Our movements (caliber)

In our range we carry ETA movements, RONDA movements, MIYOTA Citizen movements, ETA mechanical movements, SHIOJIRI movements, Hattory movements, Seiko movements, etc.

Definition of clockworks

A clockwork is the entirety of the organs that operate a clock. The driving energy from the spring or weight is transferred via the speed-stepping gear train to the escapement and an oscillating system that works as uniformly as possible and transfers the uniform movement transmitted back via the gear train to the hand train. (Callweys Uhrenlexikon, 1999, Fritz von Osterhausen)

This described structure is the same for almost all watches; the constructions and energy sources can be very different.

Japanese movements and Swiss movements

When you open your watch you will usually see a Japanese or Swiss movement. Swiss clock movements are usually of higher quality, but are also more expensive due to the greater amount of work involved in production. Repairing a Swiss watch movement is therefore more expensive. Again, Japanese clock movements are mostly made of plastic and are very difficult to repair.

Identify your clockwork

A Swiss watch movement has a stamp with 3 letters - e.g. ETA, followed by a number e.g. 901.001. The number of jewels that may have been used is also engraved on the movement. The calendar window is usually at 3, 4 or 6 o'clock. If no lettering can be read, there is a bridge under the dial that is almost unique and whose appearance and shape can be compared to a watch dictionary.

Japanese movements are mostly from SEIKO and CITIZEN. These are also the largest watch manufacturers. SEIKO uses Hattori movements, CITIZEN Miyota movements. For SEIKO and CITIZEN you will find the type numbers engraved on the back of the watch, sometimes under the dial and definitely on the movement.

Hand hole dimensions for movements

Most quartz wristwatch movements have the hand hole dimensions Ø minute hand/hour hand 0.70mm/1.20mm. The hole dimensions for the second hand are between Ø 0.17mm and 1.10mm. Many SHIOJIRI wristwatch movements have the hand hole dimensions minute hand Ø 0.65 mm | Hour hand Ø 1.10 mm.

The standard hole dimensions for mechanical wristwatch movements are minute hands Ø 0.90 mm | Hour hand Ø 1.50 mm. The second hand has hole dimensions of Ø 0.25 mm.