What Movements Do Replica Watches Use? Do They Use Swiss Movements?
99% of replica watches do not use Swiss movements, although many sellers falsely advertise that they do. Here’s why replica watches generally don’t use Swiss movements.
Around 70 years ago, ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse released several iconic movements, namely the 2824, 2836, 2892, and 7750. At that time, these movements were affordable, reliable, and highly favored by many Swiss watchmakers, leading to large-scale procurement. As a result, ETA movements became widely available on the market.
About a decade ago, a small number of replica watches did use ETA movements, with an ETA 2824 costing around a hundred dollars, making it reasonably priced. However, a few years ago, ETA ceased selling its movements externally, resulting in a sharp decrease in availability and a significant price increase. This made ETA movements less cost-effective, which is one of the reasons they are no longer used in replica watches. But this isn’t the main reason.
The technology behind movements like the ETA 2824, 2836, and 2892 is decades old. While they are still reliable, their functionality is limited, and the design is rather ordinary, leading many Swiss watchmakers to abandon them. Currently, ETA primarily develops new movements exclusively for brands under the SWATCH Group.
Many Swiss watch brands that once collaborated with ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse have started developing their own movements. These new movements offer better designs and more functions compared to the older ETA models. For replica watches, especially those with transparent case backs, using an ETA 2824 for a 1:1 copy would result in a noticeable difference from the original when viewed from the back. This is the primary reason replica watches no longer use ETA movements.
Currently, the stock of ETA movements is dwindling, but it is still possible to purchase movements from the SW series made by SELLITA, whose products are nearly identical to the early ETA 28 series movements. Some replica watch manufacturers use SELLITA’s SW
series movements for models without transparent case backs, although they are slightly more expensive and less cost-effective. The current trend in replica watches is to develop independent movements for popular models. This approach ensures better cost-effectiveness and allows for more accurate replication of both the functions and appearance of the movement.
