Watches are more than just practical timekeeping devices; they are works of engineering and design artistry. One of the key elements that sets watches apart is their movement. There are many different watch movements from various manufacturers, but some have become legendary. In this article, we will introduce you to the 15 most commonly used watch movements and explore their history, functions, and interesting facts.

1. ETA 2824-2

History: The ETA 2824-2 movement is one of the most popular automatic movements globally. It was first introduced in 1982 by ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse.

Functions: This movement offers hours, minutes, seconds, and a date function. It has 25 or 26 jewels, depending on the variant.

Interesting Facts: The ETA 2824-2 is highly reliable, and many watchmakers consider it one of the best automatic movements in the world.

2. Seiko NH35A

History: This mechanical movement is manufactured by Seiko, a Japanese watchmaking giant.

Functions: The Seiko NH35A provides basic functions - hours, minutes, seconds, and a date. It has 24 jewels.

Interesting Facts: This movement is popular for its reliability and affordability.

3. Miyota 9015

History: Created by the Japanese company Citizen Watch Co., the Miyota 9015 is an automatic movement.

Functions: It offers hours, minutes, seconds, and a date function. It has 24 jewels.

Interesting Facts: The Miyota 9015 is known for its accuracy and low noise, making it ideal for elegant and quiet watches.

4. Valjoux 7750

History: The Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement was introduced in 1974 by the Swiss company Valjoux.

Functions: This chronograph provides hours, minutes, seconds, and a date.

Interesting Facts: The Valjoux 7750 is renowned for its reliability and is one of the most widely used chronograph movements globally.

5. ETA 2892-A2

History: ETA introduced the ETA 2892-A2 movement in 1975.

Functions: It offers hours, minutes, seconds, and a date function. This movement is also very thin.

Interesting Facts: ETA 2892-A2 is often used in high-end and luxury watches due to its thinness and accuracy.

6. Sellita SW200

History: The Sellita SW200 is a Swiss automatic movement developed as an alternative to the ETA 2824-2.

Functions: This movement provides hours, minutes, seconds, and a date function. It has 26 jewels.

Interesting Facts: Sellita SW200 is appreciated for its reliability and similar features to the ETA 2824-2.

7. ETA 7750

History: This chronograph movement was first introduced by ETA in 1973.

Functions: It offers hours, minutes, seconds, a date, and chronograph functions.

Interesting Facts: ETA 7750 is one of the most popular chronograph movements globally and has been used in many famous watches.

8. Unitas 6497-1

History: This mechanical movement was originally developed by Unitas in 1950.

Functions: It provides hours and minutes, although some variants also have seconds on a smaller subdial.

Interesting Facts: Unitas 6497-1 is known for its simplicity and reliability and is often used in watches with a vintage design.

9. Omega Co-Axial Caliber 8500

History: This movement was developed by Omega and introduced in 2007.

Functions: It offers hours, minutes, seconds, and a date function.

Interesting Facts: Omega Co-Axial Caliber 8500 uses co-axial escapement technology, resulting in greater accuracy and less wear and tear.

10. Zenith El Primero

History: The Zenith El Primero movement was introduced in 1969 and is considered one of the first high-frequency automatic chronographs.

Functions: This movement provides hours, minutes, seconds, and chronograph functions.

Interesting Facts: The Zenith El Primero has a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, making it one of the most accurate movements globally.

11. Rolex Caliber 3135

History: This movement was developed by Rolex and first introduced in 1988.

Functions: It offers hours, minutes, seconds, and a date function.

Interesting Facts: Rolex Caliber 3135 is known for its precision and durability and is used in many famous Rolex models.

12. Swatch Sistem51

History: Swatch introduced the Sistem51 in 2013 as the world's first fully automated mechanical movement.

Functions: It provides hours, minutes, and seconds.

Interesting Facts: The Sistem51 is unique in that it is assembled from only 51 parts and is fully automated, making it a first of its kind in the world.

13. Ronda 715

History: Ronda is a Swiss watch movement manufacturer, and the Ronda 715 movement is one of their most well-known.

Functions: It offers hours and minutes with a small subdial for seconds.

Interesting Facts: Ronda 715 is simple, reliable, and often used in watches with classic designs.

14. Breguet Caliber 777Q

History: This movement is made by Breguet, known for its luxury watches.

Functions: It provides hours, minutes, seconds, and a date function.

Interesting Facts: Breguet Caliber 777Q is known for its precision and handcrafted elements typical of the Breguet brand.

15. Patek Philippe Caliber 240

History: The Patek Philippe Caliber 240 movement is created by Patek Philippe, one of the most prestigious watch brands in the world.

Functions: It offers hours, minutes, seconds, and a date function.

Interesting Facts: Patek Philippe Caliber 240 is a manually wound movement and is known for its precision and beautiful decoration.

Each of these watch movements has its unique characteristics and advantages, making them favorites among watchmakers and watch enthusiasts. Whether it's the reliable ETA 2824-2 or the intricate Zenith El Primero, watch movements play a crucial role in what makes watches special.

You can view our entire range of men's watches by clicking HERE.