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A Short History on Automatic Watches

Automatic watches, also known as self-winding watches, are a marvel of horological engineering, representing a significant evolution from the traditional manual winding watches. This journey through time traces the origins, advancements, and the impact of automatic watches on the world of timekeeping.



STP1-21 Top Grade Movement

 

Early Innovations and Origins

 

The concept of a self-winding watch dates back to the 18th century. Abraham-Louis Perrelet, a Swiss watchmaker, is often credited with inventing the first self-winding mechanism around 1770. His design utilized a centrally pivoted weight that moved with the wearer's motion, thereby winding the mainspring. This early design laid the foundation for future advancements in automatic watch technology.



Abraham-Louis Perrelet - Image source: Wikipedia

 


The Bumper Movement

 

In the early 20th century, the automatic watch saw significant improvements with the introduction of the bumper movement. This design featured a semi-circular weight that moved back and forth, hitting springs or bumpers at either end of its travel. Although effective, the bumper movement had limitations in efficiency and durability. Nonetheless, it marked an important step forward in the development of automatic watches.


You can read more about Abraham-Louis Perrelet and see what his automatic movement looked like by visiting the Perrelet company's web site.

 

Rolex and the Perpetual Rotor

 

A major breakthrough came in 1931 when Rolex introduced the Oyster Perpetual, featuring a full 360-degree rotating rotor. This design, known as the perpetual rotor, significantly improved the efficiency of winding the mainspring. The rotor could move in any direction, capturing energy from the wearer's movements more effectively. This innovation not only enhanced the performance of automatic watches but also solidified Rolex's reputation as a pioneer in watchmaking.

 




Post-War Advancements

 

The post-World War II era saw a surge in automatic watch popularity and technological advancements. Swiss watchmakers continued to refine the self-winding mechanism, improving accuracy, reliability, and power reserve. During this period, companies like Omega, Longines, and Jaeger-LeCoultre made significant contributions to the evolution of automatic movements.

 

The Quartz Crisis and Revival

 

The 1970s brought the quartz crisis, a period when quartz watches, which were more accurate and affordable, threatened the traditional mechanical watch industry. Many Swiss watchmakers struggled to compete, leading to a decline in the production of automatic watches. However, the 1980s and 1990s witnessed a revival of interest in mechanical watches, driven by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciated the craftsmanship and heritage of automatic movements.

 

Modern Innovations

 

Today, automatic watches are celebrated for their intricate engineering and timeless appeal. Modern advancements have led to the development of high-frequency movements, improved materials, and extended power reserves. Watchmakers continue to innovate, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with mechanical timepieces.

 

The ETA 2824-2 Movement

 

One of the most renowned automatic movements in modern horology is the ETA 2824-2. Which is why I primarily use and favor this movement in the Barger watches I build. Manufactured by ETA SA, a subsidiary of the Swatch Group, the patent for the ETA 2824-2 expired in 2002, leading to the creation of numerous clones by various manufacturers. This movement, originally introduced in 1982, became widely recognized for its reliability, precision, and robustness, making it a staple in many luxury watches. The expiration of the patent opened the door for other companies to produce similar movements, thereby increasing competition and options in the market.

 

Reliability and Features of Clones



STP1-21 Top Grade Movement

 

The clones of the ETA 2824-2, such as the Sellita SW200-1 and the STP1-21, are highly regarded for their quality and performance, often matching the reliability and precision of the original ETA movements. These clones frequently incorporate an additional jewel, increasing the total count to 26. This enhancement, using synthetic sapphire jewels, significantly reduces friction at crucial pivot points, thereby improving the movement's durability and accuracy. Furthermore, the STP1-21 offers an extended power reserve, increasing the time the watch can run without being wound or worn from approximately 38 hours to around 44 hours. The reputation and history of the ETA-2824-2 and the improvements that build on that design by Swiss Technology Production in the STP1-21 movement are key to the reasons Barger Watch has chosen the STP1-21 top grade movement as the time-keeping engine of its most premium watches.

 

Key Features:

Durability: Both the original ETA 2824-2 and its clones are known for their robust construction, making them reliable over the long term.

Precision: Operating at 28,800 beats per hour (BPH), these movements provide superior accuracy.

Ease of Service: The widespread use of these movements ensures that spare parts and skilled watchmakers familiar with them are readily available.


The expiration of the ETA 2824-2 patent in 2002 has led to the production of several high-quality clones, such as the Sellita SW200-1 and STP1-11. These clones offer similar reliability and precision, often with the addition of an extra jewel to reduce friction. This development has allowed more brands to offer watches with dependable automatic movements, ensuring the continued popularity and availability of these mechanisms in the watchmaking industry.

 

Usage in Brands you Know and Love

 

The ETA 2824-2 and its clones are used by numerous well-known watch brands due to their reliability and performance. Some watch brands rebrand the movements, or alter them with proprietary enhancements. Some of the notable brands that utilize these movements include:


Hamilton: Known for its military heritage, Hamilton uses the ETA 2824-2 in many of its field watches, such as the Khaki Field Auto.

Tudor: Often considered Rolex’s sister brand, Tudor incorporates the ETA 2824-2 in models like the Heritage Black Bay 41, where it is known as the Tudor Calibre T600.

TAG Heuer: Utilizes the movement in models such as the Aquaracer, which benefits from the precision and reliability of the ETA 2824-2.

Oris: Uses the Sellita SW200-1, a close clone of the ETA 2824-2, in many of its models.

Breitling: Utilizes the ETA 2824-2 in models such as the SuperOcean, where it is known as the Breitling Caliber 17. This movement is renowned for its robustness and reliability, aligning with Breitling's reputation for durable and precise timepieces.


Breitling movement based off an ETA Movement


Omega: Utilizes movements based on the ETA 2824-2, such as in the Omega 2500 series, which features a proprietary enhancement of the Co-Axial escapement for improved efficiency and durability.

Sinn: Utilizes the ETA 2824-2 in models such as the 556 series and the U1, known for their robust construction and reliability, perfectly aligning with Sinn's reputation for producing durable tool watches.

Tissot: Known for its heritage and innovative designs, Tissot frequently incorporates the ETA 2824-2 in its mechanical watches.

Longines: Renowned for its elegance and tradition, Longines employs the ETA 2824-2 in several of its classic timepieces.

Norqain: Utilizes the Caliber NN09, based on the ETA 2824-2, featuring a branded rotor and decorated finish. This movement is known for its reliability and precision, enhancing Norqain's reputation for producing high-quality, robust timepieces.

Glashütte Original: Historically utilized ETA movements, including the ETA 2824-2, during periods of transition. Today, Glashütte Original focuses on their in-house movements, emphasizing their commitment to German craftsmanship and innovation.


And countless other brands used ETA 2824-2 movments, or clones of this movment.

 

Conclusion

 

The evolution and widespread adoption of the ETA 2824-2 movement and its high-quality clones underscore the significant advancements in automatic watch technology. Clones like the Sellita SW200-1 and the STP1-21 have not only matched but, in some ways, enhanced the reliability and precision of the original ETA movement. These clones often feature an additional jewel, bringing the total to 26, which reduces friction and increases the movement's durability and accuracy. Innovations such as the extended power reserve, which increases from approximately 38 hours to around 44 hours in the STP1-21, exemplify the continuous improvement in horological engineering.


Modern manufacturing methods have further refined these movements, ensuring consistent quality and performance. The incorporation of synthetic sapphire jewels and other advanced materials in these clones demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the robustness and longevity of automatic movements.


At Barger Watch, the choice to use the STP1-21 top-grade movement in our most premium watches reflects our dedication to offering timepieces that embody precision, reliability, and innovation. The STP1-21, with its additional jewel and longer power reserve, provides the perfect balance of traditional craftsmanship and modern advancements. This ensures that every Barger watch not only meets but exceeds the highest standards of horology, making them reliable companions for any adventure.


Recognizing the amazing reliability and durability of the original ETA 2824-2, and the acknowledgement of the enhancements of clones, like the STP1-21, we celebrate the fusion of history and innovation. These movements continue to drive the watchmaking industry forward, allowing brands like Barger Watch to create timepieces that are durable, robust, and able to be cherished for generations. You can explore all of our amazing watches, by clicking here.

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