The Breitling Felsa 4002 represents a fascinating chapter in the history of the renowned Swiss watchmaker. While Breitling is celebrated for its in-house movements and collaborations with other prestigious manufacturers like Venus and Buren, the use of the Felsa 4002 movement highlights a period of pragmatic sourcing and efficient production. This article delves deep into the specifics of the Felsa 4002, its characteristics, its use in Breitling watches, and its place within the broader context of vintage watch collecting.
Information on Felsa 4002 Movement
The Felsa 4002 is a robust and reliable automatic movement, known for its practicality and durability. Manufactured by the Fabrique d'Ebauches Felsa SA, a significant Swiss movement producer, the 4002 is a workhorse calibre that found its way into numerous watches from various brands, not just Breitling. Its design reflects a common approach to automatic movements of its era, prioritizing functionality and cost-effectiveness. Key features of the Felsa 4002 include:
* Automatic Winding: The movement employs a classic automatic winding system, utilizing a rotor to wind the mainspring as the watch is worn. This eliminates the need for manual winding, offering convenient timekeeping.
* Date Indication: A prominent feature of the Felsa 4002 is its date complication. The date is displayed in a window, usually positioned at the 3 o'clock position. However, a crucial aspect to note is the *absence* of a quickset date function. This means adjusting the date requires manually advancing the hour hand through multiple cycles until the desired date is reached. This can be a somewhat tedious process, but it was a common feature in movements of this era.
* Lack of a Quickset Date: As mentioned above, the lack of a quickset function is a defining characteristic of the Felsa 4002. While this might seem inconvenient by modern standards, it was a cost-saving measure during the production of the movement. Adding a quickset mechanism would have increased manufacturing complexity and cost.
* Base Plate Design: The base plate design of the Felsa 4002 is straightforward and functional. While not overly ornate, it showcases a solid and reliable construction, prioritizing performance over aesthetic embellishment. The design focuses on efficient power transmission and component arrangement.
* Gilt Finish: While various finishes were employed, the gilt finish was arguably the most visually appealing variant. The rich golden hue of the gilt base plate complemented the overall aesthetic of the Breitling watches that housed this movement. This attractive finish adds a touch of elegance to an otherwise utilitarian movement.
* Robust Construction: The Felsa 4002 was designed for durability. Its robust construction and relatively simple design contributed to its longevity and reliability, making it a suitable choice for everyday wear.
* Jewelling: The number of jewels varies slightly depending on specific variations of the Felsa 4002, but it typically falls within a range common for movements of its type and era.
Felsa 4002 Watch Movement: A Breitling Perspective
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