ETA calibers are some of the most ubiquitous movements in all of the watchmaking industry. They are durable, reliable, and easy to produce, making them ideal for mass production. There are numerous ETA calibers to talk about, but for this article, we will be focusing on the popular ETA 2824-2.
Known by the watchmaking community as an absolute workhorse, the ETA 2824-2 is an exceptional caliber that, if regulated correctly, can keep time just as well as the ETA 2892 movement. Join us in learning more about the ETA 2824-2 and what it has to offer. If your interest is piqued, we have also curated a list of some of the best watches that use an ETA 2824-2 movement.
ETA 2824-2: What is It?
Released in 1982, the ETA 2824-2 is a second-generation Swiss automatic movement based on Eterna’s 1427 Caliber. It has fairly standard dimensions, with a diameter of 25.6mm and a thickness of 4.6mm. This ETA 2824-2 provides a watch with its central hours, minutes, and seconds functions. It also has a date complication that can be located on varying areas of the dial, depending on where the window cutout is.
Equipped with an Etachron regulator, the ETA 2824-2 movement has a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). This Swiss caliber also uses a ball-bearing rotor which rotates bidirectionally and produces more energy for its power reserve. As a result, when fully wound, the ETA 2824-2 can stay powered for up to 38 hours. Although this caliber is self-winding, it also possesses manual-winding and hacking seconds capabilities. The movement’s Novodiac or Incabloc anti-shock system, which each consists of 25 jewels, helps keep every component of the ETA 2824-2 in place while also reducing wear and tear.
Like most ETA calibers, the ETA 2824-2 comes in different grades: Standard, Elaborated, Top, and Chronometer. The standard variant has adjustments in two positions and uses an anti-magnetic nickel-plated balance wheel, a Nivarox hairspring, and a Novodiac anti-shock system with 25 polyruby jewels. This standard ETA 2824-2 variant has a precision rate of +/- 12 seconds to +/- 30 seconds per day. The elaborated model uses the same components as the standard ETA 2824-2, but is adjusted in three positions and has an improved accuracy rating of +/- 7 seconds to +/- 20 seconds per day.
Moving on, a top-grade ETA 2824-2 movement is adjusted in five positions and uses a Glucydur balance wheel, an Anachron hairspring, and an Incabloc anti-shock device with red rubies for its pallet jewels. These upgrades allow the top grade ETA 2824-2 caliber to produce an accuracy rating of +/- 4 seconds to +/- 15 seconds a day. Finally, chronometer-level variants of the ETA 2824-2 also contain the same components of the top-grade versions. However, they feature precision and reliability that match the criteria of the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).
A manual-winding version of the ETA 2824-2 also exists, known as the ETA 2804-2. This caliber is less thick and features seventeen jewels and a 42-hour power reserve.
ETA 2824-2 vs. Clones
In 2003, ETA’s rights to the design of the 2824-2 caliber reached their expiration date. As a result, some other watch manufacturers have created their own versions of the caliber. The Sellita SW200, one of the most recognized clones, is considered by many as the main rival movement to the ETA 2824-2. Since Sellita used to work hand-in-hand with ETA in the 1980s, it knows its way around ETA movements. In fact, both the Sellita SW200 and the ETA 2824-2 are quite similar in appearance.
This does not mean, however, that the ETA 2824-2 and Sellita SW200 are completely the same. The main differences between these two movements can be seen from the design of their rotors and the number of jewels they each have. While the ETA 2824-2 contains twenty-five jewels, the Sellita SW200 has twenty-six. Operationally, the ETA 2824-2 and Sellita SW200 produce similar accuracy rates, even with their varying grades.
Other examples of ETA 2824-2 clone calibers include the Seagull ST21, the Hangzhou 6300, the STP-11, and the Valanvron VAL-24. For the most part, each clone movement produces a comparable performance and precision rate as the ETA 2824-2.
10 Great Watches with the ETA 2824-2 Movement
The ETA 2824-2 comes in many forms. If you have been a watch enthusiast for a while now, you will know that many watches use the ETA 2824-2. In fact, there are so many of them that it would be an arduous task to go through each one. So, instead of doing that, we have created a list of the ten best timepieces in the market that use an ETA 2824-2 movement.
1. Tissot T-Classic Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium (T127.407.11.051.00)
The Tissot T-Classic Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium stands as the ideal everyday watch. With its blend of sporty yet dressy looks, sleek and durable 40mm stainless steel case, and 100m depth rating, this Tissot T-Classic timepiece can accompany you anywhere, whether it is for a casual stroll, a dip in the pool, or a lavish occasion.
On its dial are silver sword hands and triangular hour markers applied with lume, which wonderfully contrasts the darker hue of the round jet-black dial. Next to the 3 o’clock marker is an outlined date window with a black background and white text. At 6 o’clock, the word “Silicium” is engraved on the dial, referring to the silicon balance spring used in the watch’s Powermatic 80 caliber. The Powermatic 80 is based on the ETA 2824-2 and comes with an improved 80-hour power reserve. Those who want to see the Powermatic 80 and its finely engraved rotor can view the movement through the see-through caseback.
You can purchase this Tissot timepiece for approximately $775 USD.
2. Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic Auto (H32515555)
Sophisticated and elegant are the two words that come to mind when looking at the Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic Auto. Sheltered by layers of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on the front and back of its stainless steel case, wearers can admire the charming looks of this Hamilton watch’s modern silver guilloche dial as well as its reliable ETA 2824-2-based H-10 movement.
Accompanied by an aged brown calf leather strap, the 40mm stainless steel case of the Jazzmaster comes with polished surfaces with brushed lugs and 50m of water resistance. Its sector dial has a smooth outer ring, which holds the silver hour markers and outlined date complication, and is contrasted against the guilloche-style inner dial on which you can find luminous dauphine hands. Like the Tissot Powermatic 80, the H-10 automatic caliber that powers this watch is both based on the ETA 2824-2 movement and possesses a power reserve that can run for up to 80 hours.
The Hamilton Jazzmaster costs around $725 USD.
3. Longines Legend Diver Date (L36744500)
Coming from the Longines Heritage series, the Legend Diver Date is a modern dive watch boasting a rich heritage along with some updated technical features. This Longines timepiece has a case made of polished stainless steel and is water-resistant up to depths of 300m. On the side of its 42mm case, you can find two crowns: one for adjusting the L888 movement and the other for controlling the internal bidirectional rotating dive bezel.
The dial of the Legend Diver shows off a black-lacquered, polished surface with painted Arabic numerals and indices in white, and silver hands applied with a generous coating of Super-LumiNova. The L888 movement powering this watch is an ETA 2824-2 caliber that has been modified to produce only 25,500 vibrations per hour. This allows its power reserve to last up to 72 hours. It is protected by a solid steel rear case that is skilfully engraved with the logo of the Legend Diver.
The Longines Legend Diver Date fetches a price of $2,300 USD.
4. Tudor 1926 Automatic (91450-0002)
The Tudor 1926 is a line of watches that pays tribute to Tudor’s early history as a watchmaker. Each piece from this collection carries a timelessness and elegance that sets it apart from other watches. One of the best models in this range that truly captures the essence of the Tudor brand is the 1926 Automatic 91450-0002.
The 1926 Automatic comes in a 36mm polished stainless steel case. Its stationary bezel has a polished finish that adds nicely to the watch’s overall sleekness. With a secure screw-down crown on its right side, this timepiece has a water resistance rating of 100m. It is also topped with a layer of sapphire glass, which allows wearers to have a clear view of its embossed black dial. Adorning this dark surface are rhodium-plated hour markers and hands, along with a date complication at 3 o’clock. Below the watch face is an ETA 2824-2-based T601 self-winding caliber, complete with its twenty-five jewels and 38-hour power reserve.
This particular Tudor 1926 model is worth around $2,880 USD.
5. MeisterSinger New Vintage Neo Plus (NE408)
With a perfect balance of modern looks and a classy aesthetic, the MeisterSinger New Vintage Neo Plus is a minimalistic timepiece that hits all the marks of a Bauhaus-inspired watch. Its thin 40mm stainless steel case is expertly beveled and places the spotlight on the watch’s gorgeous blue dial. The hardened acrylic glass fitted on top of the case protects the watch face from scratches and impacts while also giving it a somewhat vintage aesthetic.
The dial of this MeisterSinger New Vintage piece is very minimalist. It bears just the timekeeping essentials, with only double-digit hour markers, slim indices, a singular hour hand, and a circular date complication at 6 o’clock. It is powered by an ETA 2824-2 movement with twenty-five jewels and a water resistance capacity of 30m. This depth rating is not fantastic, but it is good enough for this MeisterSinger watch to survive splashes, rain, and a trip to the shower.
The New Vintage Neo Plus retails at $1,370 USD.
6. Tag Heuer Aquaracer (WBD2110.BA0928)
If you are looking for a luxury diver watch, you cannot go wrong with the Tag Heuer Aquaracer Ref. WBD2110.BA0928. With its fine-brushed and polished stainless steel case, 300m water resistance capacity, and the iconic ETA 2824-2-based Caliber 5, this 41mm Aquaracer piece is a must-have for those who want something sophisticated and reliable, both on land and below it.
When viewing this Tag Heuer timepiece as a whole, nothing else catches your eyes quite like its black sunray-brushed dial with a pattern of horizontal lines. Protected by a layer of sapphire glass, this watch features prominent silver hour markers, large pencil hands, a yellow-tipped seconds hand, and a magnified date complication. All of these components come together to make a watch face with a distinct and highly legible design. Underneath the dial is a Tag Heuer Caliber 5, which provides the same precision and reliability as the ETA 2824-2 movement it is based on.
You can purchase the Tag Heuer Aquaracer Ref. WBD2110.BA0928 for approximately $2,250 USD.
7. Junghans Max Bill Automatic (027/4701.02)
Like MeisterSinger, Junghans is another German brand known for its minimalist timepieces. As part of the brand’s outstanding Max Bill collection, the Junghans Max Bill Automatic is a watch that showcases modernity, refinement, and elegance. With its convex AR-coated sapphire crystal, its beauty remains timeless and unharmed by the outside world.
The Junghans Max Bill Automatic utilizes a slim 38mm stainless steel case with thin lugs and an unguarded crown on its right. Its dial has a gorgeous dark blue surface with slender indices, applied silver sword hands, a date display, and luminescent pips on at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock. The J800.1 movement that runs the watch is based on the ETA 2824-2, with its twenty-five jewels and 38-hour power reserve. To complete the Max Bill Automatic’s smart and minimalistic look, Junghans pairs the watch with a simple black leather strap.
The Junghans Max Bill costs just $1,280 USD.
8. Ball Engineer Master II Automatic (DM3108A-SCJ-BK)
Ball is a watchmaker known for making exceptional railroad timekeepers, but they also have a hand in making great dive watches too. For instance, take a look at the Ball Engineer Master II Automatic. The RR1103-C movement that operates inside this watch is not just any standard ETA 2824-2 caliber. It is based on a superb COSC-rated ETA 2824-2 movement with an accuracy rating of -4/+6 seconds per day.
Encasing the watch is a 43mm stainless steel case with a mix of polished and brushed surfaces. At the back of this Ball Engineer Master II timepiece is a solid stainless steel caseback that carries a detailed engraving of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. Its matte black dial is rather simple, with indentations on its outer rim to provide space for the tritium gas tube hour indices. Adorned with thick syringe hands and a date window, this dial is incredibly clean and legible, as you would expect of a dive watch. In addition, it has a depth rating of 500m or 1,650ft.
You can get your hands on this durable Ball dive watch for $2,280 USD.
9. Breitling Superocean Automatic 48 (V17369161C1S1)
A daring and bulky watch that can handle all the waves and currents of the Atlantic Ocean, the Breitling Superocean Automatic is the one timepiece you would always want to have when exploring the underwater world. With its robust 48mm DLC-coated titanium case, blue ceramic bezel with a tachymetric bezel, glare-proof sapphire crystal, and 300m depth rating, there are not many luxury dive watches that are as durable as this.
Apart from being very resilient, this Breitling Superocean timepiece enjoys a striking ocean-inspired design. Its deep blue dial contains luminous applied hour markers and sword-shaped hands, with a vibrant red-tipped seconds hand for optimal legibility. The Breitling B17 Calibre that runs the watch is based on an ETA 2824-2 movement. Like its base model, the B17 produces 28,800 vibrations per second, has twenty-five jewels, and can last up to 38 hours when fully wound.
As the most expensive ETA-powered timepiece on this list, the Breitling Superocean Automatic is worth approximately $4,320 USD.
10. Hamilton Ventura (H24655331)
To cap off our list, we have another timepiece from Hamilton known as the Hamilton Ventura Ref. H24655331. Based on the original Ventura model launched in 1957, the modern Hamilton Ventura is an intriguing timepiece that represents the bold and daring nature of the Hamilton brand. Its looks are definitely unconventional, but that is one of the main factors that adds to its mystique.
Its 46mm case is made from stainless steel and is wonderfully beveled to create a unique arrowhead-shaped build. The sapphire crystal fitted on top ensures that this exclusive dial remains protected from impacts and scratches. On the dial are applied dauphine hands and three luminous silver-tone hour markers that light up the watch in the dark. The upper corner of the dial and the second hand is coated in red to add a degree of stylish flair to the watch’s black and silver surface. Operating underneath is an ETA 2824-2 based H-10 movement. Its 80-hour power reserve mimics the lengthy power supply that the original Ventura was known to have.
The Hamilton Ventura Ref. H24655331 fetches an estimated price of $1,345 USD.
Why do many brands use ETA movements?
Over the years, ETA movements have proven to be extremely reliable and accurate. In some instances, ETA movements have also been shown to outperform even in-house movements. For watchmakers that do not produce their own movements, ETA is a top choice too, especially since ETA movements are rather easy to modify. With their quality, affordability, and versatility, it is no wonder why many watchmakers choose to base their calibers on ETA movements. Furthermore, since most ETA calibers come in various grades, there are numerous options for watch brands to consider when choosing the perfect movement for their timepiece.
Final Thoughts
The ETA 2824-2 is arguably one of the most iconic automatic calibers in the entire watchmaking industry. Regarded as a “workhorse movement” by collectors, enthusiasts, and watchmakers alike, the ETA 2824-2 is a tried-and-tested caliber that is highly reliable and efficient despite its affordability and generic nature. And even when it does experience wear and tear, the ETA 2824-2 movement is cheap and easy to service, so you do not have much to worry about.
Whether it is in its base form or a modified variant, the ETA 2824-2 can be found in many wristwatches worldwide. Of those models, the ten timepieces mentioned above are some of the best watches that house the ETA 2824-2 caliber. That said, it is by no means an exhaustive list, and there are plenty of other great timekeepers that utilize the ETA 2824-2. So, make sure you do your own research and select the perfect ETA 2824-2 watch that fits all your tastes and preferences.
Featured Image By: Tag HeuerNeed another watch with an ETA 2824-2? Check out the Certina DS Action Diver and see if it has what it takes!
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