The Breitling Navitimer, a watch synonymous with aviation history and sophisticated design, boasts a rich lineage of movements. Among them, the A23322 stands out as a significant chapter in the Navitimer's story, powering a specific generation of these iconic timepieces produced around 2003. This article will explore the Breitling A23322 chronograph movement in detail, examining its specifications, historical context within the Navitimer line, market trends influencing its retail and resale prices, and the various models it equipped.
Breitling A23322 Chronograph: A Mechanical Heart
The Breitling A23322 is a self-winding (automatic) mechanical chronograph movement. This differentiates it from some earlier Navitimers that used manual-wind movements. The automatic winding mechanism utilizes a rotor to wind the mainspring as the watch is worn, eliminating the need for manual winding. This feature significantly enhances the watch's practicality and convenience for everyday use. While not a proprietary Breitling caliber, it represents a high-quality movement sourced from a reputable manufacturer (often believed to be ETA, a well-known Swiss movement producer), modified and finished to Breitling's exacting specifications. This modification process involves enhancements to the movement's decoration, reliability, and performance to meet Breitling's quality standards.
Breitling A23322 Specs: Precision and Performance
The exact specifications of the A23322 can vary slightly depending on the source and the specific watch it powered, but generally, these are the key features:
* Type: Self-winding mechanical chronograph
* Jewels: Typically 25 or more jewels, indicating a higher level of precision and durability. Jewels reduce friction within the movement, contributing to longevity and accuracy.
* Frequency: The movement operates at a standard frequency, typically 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz). This frequency is common in high-quality mechanical movements and translates to a higher level of accuracy in timekeeping.
* Power Reserve: The power reserve is usually around 42-46 hours. This means the watch will continue to function for approximately 42-46 hours after it is fully wound, before needing to be wound again (in the case of a fully wound state).
* Functions: The A23322 movement powers the chronograph functions (start, stop, and reset), the hour, minute, and second hands, and often a date display. Some variations might include a day display as well.
* Complications: The chronograph is the primary complication, but depending on the specific Navitimer model, additional complications might be present.
* Finishing: Breitling applies its signature finishing touches to the movement, typically including Côtes de Genève (Geneva stripes) and perlage (circular graining) on various components. This enhances the aesthetic appeal and showcases the watchmaker's craftsmanship.
Breitling A23322 Manual: A Clarification
While the A23322 is an automatic movement, the term "Breitling A23322 manual" might appear in online searches. This is likely due to confusion or the listing of watches that *could* be manually wound, although this is not the primary or intended method of operation. The A23322 is designed for automatic winding and will function optimally when worn regularly. Manually winding it is possible, but it's not necessary and may not be recommended by Breitling.
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