martes, 28 de septiembre de 2010
miércoles, 2 de septiembre de 2009
ETA, S.A. (Wikipedia)
ETA SA
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 | |
| Type | Member of the Swatch Group |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1856 (1793, 1896) |
| Headquarters | Grenchen, Switzerland |
| Industry | Movement manufacturing |
| Products | Blank watch movements |
| Website | http://www.eta.ch |
ETA SA (full business name ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse) is a Swiss producer of mechanical and quartz watch movements. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Swatch Group.
[edit]Overview
ETA SA is a Swiss producer of mechanical and quartz watch movements. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Swatch Group. The company specializes in the production of ébauchemovements which are used in a number of mechanical watches. ETA has owned several important Swiss watch movement companies including Valjoux, Peseux (see:[2] ) (and [3](translation) and Lemania, for a number of years . In fact the company is the result of successive consolidation of the Swiss watch industry. ETA manufactures quartz movements, hand wound movements and mechanical movements powered by self-winding mechanisms. Because ETA maintains vertical control over the manufacturing of all of the components required to create a watch movement (save for the hairsprings which are made by its sister company Nivarox) ETA may be considered a true manufacturer.
[edit]A Brief History
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse is one of the world's largest manufacturers of watches and movements.[1] In 1856 at Grenchen, Urs Schild, a schoolmaster, and Dr. Girard set up a watch movement (ébauche) factory which eventually became Eterna. In 1926, ETA AS (the movement branch of Eterna, founded in 1896) and FHF (founded in 1793) took part in the creation of Ebauches Ltd. In 1978 AS and ETA merged and in 1985 ETA took in all the activities done before by Ebauches Ltd and FHF (both part of SMH/Swatch Group).[2]
In 1998, SMH Swiss Corporation for Microelectronics and Watchmaking Industries Ltd, founded in 1983 through the merger Swiss watchmakers ASUAG and SSIH, was renamed the Swatch Group.
At the time, both SSIH and ASUAG held a number of well-established Swiss watch brands. ASUAG had been founded in 1931. ASUAG expanded through the purchase of companies that made movement-blanks and a number of finished watch manufacturers that were subsequently brought together under the subsidiary GWC, General Watch Co
SSIH was founded in 1930 through the amalgamation of Omega and Tissot. By consolidating companies that produced high-quality movements and a number of watch brands, SSIH gradually established a strong position in the Swiss watch industry.
In the 1930s, both ASUAG and SSIH entered into complementary research and development programs to combat a severe economic crisis. Following repeated crises in the Swiss watch industry, by the 1970s both ASUAG and SSIH were again in trouble. Foreign competition and the mass production of cheap new electronic products were taking over the market. Eventually, both ASUAG and SSIH faced bankruptcy.
In 1983, critical steps including the merger of ASUAG and SSIH into SMH and the launching of a low-cost, high-tech, artistic and emotional “second watch” - the Swatch. Invented, developed and launched by Ernst Thomke and his team. [3]
During all those years of crisis, and restructuration, since 1978, Dr. Ernst Thomke had been at the helm of ETA SA, and also had become CEO of Ebauches SA and appointed on the Board of Directors of ASUAG. He became SMH's first CEO, position he held until 1991. At that time, Nicolas G. Hayek, as newly elected Chairman of the Board and main shareholder had already become the only person of reference.
[edit]Workhorse mechanical movements
In recent years there has been an increase in interest in mechanical watches. ETA supplies the overwhelming majority of mechanical watch movements found in Swiss watches. As such, the ETA movements are considered the workhorses on the industry. Moreover, ETA has come to control a virtual monopoly over the production and supply of watch movements, more on that issue below.
[edit]ETA 2824-2
One workhorse of the ETA mechanical line is the ETA 2824-2, The 2824 is an automatic winding, twenty-five (25) jewel movement, available in four executions or grades: Standard, Elaborated (improved), Top and Chronometer[4]. The key components which differ at the line of demarcation between Elaborated and Top are the barrel spring, shock protection system, pallet stones, balance wheel & hairspring and the regulator mechanism. To illustrate the differences in accuracy garnered by the successive grades, consider the following specifications:
- the Standard grade is adjusted in two positions with an average rate of +/-12 seconds/day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-30 seconds/day;
- the Elaborated grade is adjusted in three positions with an average rate of +/-7 seconds/day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-30 seconds/day;
- while the Top grade is adjusted in five positions with an average rate of +/-4 seconds/day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-10 seconds/day.
The Chronometer grade must meet strict standards prescribed by the COSC. Chronometer grade movements are serial numbered as that is a requirement of the certification authority. Moreover, it should be noted that the degree of decoration on the movement's parts, generally only an aesthetic improvement, increases as well with the grade.[5]
[edit]ETA 2892
The ETA 2892.A2[6] is however, widely considered the more upscale of the basic ETA movements, and it certainly a newer design dating to the 1970s where as the 2824 traces its roots back to the 1950s. The 2892 is fitted with top quality components. The 2892 is an automatic winding, twenty-one (21) jewel movement, available in three executions or grades: Elaborated,Top and Chronometer. The key components which differ at the line of demarcation between Elaborated and Top are the pallet stones, balance wheel & hairspring, and the regulator mechanism. To illustrate the differences in accuracy garnered by the successive grades, consider the following specifications:
- the Elaborated grade is adjusted in four positions with an average rate of +/-5 seconds/day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-20 seconds/day;
- the Top grade is adjusted in five positions with an average rate of +/-4 seconds/day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-15 seconds/day.
The Chronometer grade must meet strict standards prescribed by the COSC: an average rate of -4/+6 with a maximum daily variation of +/-5 seconds/day. The wider range for the Chronometer grade is designed to take into account the differences in a watches rate between static positions, as when the tests are performed, and the dynamic positions as when a watch is actually worn. Chronometer grade movements are serial numbered. Moreover, the degree of decoration on the movement's parts, generally an aesthetic improvement, increases with the grade.[7]
The 2892.A2 is regarded by many horologists as being in the same 'quality' range (accuracy and reliability) as the in-house produced Rolex movements.[citation needed] Insofar as accuracy is concerned any movement which is expected to be COSC-certified, or is in fact COSC-certified, must meet the same standards. The ETA 2892.A2 is usually found in the more expensive and prestigious watches and brands. Owing to its relatively slim height of 3.60 mm, the 2892.A2 is a favorite of watch brands that market complicated movements such as Breitling with its trademark chronograph (stop watches). Given the slim dimensions of the 2892, it provides a good platform on which to add or build a chronograph complication. It is also used in IWC's Portofino line without complications simply for its small size.
[edit]The Omega Co-axial based upon an ETA movement
Omega's popular Seamaster line of watches currently use an embellished version of the ETA 2892.A2, which is known as the Omega 1120. As an adjunct, some versions of the Omega watches may be fitted with the proprietary Co-axial escapement invented by George Daniels, an English horologist and exclusively marketed by Omega a sister company of ETA. The movement with the co-axial escapement is known as the Omega 2500 series and is derived from the ETA 2892.
[edit]Valjoux 7750
The Valjoux 7750[8] a/k/a ETA 7750 is a widely used chronograph (stop watch) movement operated by cams integrated into the movement. The traditional mechanism used in the chronograph is known as the Column Wheel. With the advent of the Valjoux 7750, the column wheel was abandoned for a three (3) plane cam system. The three plane cam system is properly known as the Coulisse Levier mechanism. The system and movement were developed by Edmond Capt in 1970, as a fully integrated self-winding mechanism with quick-set day/date based on the Valjoux 7733.[9]
The movement is an automatic winding, twenty-five (25) jewel movement, which can be fitted with a variety of features including the triple date (day, date, month and moon phase) or a variety of two and three register models with totalizers or counters for minutes, seconds and hours. It is available in three executions or grades: Elaborated, Top and Chronometer. The key components which differ at the line of demarcation between Elaborated and Top are the pallet stones, balance wheel & hairspring and the regulator mechanism. To illustrate the differences in accuracy garnered by the successive grades, consider the following specifications: the Elaborated grade is adjusted in three positions with an average rate of +/-5 seconds/day with a maximum daily variation of +/-15 seconds/day; while the Top grade is adjusted in five positions with an average rate of +/-4 seconds/day with a maximum daily variation of +/-10 seconds/day. The Chronometer grade must meet strict standards prescribed by the [COSC]: an average rate of -4/+6 with a maximum daily variation of +/-5 seconds/day. [10]
[edit]Monopoly allegations and investigations
In the Swiss watch industry, there was a two-year investigation[11] into certain aspects of the business practices of ETA SA. The investigation was concluded in November 2005 by the Swiss Competition Commission with the finding that ETA was abusing its dominant market position. ETA had had the intention to discontinue its supply of ébauches (movement blanks) as of January 2006 and thereafter to supply only fully assembled watch movements and its own brands (the so-called “phasing-out”).
ETA argued that it was overwhelmed with orders and that its ébauches were sometimes ending up in fake (a/k/a replica or trademark pirated watches). [12] ETA also warned that there could be another crisis in Swiss watch making unless there was more innovation and investment. Nicolas Hayek, then the CEO of Swatch, the parent of ETA observed,
"[t]ere was no innovation, no new development, and when I pushed them to start doing new production, everybody started shouting... I said I was not going to deliver any more of my movements unless they try to do their own production... Otherwise the Swiss watch industry will suffer exactly the same problems it had before and it will go down.
However, the investigations revealed that ETA held a dominant position in the market for Swiss made mechanical ébauches up to a unit price of CHF 300. The regulators determined that stopping deliveries to third parties would have threatened the future of many small watchmakers in Switzerland and the termination of supply was to be regarded as an unlawful refusal to do business and therefore as an abusive practice. For numerous competitors, the implementation of the phasing-out within such a short time meant in practical terms that they had been deprived of the basis for their business activity, as there was no alternative supplier.
In an amicable settlement, ETA committed to supply the ébauches until the end of 2008 at the current volume and thereafter for two additional years at a reduced volume. This will create a situation in which alternative production plants may be set up. The regulators said the agreement gives small watch making companies in Switzerland enough time to adapt to the market and find new producers. [13]
This has spurred on progress in the watch movement circles with several brands developing proprietary movements, for example Panerai. Another discrete movement maker, Progress Watch Corp. also came into the market for a period of time. ETA movements have also been duplicated by various enterprises including Asian manufacturers and are usually being produced without license[14].
domingo, 9 de agosto de 2009
ETA 2824-2 or Miyota 8215 Automatic?
The Miyota 8215 and ETA 2824-2 are two Automatic Date movements that have been around for years. Both are fine watch movements that are dependable and accurate. Both are used by several watch makers world wide.
I tis common thing for most watch manufactures these days that don’t make their own movements. Swiss manufacturers were hit hard in the mid Seventy’s with the advent of cheap disposable quartz movements. Many makers when out of business, most of those who survived now employ "ebauche" (spec) movements, manufactured by ETA ,Valjoux and a few others.
The Swiss ETA 2824-2 movement is used in several makes including Auguste Reymond, Cartier, Dugena, Eterna, Festina, Fortis, Gaddy's, Kienzle, Maurice Lacroix, MHR, Motochron, Oris, Schwarz-Etienne, TAG-Heuer, Tissot to name a few.
The Miyota 8215 movement is used in such brands as Camel, Citizen, Dugena, Festina and Invicta. Miyota is owned by Citizen in Japan.
The two movements, while similar, have differences that set them apart, both in functionality and application.
Cost - The 25 Jewel ETA 2824-2 Automatic Movement can be purchased from Ofrei (A large watch materials house) for about $78. It is employed in watches costing thousands including the Rolex Tudor Submariner.
The 21 Jewel Miyota 8215 costs about $37 and is used in watches priced from $100 and up.
BPH - Beats per hour. ETA 2824-2 28,800 BPH or 8 beats per second (4 Hz) vs 21,600 or 6 beats per second (3 Hz) for the Miyota 8215. Most mechanical movements run at 18,000 BPH or 5 beats per second (2.5 Hz). Both movements have higher than average BPH a plus.
Accuracy is generally better on movements with higher BPH. The Higher end watches employ movements with high beats per second. An easy way to judge movement quality without taking it out of the case is to watch how smoothly the second hand runs. Higher quality movements display a smoother running second hand.
Finish - The finish on the ETA is smoother and more polished than the Miyota. The ETA is available with gold plating as used by the Invica 9937. This does not affect the performance of the movement. Many and many could argue who’s going to look at the movement anyway? It’s is an esthetic issue.
Jewels – The ETA has 25 Jewels and the Miyota has 21 Jewels. Jewels, typically synthetic rubis are used in watch movements, not to add to their value, but to reduce friction and wear on moving parts. Lower end watches may have only 7 to 15 jewels. The standard for quality watches is 17 jewels or more. There is an upper end to the number of jewels necessary, typically, anything over 25 jewels for these types of automatic movements are just for decoration.
Power Reserve - Power reserve is the number of hours a movement will run when fully wound. Most mainsprings will power a watch for 30 hours or more. The ETA has about a 40 hour power reserve, the Miyota has a 45 hour reserve.
Winding Mechanism – Both watches employ a winding rotor that winds the mainspring with the movement of the wrist. The Miyota employs a ball bearing unidirectional winding rotor. The ETA utilizes a ball bearing rotor that winds in both directions. The ETA takes less wrist movement to wind the mainspring.
Second Hand Drive – The Miyota employs an indirect second hand drive and the ETA uses the newer direct second hand drive. The second hand on the Miyota may appear to stop for a moment with various wrist movements, but this does not affect accuracy.
Shock Resistance – The ETA uses Incabloc shock resistance, a method developed in the 1930’s to allow the end jewels on the balance staff to move or ‘float’ so the balance is not damaged when the watch is dropped or bumped. The Miyota uses its own proprietary shock resistance on the balance (Parashock).
Hacking – The ETA’s second hand stops when the stem is pulled for setting the time. A feature called hacking. Handy for synchronizing watches like in the war movies, or setting the watch with a standard clock like WWV. The second hand does not stop on the Miyota 8215 when setting the time.
Date set – Bot the ETA 2824-2 and the Miyota have the quick set date function.
Conclusion:
Both movements have a track record of accuracy, dependability, and longevity. They are employed by several low, medium and high end makes.
The ETA 2824-2: is a winner of these two. It is Swiss made and has been in service since 1982. With 25 verses 21 jewels, higher beats per minute, omni-directional winding mechanisim, and hacking feature, the 2824-2 comes out ahead.
The Miyota 8215: has a better price that´s the main point of this movement. For its price it is a perfect option for not expensive watches with great value.
Would be a good choice in an everyday watch or weekend beater.
