The series ETA automatic movements 2472, 2824, 2836, 2892 and 2789

History. ETA is the largest supplier of movements in Switzerland. Currently about 80% of Swiss watches have ETA movements. ETA is now owned by the Swatch Group conglomerate. Eta was formed in 1983 with the merger of ASUAG and SSIH. Prior to that ETA was Ebauches SA which was an alliance of the top three players in Swiss mechanical movements: A. Schild SA (AS or ASSA), Fabrique d’Horlogerie de Fontainemelon (FHF) and A. Michel AG. Ebauches SA also absorbed another 31 Ebauch producers.

ETA is best known for the production of two automatic movements with date, models 2824 and 2892. They are very similar in design. Both are 25.6 mm in diameter, however the 2892 is almost 28% thinner, being 3.6mm thick versus 4.6mm for the 2824. Both movements are used by other movement manufacturers as the power base and time source for many complications like triple date moon-phase, chronograph, big date, power reserve, etc.

The 2892 (2892-A2) seems to have been given priority by making it more efficient. Its oscillating weight is better engineered with a larger support for the ball bearing races, which gives it better shock protection. It is almost always with perlage and Geneva stripes. This movement is used by many high-end brands like IWC, Omega, Sinn, Girard Perregaux and Frank Muller who will assemble the movements in house and replace some of the critical parts from the escapement to the mainspring to gain tighter tolerances. ETA uses the 2892 as the source for other movements like the 2893 with a second time-zone hand and the 2894 chronograph.

The 2824 (2824/2) is no slouch itself. When regulated correctly it will keep just as good of time as the 2892. As mentioned, the main difference is that it is 1mm thicker than the 2892. You can specify a watch finished as well as you are willing to pay. It has a strong mainspring and makes a great movement for complication modules that are added to the top of the movement. This movement can be found in Sinn, Tudors, Breitlings, Tag Heuers and many other brands.

How does a chronometer grade 2892 or 2824 compare to the competition? I think they keep equivalent time to a Rolex automatic. Some of the high-end brands I have experience with others that are actually more finicky, fragile and do not keep as good of time as the ETA and Rolex tried and true workhorses. Other movements often have wide deviations in timekeeping depending on what position they are in. The ETAs and Rolexes are often within a few seconds from the slowest to the fastest deviation.

Winding Your Watch Manually. Your watch has an automatic movement which means that it winds on it's own when you go about your daily activities. The motion of your wrist is all your watch needs to run. If your watch is sitting on a shelf for a few days, it may stop because these movements have a power reserve of about 38 - 42 hours. This means that after this amount of time without any motion, your watch will stop. Before or after setting your watch, you can manually wind it to give the mechanism a boost. Assuming the crown is screwed down, turn the crown counterclockwise (towards you) until the crown is off the threads. At this point you can wind the crown forward a few times to give the mechanism a kick start.

Setting The Calendar. When the crown is off the threads, pull it out lightly but not all the way. At this point, you can change the calendar by turning the crown. To know if the hands are in AM or PM mode, you may find it useful to set the calendar then turn the hour hand through 24 hours, you will see when the date is positioned correctly

To change the time of the watch, pull the crown all the way out and turn the crown to set desired time. If your movement is a hacking movement which means that the sweep second hand stops when the crown is pulled out in this position. This is useful because your watch can be set to an exact time then once you push the crown back in, the sweep second hand starts moving again. This is a feature that many watch enthusiasts enjoy.

Important Notes. When the time on your watch is between 10pm and 12am do not set the date because the calendar mechanism is already engaged and you can possibly damage it. Your crown should always be screwed down when wearing your watch and should only be unscrewed when setting it or manually winding it. To avoid crown breakage, do not use excessive force when pulling out for setting.

Never wear your watch in more than the nominal (actual) depth.

Water Resistance Guidelines. 50 Meters / 5 ATM / 165 Feet - suitable for swimming. 100 Meters / 10 ATM / 330 Feet - suitable fo swimming and snorkeling. 200 Meters / 20 ATM / 660 Feet - suitable for recreational scuba diving. 300 Meters / 30 ATM / 1000 Feet - suitable for professional diving. Never wind or pull out the crown when the watch is wet or underwater. The maximum water resistance depth is engraved on the case back. Any watch that is regularly immersed in water should be inspected for

water resistance ability every year. Watch cases and bracelets should be rinsed thoroughly in fresh water after being in salt water. If you notice condensation in your watch, send it to a qualified watchmaker immediately before rust or corrosion occur. Indicated water resistance is a static tested pressure ability. Activities

underwater induce additional pressure on the watch which are greater Avoid wearing your watch in saunas and hot tubs as the high temperatures can effect the watch’s gaskets. Avoid bathing or showering with your watch as soap can reduce it’s life.