Best time keeping movements

[Macgman2000]

Hello,

What is the best time keeping automatic movement in ETA, or other? I guess the question should be what's the best attainable as a sold movement only. Not interested in Rolex or any of the expensive movements, those don't interest me.

Nick

 

[Nucejoe]

Time keeping improves at higher beats, ETA makes some 36000b/hr movements.Needless to say microadjustors on adjustment lever imrove adjustability, thence, improves timekeeping, A screw at lever with micrometer action is on some ETA versioms, A caliber like eta 2824 has several variations some beating at 28800 b/hr and others that beats 36000. Ones produced in Asia are of inferior guality to swiss. Another very important factor is parts avaiability, Swiss have by far better record than japs when it comes to spare parts, therefore, you should think twice about getting a japan made and if its Asian or swiss made.

Different brands use or make different grades of a caliber, that is the eta2834 in tudor is much superior to the same caliber you may find in cheaper brands.

Above all and thats my personal opinion, a detached manual wind beats them all, which answers your second question as well, A shield made some good ones.

A NOS movement would need fresh cleaning, yet is much much better than an old one.

Best wishes

[TexasDon]

With the SWATCH group making it a policy to no longer sell spares outside their group, the issue of future spares has become paramount. I doubt that I would think of the Swiss as favorable when it comes to parts availability. Shortages are already critical in with some movements and when a part can be found, prepare to open thy wallet and suffer accordingly. I can't agree with the comments regarding Japanese spares. They are both plentiful and inexpensive, at least in the USA.

The Chinese clones are getting better and I wonder how long it will be before counterfeit parts are openly sold. Many of the older Swiss movements have long since lost any patent protection. According to US Customs, up to 20% of luxury goods in our retail system, at any given time, are counterfeit. Some, so good that even professionals can be fooled. 

No, I wouldn't be looking to the Swiss for parts support anytime soon. If you can get your hands on a Seiko 61GS, you would likely own the finest hi-beat automatic movement available. At 36,000 bph, it is a proven design and a time honored classic. Oh yeah, parts are available readily too. Again, just my opinion.

Edited February 16, 2019 by TexasDon
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[Macgman2000]

What about Stellita movements? I guess they are making versions of the ETA that are not under patent. I don't know if they will do any new designs of their own. It would be nice to have  high beat stellita if they make any, as long as they don't go the way of the Swatch group....

-Nick