breitling models.
* Adjusted Regulation: Breitling rigorously tests and regulates each movement to ensure accuracy and reliability. This fine-tuning process is crucial in achieving the brand's high standards of precision.
* Specific Calibre Designations: While the base movement remains the Valjoux 7750, Breitling often assigns its own calibre numbers, such as Breitling Calibre 13, to reflect internal modifications and branding.
* Integration with Complications: Breitling seamlessly integrates the 7750 movement into their designs, incorporating it with various complications like date displays, day-date displays, and even GMT functions.
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