Time Zone Movement.

[badger]

Going to sign up and do the Timezone level 1 course. My birthday next month too, so hopefully get a decent set of screwdrivers, rather than the £4.50 ebay ones I got!

For the course, it's either a Eta 2801-2 movement or a Fm97 one.

I've looked for a Eta 2801-2, but the only ones I can find are in complete watchwatches, costing a few hundred pounds. Don't want to go stripping one of these down.

Is there a cheaper alternative or copy to this movement? something that if it does go wrong, it won't be the end of the world.

Thanks.

[BlakeL]

They also recommend the 6497/8 movements. I was able to find two pocket watches with these movements, each for less than $50. The first one was not working and it ended up being a bad hairspring. I made sure the second one had a good picture of the hairspring and was described as running. The main downside to these is the availability of parts versus the newer ETA ones. 

[SSTEEL]

I used a 2801, but like you say, they are now quite hard to source, as mentioned above, the 6497 is a large movement, and also recommended to start out on.

[bobm12]

The Chinese version of the 2824 is OK...as I'm told!

[badger]

Thanks guys, will look the movements up.

[Scottster]

I used a 2801 in level 1. I then purchased a 6498 movement just to disassemble a different. Movement. It was like working on Big Ben after working on the 2801. I think the 6498 is a perfect first watch to use with level 1 because of the size.

[Irishcain]

Go for the 6497/8. It is relatively inexpensive (40-60 usd), large, and easier to work on.

[badger]

Thanks, I'll have a look for one of those.