ETA 2824 Swiss movement Review

The ETA 2824 is a popular Swiss movement that has been around for over 30 years. It’s loved by people who appreciate mechanical watches because it’s very accurate and can be used in watches that are both affordable and super expensive.

It’s a strong mechanism that doesn’t need a lot of maintenance and can be easily fixed if something goes wrong. In this post, we’ll talk about the history and details of the ETA 2824 movement and compare it to other popular movements from different brands.

Page Contents

✚ ETA 2824 – Technical sheet

MakerETA
Model2824
MovementAutomatic
Jewels25
Vibration Frequency28,800 vph
Power Reserve38-40 hours
Dimensions25.6mm x 4.6mm
Accuracy+/- 12 seconds per day (standard), +/- 7 seconds per day (elaborated)
FunctionsHours, minutes, central seconds, date calendar
HackingYes
Hand windingYes
Shock ProtectionIncabloc
Regulator SystemETACHRON
Manufacturing Years1982 – Present

A bit of history

The ETA 2824 movement was first made in Switzerland in 1972, but it was actually based on the Eterna 1429U and 1439U calibers that were made in the 1950s and 1960s. At that time, ETA was called ETA’sa and was a part of the Swatch group. Even though Eterna and ETA were separate companies, they worked closely together.

ETA 2824, a robust and versatile Swiss movement

To understand their relationship, we need to go back to 1856 when Eterna was founded. ETA’sa was created as a division of movements for Eterna, and at the same time, Urs Schild’s brother, Adolf Schild, founded AS (ASSA) and became one of the most important caliber manufacturers in the 1920s. Later on, AS merged with other companies to become Ebauches SA, which eventually became part of the Swatch Group.

In 1932, Eterna decided to get rid of its ETA’sa movement division, but instead of dissolving it, it became part of Ebauches SA, which was another company of the Swatch Group. Most of the companies in the Swatch Group kept their factories and brand, so it’s not surprising that ETA continued to work with Eterna even after they separated. The ETA 2824 movement is a strong and versatile Swiss movement that’s widely used in watches today.

✚ How does it work?

The ETA 2824 is a mechanical movement found in watches that is powered by a rotor that can wind in both directions. It has a stop second and manual winding mechanism as well. The ETA 2824 is actually based on the manually wound ETA 2801 caliber, but with an added automatic winding module.

How does ETA 2428 work?

The rotor is supported by a ball bearing, which is an Eterna patent that was also used in the earlier 1429U and 1439U calibers. However, the ETA 2824 was designed to operate at a higher frequency of 28,800 vph, as compared to the 18,000 vph of the earlier calibers.

The ETA 2824 uses either the Etachoc or the Incabloc anti-shock system to protect the mechanism against falls and blows. Additionally, it has an Etachron regulation system that makes it easier to adjust the mechanism.

➤ ETA 2824 Precision

The ETA 2824 movement can be adjusted to be more accurate. There are four levels of adjustment: Standard, Elaborated, Top, and Chronomètre. Each level has a different range of accuracy, with the Chronomètre being the most precise.

However, even with the lowest level of adjustment, the movement can still be accurate. The manufacturer’s precision ranges are used to classify the movement, but in reality, the movement can often be more accurate than the specified range.

With proper maintenance, the ETA 2824 can be as accurate as more expensive movements, while also being more durable.

➤ Power reserve

The ETA 2824 movement can store energy for around 38-40 hours when it’s fully charged, which can be achieved by either moving your wrist or winding the crown.

The automatic module of this movement is designed to charge in both directions thanks to the bidirectional rotor, making it more efficient.

➤ Brands that use ETA 2824

For many years, ETA has been providing watch movements to various brands, and one of its most popular models is 2824. Many watchmakers use this movement in their watches.

However, in recent times, the Swatch Group has restricted the supply of ETA movements to brands outside its group, although it still supplies many of the major Swiss watch brands on the market. Some of these brands include Longines, Omega, and Hamilton.

Here are some examples of watches that use ETA 2824 or ETA 2824-2 movements:

✚ ETA 2824 and ETA 2824-2 What is the difference?

The ETA 2824-2 is nothing more than a later version of the same movement launched in 1982 and also the last update to date.

ETA 2824 and ETA 2824-2 What is the difference?

ETA 2824-2 vs.  ETA 2836-2

Movement TypeAutomaticAutomatic
Jewels25 or 2625 or 26
Power Reserve38-40 hours38-42 hours
WindingBidirectional rotorBidirectional rotor
Hacking SecondsYesYes
Quickset DateYesYes
CalendarDay and DateDay, Date, and Month
Beat Rate28,800 vph28,800 vph
AdjustmentsStandard, Elaborated, Top, ChronometerStandard, Elaborated, Top, Chronometer
Additional FeaturesGMT Hand, 24-hour subdial

The ETA 2824-2 and ETA 2836-2 are both automatic movements with a bidirectional rotor and a power reserve of 38-40 hours. They also have similar jewel counts and beat rates.

One notable difference between the two movements is their calendar complications. While the ETA 2824-2 features a day and date display, the ETA 2836-2 includes a day, date, and month display. Additionally, the ETA 2836-2 also has a GMT hand and a 24-hour subdial.

Both movements have the same adjustments available, including the Chronometer option, which means they can achieve a high level of accuracy.

✚ ETA 2824 vs. Sellita SW200

ETA 2824 vs. Sellita SW200

The Sellita SW200 is often considered as an alternative to the ETA 2824 movement due to its similarities in design and functionality. Here’s a comparison table of ETA 2824 vs. Sellita SW200:

ManufacturerETA SASellita Watch Co.
Caliber2824SW200
Movement TypeAutomaticAutomatic
Diameter25.6 mm25.6 mm
Thickness4.60 mm4.6 mm
Jewels25/2626
Frequency28,800 vph28,800 vph
Power Reserve38-40 hours38-42 hours
FunctionsHours, minutes, seconds, dateHours, minutes, seconds, date
AccuracyStandard: -12 to +30 sec/day <br> Elaborated: -7 to +20 sec/day <br> Top: -4 to +15 sec/day <br> Chronometer: -4 to +6 sec/dayStandard: -12 to +30 sec/day <br> Elaborated: -7 to +20 sec/day <br> Top: -4 to +15 sec/day <br> Chronometer: -4 to +6 sec/day
Anti-Shock SystemEtachoc (basic) <br> Incabloc (highest)Novodiac (basic) <br> Incabloc (highest)
CompatibilityWidely used by many watch brandsCan be used as an alternative to ETA 2824

Note: The specifications may vary depending on the specific version of the movement.

✚ ETA 2824 vs. Miyota 9015

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While the Miyota 9015 movement is less expensive than the ETA 2824, it also operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour. However, the Miyota 9015 cannot match the accuracy levels of the ETA 2824 caliber.

In the standard finish of the ETA 2824, the Miyota 9015 can achieve a similar level of precision. However, it is unlikely that the Miyota 9015 would meet the COSC requirements.

Despite being from different countries, both movements are known for their reliability and have been widely used in watches over the years.

ManufacturerETA (Swiss)Miyota (Japanese)
Frequency28,800 vph28,800 vph
AccuracyStandard: -12 to +30 sec/day, Elaborated: -7 to +20 sec/day, Top: -4 to +15 sec/day, Chronomètre: -4 to +6 sec/day-10 to +30 sec/day (typical)
Jewels2524
Power reserve38-40 hours42 hours
HackingYesYes
Hand-windingYesYes
Shock systemEtachoc or IncablocParashock
Anti-magneticNoYes
Price rangeMid to highLow to mid

Both ETA 2824 and Miyota 9015 are automatic mechanical movements that operate at the same frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. While the ETA 2824 has a higher accuracy range with different levels of adjustment, the Miyota 9015 has a typical accuracy range of -10 to +30 seconds per day.

The ETA 2824 has 25 jewels, whereas the Miyota 9015 has 24 jewels. The power reserve of the ETA 2824 is around 38-40 hours, while the Miyota 9015 has a slightly longer power reserve of 42 hours.

Both movements have hacking and hand-winding capabilities, but only the Miyota 9015 is anti-magnetic. The ETA 2824 uses either Etachoc or Incabloc for its shock system, while the Miyota 9015 uses Parashock. In terms of the price range, the ETA 2824 is generally more expensive, while the Miyota 9015 is more affordable.

✚ ETA 2824 vs. Seiko 6R15

The Seiko 6R15 is a reliable Japanese movement commonly found in Seiko watches, but it doesn’t match the precision of the ETA 2824. The 6R15 beats at a lower rate, resulting in a less smooth movement compared to the 2824. However, it has a longer power reserve of over 10 hours and is a more affordable option.

ETA 2824 vs. Seiko 6R15
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Here is a comparison table of ETA 2824 vs. Seiko 6R15:

ManufacturerETA SASeiko Instruments Inc.
Country of originSwitzerlandJapan
Jewels2523
Beat rate28,800 bph21,600 bph
Power reserve38-40 hours50 hours
Accuracy-12 to +30 seconds per day (standard finish)-15 to +25 seconds per day
HackingYesYes
Hand windingYesYes
Shock protectionIncablocDiashock
Movement height4.60 mm5.32 mm

In summary, the ETA 2824 has a higher beat rate and a wider accuracy range, while the Seiko 6R15 has a longer power reserve and is equipped with Seiko’s Diashock shock protection system. Both movements are reliable and can be found in watches at different price points.

FAQ about ETA 2824 movement

What is the ETA 2824 movement?

The ETA 2824 is a Swiss-made automatic movement that is commonly used in watches. It is a workhorse movement that is known for its reliability and accuracy.

How does the ETA 2824 movement compare to quartz movements?

The ETA 2824 movement is an automatic mechanical movement, while quartz movements are battery-powered. While quartz movements offer higher accuracy and are generally more affordable than mechanical movements, many watch enthusiasts prefer the intricate craftsmanship and tactile experience of a mechanical movement like the ETA 2824.

What is the recommended maintenance schedule for the ETA 2824 movement?

It is recommended that the ETA 2824 movement be serviced by a qualified watchmaker every 3-5 years to ensure optimal performance and longevity. However, the exact maintenance schedule may vary depending on factors such as the age of the watch and the conditions in which it is worn.

How does the ETA 2824 movement compare to other movements in its price range?

The ETA 2824 movement is considered one of the best automatic movements in its price range, offering high accuracy and reliability at a relatively affordable price point. Some watch enthusiasts believe that the ETA 2824 movement is of slightly higher quality and craftsmanship than its closest competitor, the Sellita SW200.

Time and date setting

Here are the steps to set the time and date of an ETA 2824 movement:

  1. Pull the crown out to the first position (one click) to set the date.
  2. Turn the crown counter-clockwise to adjust the date to the previous day, or clockwise to adjust to the next day.
  3. Pull the crown out to the second position (two clicks) to set the time.
  4. Turn the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to set the correct time.
  5. Once the correct time has been set, push the crown back into the original position.

It is important to note that the date should not be adjusted between 9 PM and 3 AM, as this is the period when the mechanism is in the process of changing the date, and adjusting it during this time can damage the movement.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the ETA 2824 movement is a highly respected and widely used Swiss-made automatic mechanical movement that has been in production since 1982. It is known for its high accuracy, reliability, and versatility, and has been used by a wide range of watch brands to power their timepieces.

While the ETA 2824 movement has many similarities to its closest competitor, the Sellita SW200, it is considered by many watch enthusiasts to be of slightly higher quality and craftsmanship. The ETA 2824 movement can be modified with additional complications or enhancements and should be serviced every 3-5 years to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Overall, the ETA 2824 movement remains a popular and trusted choice for watchmakers and watch enthusiasts alike.

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