The Most Famous Watch Movements and What to Know About Them: A Beginner’s Guide

If you start taking an interest in watches, you’ll soon learn that the movement inside often matters more than the brand on the dial. A movement determines a watch’s accuracy, reliability and even its market value. In this article we’ll explain—plainly but thoroughly—what a watch movement is and introduce the most famous ones you’re likely to meet.

What is a watch movement?

A watch movement (in English “movement,” in French “calibre”) is the internal mechanism that moves the hands and often powers extra functions such as date, chronograph, alarm or power-reserve indicator. In mechanical watches it’s a system of wheels, springs and tiny parts; in quartz watches it’s a mix of electronics and mechanics.

Why is the movement so important?

• it sets the watch’s accuracy

• it influences price and overall quality

• it determines the watch’s service life

• for many enthusiasts it’s the main reason to buy a watch

Types of movements

Quartz movements

• battery-powered

• very accurate (off by only a few seconds per month)

• low maintenance, cheap to make

• less prestigious among collectors

Mechanical movements

• no battery; driven by a wound mainspring

• beautiful finishing, often shown through a display back

• deviate by a few seconds per day

• higher price and more demanding service

The best-known mechanical movement makers

Below are the key players whose calibres turn up in watches from a few hundred USD to million-dollar pieces.

ETA

Swiss ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse is one of the world’s largest and most famous movement makers. Owned by the Swatch Group, ETA powers brands such as Tissot, Longines, Hamilton, Certina and Rado.

ETA 2824-2

• the most famous ETA mechanical movement

• automatic winding, date, quick-set date

• beats at 28 800 vph (4 Hz)

• power reserve about 38 hours

• renowned for robustness, durability and easy service

Often called the industry standard, you’ll find it in countless mid-range watches thanks to its reliability.

Sellita

Swiss Sellita started in 1950 as a subcontractor for ETA. After ETA cut back deliveries, Sellita began producing its own movements—practically identical to ETA’s classics. Today Oris, Christopher Ward and Baume & Mercier use them.

Sellita SW200

• direct alternative to the ETA 2824-2

• automatic, date

• 28 800 vph, 38 h reserve

• very durable, widely available

Many people can’t tell an ETA 2824-2 from a Sellita SW200; the differences are minimal.

Miyota

Japanese Miyota belongs to Citizen and is known for affordable, dependable movements. You’ll see them in mid-priced brands such as Invicta, Festina and numerous micro-brands.

Miyota 8215

• automatic movement

• beats at 21 600 vph (3 Hz)

• about 40 h power reserve

• simple construction, cheap maintenance

• seconds hand doesn’t sweep as smoothly as ETA/Sellita

While not luxurious, Miyota is famous for toughness and low failure rates—excellent for cheaper mechanical watches.

Seiko

Seiko is a giant in watchmaking, producing its own calibres and supplying many other brands. Seiko movements are among the most reliable on the market.

Seiko NH35

• derived from Seiko’s 4R35 calibre

• automatic winding plus manual wind

• 21 600 vph, roughly 41 h reserve

• used in many micro-brands (e.g., Steinhart, Spinnaker)

The NH35 is viewed as an “indestructible” workhorse that tolerates rough treatment.

How to spot a quality movement

It’s not easy for a beginner, but look for these clues:

• maker’s name – respected suppliers (ETA, Sellita, Miyota, Seiko) stand for quality

• accuracy – lower-grade movements show larger deviations

• jewel count – most good mechanical calibres have at least 17 jewels

• serviceability – common calibres can be serviced by almost any watchmaker

• power reserve – quality movements deliver at least 38 hours

Why do so many brands share the same movements?

• developing a good movement is expensive

• brands prefer to focus on design and marketing

• established movement makers guarantee reliability

• sharing lowers production costs

Thus a Tissot, Certina and Hamilton may all house the same ETA movement, yet their prices differ due to design, materials and branding.

Common myths about movements

• “More jewels mean a better watch.” → Jewels reduce friction, but quantity alone doesn’t equal quality.

• “Seiko movements aren’t as good as Swiss.” → False; Seiko makes top-tier calibres.

• “All ETA movements are luxury grade.” → ETA also builds entry-level workhorses.

• “A cheap movement means a bad watch.” → Even budget calibres can be highly reliable.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

Are ETA movements better than Sellita?
Both make high-quality calibres. Sellita is often a drop-in replacement for ETA with negligible differences.

How much is an ETA 2824-2 movement?
The movement alone costs roughly $120–$240, depending on decoration and finishing.

Is Miyota lower quality than ETA?
Not lower quality—just less luxurious. It’s robust and reliable but slightly less accurate.

Can I buy a movement and build a watch myself?
Yes—DIY watch kits exist, though they’re best for experienced hobbyists.

Are Seiko movements truly in-house?
Yes. Seiko designs and manufactures all its calibres internally.

How long can a mechanical movement last?
With regular maintenance, many run for decades; some have ticked for over 70 years.