Archive for the ‘Watch movements’ Category

Someting about “Tourbillon”

August 11th, 2010

Tourbillon is a rotary escapement speed regulator

 Typically, the clock escapement movement speed regulating device is installed in a fixed location , location change does not occur . 1795 , Louis Breguet Swiss watch masters , has invented a fascinating special escapement speed regulator – Tourbillon . In French “Tourbillon”, the ” swirl “” Cyclone, ” as meaning that with the “revolving speed escapement body ” of the machine watch . In the Napoleonic era , the French also used the term to represent the Earth’s rotation and revolution . Mr. Breguet such ” rules can turn off gravity ” of the rotation speed escapement device associated with the celestial system and the universe , not only expressed on the Universe , Mr. Breguet respect for science , but also reveals the tourbillon invention Is by European scientists on the celestial system was inspired to explore .

Mr. Breguet Tourbillon was invented institutions is to correct the force of gravity on clocks mechanical errors. He will escape speed control system design in a rotating frame , so that balance swings in the cycle , it is also the axis around the second round of the 360- degree rotation . Heart around the second axle 360 ° rotating frame can change the location of balance . As the framework is constantly rotating , balance wheel and balance spring will be constantly changing position , thus overcoming the gravity of the balance wheel hairspring effects produced by potentiometer . This rotary escapement speed regulator effectively improve the accuracy of travel time clocks . Mr. Breguet named ” tourbillon “(Tourbillon). June 1801 , this great invention was patented in Paris, France.

At that time , the mechanical watch manufacturer Breguet artisans , to watch the dynamic play to an extreme degree the United States . Unique operation mode known as ” King of the watch . ” So far, in this circle of world-class craftsmen , tourbillon was known as ” tabbed ” the craft – the whole body together escapement speed and can turn . The tourbillon device before the invention of the original escapement is fixed position when the watch changes aside , escapement unchanged , resulting in the same escapement parts Shouli Bu errors . When the watch to a certain speed in the round , will the force of gravity on the tourbillon mechanical watch ” escapement ” minimize the impact to improve accuracy of travel time .

Tourbillon watch represents the highest level of technology and process

Tourbillon ’s structure is very sophisticated . To ensure Tourbillon running more smoothly , not only the dozens of parts from the tourbillon device can only be allowed in the weight within a few hundred milligrams (in theory the lighter the better ), and components for production Tourbillon Hardness Requirements are also very high , which is part of the process has increased the difficulties. Tourbillon operation as a high ornamental value , so that many parts can only be made by hand to achieve the extremely precise production standards . In addition , the precision tourbillon requested up to one micron , and can bear a very small error , if the product package is not very accurate, and watch all the effort will be brought division fell short of success.

Omega 562 Movement Appreciation

April 27th, 2010

Most of the calibre 562 movements were used in Seamasters and Geneves, however an unknown number (Believed to be few) were adjusted and certified as chronometers. Some of these chronometer grade movements were used in Seamasters and according to the Omega paper records, Nomenclature des calibres Omega de 1984 a aujourd’hui, some were used in Constellations. Collecting this calibreis fraught with difficulties because of the risk of striking a Seamaster masquerading as a Constellation pie pan. This calibre Constellation with a refinished dial is best avoided.  I have seen examples of 562 under the Constellation livery, but I have never seen a 562 that is complete in all respects and has the adjustment information stamped on the bridge.  There is no logical reason why one would collect a 562 as in most respects a 561 is the standard.

Brief Introduction of ETA 7750

April 12th, 2010

ETA 7750 is another popular movement. Its predecessor is Valjoux 7750, Valjoux is a well known movement manufacturer and it is famous for the complicated chronograph movement all over the world. For example, Rolex Daytona is one hot brand series of Rolex and it is equipped with Valjoux 7750 movement. Valjoux 7750 was born in 1974 with 17 Jewels in beginning, later was changed to 25 Jewels, and it is acquired by ETA in the 80’s. Now, this name, “Valjoux”, is rarely used, maybe some movements manufactured before 80’s still use this name.

ETA 7750 came on July 1, 1974 and ETA is very proud of it. Now, it is commonly used by many famous watch brands in making complicated self winding chronograph watches. Standard 7750 is equipped with 17 Ruby Jewels, 42 hours power reserve and 28,800Bph. The ETA 7750 uses a sturdy and convenient semi-fine rate regulation device. The index is moved to adjust the daily rate of the watch. Attached to an eccentric screw, this action causes the regulator ring to rotate via an arm, adjusting the effective length of the balance spring.

Several Common Chronograph Movements

March 29th, 2010

Rolex 4130

Produced by Rolex since 2000, automatic integrated construction, 28,800 bph, 30.5mm diameter, 6.5mm height, 72 h power-reserve, column wheel design. Examples of watches that use this movement: Rolex Daytona produced since 2000.

Union 26

Produced by Union since 1997, automatic modular construction with Union base movement, 28,800 bph, 25.6mm diameter, 40 h power reserve, cam/lever design. Examples of watches that use this movement: Union chronographs.

Zenith 400 El Primero

Produced by Zenith since 1969, automatic integrated construction, 36,000 bph, 30mm diameter, 5.7mm height, 25 rubies, 55 h power reserve, column wheel design. Examples of watches that use this movement: all Zenith chronographs, Parmigiani, pre-2000 versions of the Rolex Daytona, Daniel Roth.

Lemania 1350

Produced by Noubelle Lemania since 1994, automatic integrated construction, available with flyback feature, 28,800 bph, 31mm diameter, 6.4mm height, 30 jewels, 45 h power reserve, cam/lever design. Examples of watches that use this movement: Breguet Type XX(with additional flyback feature), Ebel 1911 chronograph.

Lemania 5100

Produced by Nouvelle Lemania since 1974, automatic integrated construction with central minute counter, 28,800 bph, 31mm diameter, 8.25mm height, 17 jewels, 48 h power reserve, cam/lever design. Examples of watches that use this movement: Tutima Military, Sinn 142.

Patek Philippe 27-70 Q

Produced by Patek Philippe since 1986, handwind based on Lemania 2310, 18,000 bph, 27mm diameter, 7.2mm height, 24 rubies, 60 h power reserve, gyromax balance, column wheel design. Examples of watches that use this movement: all current Patek Philippe chronographs, as Lemania 2310 used by Breguet and Vacheron Constantin.

Swiss ETA movements

August 4th, 2009

ETA SA is a Swiss producer of mechanical and quartz watch movements. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Swatch Group. The company specializes in the production of ebauche movements which are used in a number of mechanical watches. ETA has owned several important Swiss watch movement companies including Valjoux, Peseux and Lemania, for a number of years . In fact the company is the result of successive consolidation of the Swiss watch industry. ETA manufactures quartz movements, hand wound movements and mechanical movements powered by self-winding mechanisms. Because ETA maintains vertical control over the manufacturing of all of the components required to create a watch movement, ETA may be considered a true manufacturer.

Workhorse ETA mechanical movements

In recent years there has been an increase in interest in mechanical watches. ETA supplies the overwhelming majority of mechanical watch movements found in Swiss watches.

ETA 2824

One workhorse of the ETA mechanical line is the ETA 2824-2, The 2824 is an automatic winding, twenty-five (25) jewel movement, available in four executions or grades: Standard, Elaborated (improved), Top and Chronometer. The ETA 2824 movement is used in many famous watches, including Rolex, Omega, even some replica watches use this movement. For example, view our Audemars Piguet Swiss replica watches and Bell&Ross Swiss replica watches collection.

ETA 2892

The ETA 2892 is however, widely considered the more upscale of the basic ETA movements, and it certainly a newer design dating to the 1970s where as the 2824 traces its roots back to the 1950s.

The 2892 (2892-A2) seems to have been given priority by making it more efficient. Its oscillating weight is better engineered with a larger support for the ball bearing races, which gives it better shock protection. It is almost always finished nicely with perlage and Geneva stripes. This movement is used by many high-end brands. Often, high-end brands like IWC, Girard Perregaux and Frank Muller will assemble the movements in house and replace some of the critical parts from the escapement to the mainspring to gain tighter tolerances. ETA uses the 2892 as the tractor for other movements like the 2893 with a second time-zone hand and the 2894 chronograph.

Valjoux 7750

The Valjoux 7750 is a widely used chronograph (stop watch) movement operated by cams integrated into the movement. The movement is an automatic winding, twenty-five (25) jewel movement, which can be fitted with a variety of features including the triple date (day, date, month and moon phase) or a variety of two and three register models with totalizers or counters for minutes, seconds and hours. It is available in three executions or grades: Elaborated, Top and Chronometer.