The ETA2892: A classic watch that's everywhere, but nobody wants to talk about.

Swiss mechanical watches have been making a comeback since the 1990s. The driving force behind this is ETA's automatic movement, Cal. 2892A2. Without this movement, which was once called the "ETA Pon," the mechanical watch market might not have become what it is today. What is the surprising history of this legendary watch?

This is the second installment of "Legends of Masterpiece Movements," arbitrarily selected and explained by Masamasa Hirota, editor-in-chief of Chronos Japan.

The ETA 2892: The driving force behind the revival of Swiss mechanical watches

　A general-purpose movement is called an ébauche. One of the most well-known suppliers of these is the Swiss company ETA. After moving away from mechanical movements in the 1970s, the company has been working since 1983 to revive and expand production of mechanical ébauches. These include the automatic chronograph movement ETA (Valjoux) 7750 (released in 1973), the three-hand automatic movement ETA2824-2 (released in 1971), and the thin three-hand automatic movement ETA2892A2 (released in 1975).

　In 1963, Eterna completed a completely new automatic movement for the Eterna-matic 3000 Dato. The caliber was named Cal. 1466. This automatic movement, designed by ETA, a subsidiary of Eterna, boasted a thickness of just 3.6mm (3.65mm including bearings) thanks to its layout with the fourth wheel in the center and an extremely small automatic winding mechanism.

　Despite being a mass-produced watch, the Cal. 1466 boasted a thinness comparable to that of luxury watches. With the spread of quartz, ETA was forced to differentiate its mechanical movements, so it was only natural that they turned their attention to this movement. In 1975, ETA announced the Cal. ETA 2892, an improved version of the 1466 (and its improved version, the 1504). The diameter and other features were the same as the Cal. 1466. However, the vibration frequency was increased to 28,800 vibrations per hour, improving portability.

　However, in the mid-1970s, when many watch manufacturers were looking for cheaper movements, the thin and expensive Cal. 2892 was not popular. The total number of 2892s produced between 1975 and 1982 was only 342,123, far fewer than the approximately 1.6 million ETA 2824s produced between 1971 and 1979.

　The turning point that cemented the status of the Caliber ETA2892 to what it is today came in 83. That year, ETA began reproducing the Caliber ETA7750 (discontinued in 1975) and the Caliber 2824 (discontinued in 1979). They also announced the Caliber ETA2892-2, an improved version of the 2892. The biggest difference was the size of the movement. While the thickness remained the same, the diameter was reduced from 28mm to 25.6mm, making it easier to use. The designer was Anton Bary.

　The Caliber ETA2892 underwent two model changes, transforming into a modern, slim automatic movement. ETA further refined this movement, releasing the improved Caliber ETA2892A2 in 1999 (some say 1996). Incidentally, IWC designer Kurt Klaus told me that he offered advice on improving the Caliber ETA2892, which is likely true.

　The main improvement was improved winding efficiency, but it seems fair to say that the clear trend toward higher quality for the Caliber ETA2892 also began from the A2 onwards. Specifically, the grades were subdivided. The cheapest, "Elaboré," used a nickel balance wheel to reduce costs. The better "Top" grade had a Glucydur (a beryllium alloy) balance wheel, which is resistant to temperature changes, and offered even greater accuracy. The "Chronometer" grade was achieved by passing this Top Grade through the COSC chronometer standard. Furthermore, options such as gold plating were available for grades above Top.

　It goes without saying that the Caliber ETA2892A2, with its thinness, small diameter, and excellent accuracy, was favored by a variety of manufacturers. As a result, for a time, the Caliber ETA2892 was found inside every watch, but without this movement, it is hard to imagine that Swiss mechanical watches would have achieved the success they have today. The Caliber ETA2892A2 saved the Swiss watch industry with its excellent design.