Nick Dow's blog : Tissot – mechanical watch movements

The Tissot mechanical watch mechanism is constructed from a total of hundreds of components. The "heart" of the mechanism, responsible for the accuracy of the movement, is the balance. The movements of the balance-spiral system divide time into equal intervals, precisely regulating the movement of the mechanism. The movements of the balance spiral (oscillations) make the watch produce a "ticking" sound.

The mainspring, which must be wound, is responsible for the energy reserve for the functioning of mechanical watches. Depending on the model, a fully wound mainspring transmits energy to the mechanism gears for 38-80 hours – the power reserve.

There are 2 types of clock mechanisms:

hand-wound: the power reserve is restored by turning the crown manually every day: usually 30 to 80 turns are required;
with an automatic winding system: the automatic winding sector rotates with any movement of the wearer's hand, winding the spring through a system of gears.

Tissot watch movements are made by the legendary ETA, part of the Swatch Group. The KronosTime team has prepared a guide to popular Tissot mechanical watch calibers.

ETA 2824-2

It has been used for over 30 years. The basis of the watch mechanism was the original Eterna 1427 caliber, it is used in both budget and premium watches. Depending on the model, they are equipped with a basic version or supplemented with complications. The mechanism has become widespread due to its exceptional reliability and durability. Also with good watches you can buy, sell or part-exchange a luxury watch in premium watches shop if you want. The advantages were a 38-hour power reserve and the absence of composite materials.

Characteristics:

diameter - 25.6 mm
balance frequency – 28800 pc/h;
height – 4.6 mm;
measurements – hours, seconds, minutes, date;
stones – 25 pcs.

ETA Powermatic 80

The prototype was the famous ETA 2824-2 caliber. The modified version received an increased power reserve of up to 80 hours and an improved escapement system.

ETA 2825-2

The caliber is an improved version of the ETA 2824-2. Its special feature is the ability to place the functional windows almost at will, which allowed for new design solutions for the dial. The mechanism with a power reserve of 38 hours is distinguished by a flexible module with 2 rows of holes, 12 in each row, for installing gears in them. This design allowed the craftsmen to install gears in any of the holes.

Characteristics:

diameter - 25.6 mm
balance frequency – 28800 pc/h;
height – 6.6 mm;
measurements – hours, seconds, minutes, date;
stones – 25 pcs.

ETA Swissmatic

The mechanism was developed in 2017 exclusively for the Tissot brand, the prototype was the Swatch Sistem51 caliber. It features high accuracy of +/- 10 seconds per day, set by laser. It has an impressive power reserve of up to 72 hours. Among the advantages, we highlight the affordable price, among the disadvantages - the mechanism is not serviced, in case of breakdown, a complete replacement will be required.

Characteristics:

diameter – 31.9 mm
balance frequency – 21600 pc/h;
height – 5.77 mm;
measurements – hours, seconds, minutes, date;
stones – 19 pcs.

ETA C01.211

The most common caliber used to equip Tissot wristwatches. The models are automatic chronographs of the mid-price category.

The mechanism is a combination of developments by Tissot and the Swiss company Lemania, supplemented with technological details. It features a synthetic fork with integrated pallets and an escape wheel that requires virtually no lubrication. The parts are lightweight, which reduces energy consumption and increases the watch's resistance to shocks. Additional protection against damage is provided by the Nivachoc B1 shockproof system from ETA. The power reserve is 46 hours.

Characteristics:

diameter – 31 mm
balance frequency – 21600 pc/h;
height – 8.44 mm;
measurements – hours, minutes, small seconds counter, chronograph, date;
stones – 15 pcs.

ETA Valjoux

The automatic ETA Valjoux movement is used mainly in premium Tissot watches. It demonstrates impeccable accuracy with a minimum error of +/- 5 seconds per day, such Tissot watch mechanisms are presented in several variations.

ETA 6497-1

Originally used in pocket watches, the Tissot movement has since gained popularity among audiences who appreciate its legendary reliability. The ETA 6497-1 has a manual winding option, which is a nod to Tissot's past watchmaking achievements. Often equipped with skeleton watches with a transparent dial, the 6497-1 attracts attention with its fascinating spiral pattern decoration of the parts.

Characteristics:

diameter – 36.6 mm
balance frequency – 18000 pc/h;
height – 4.5 mm;
measurements – hours, minutes, seconds;
stones – 17 pcs.

ETA 7001

Tissot movement with manual winding. It has a small diameter, is thin and compact. The movement was created by the Peseux factory in 1971, the company was later absorbed by ETA.

Characteristics: