The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I know that there are many types of movements (chronograph, dates, quartz, mechanical, etc.) that both ETA and Valjoux produce. But, is there a difference in quality among the movements in either one(not comparing both)? Meaning: does either ETA or Valjoux produce both good and not so good movements for sale? If there is still confusion (honestly, I am not sure how to phrase this)....: Taking chronographs as an example, does ETA produce multiple chronographs with varying quality and accuracy?

That was the ETA/Valjoux part of this topic. I have a quick question about CHopard that I didn;t want to waste an entire topic on:

Apart from their L.U.C. collection, does Chopard have in-house movements for all their watches?

Thanks,
crasian1030

Not sure on Chopard off the top of my head, but ETA produce every movement in different quality versions. There are three or four different levels for each caliber number.

ETA and Valjoux are one in the same. Part of the Swatch Group, so I don't think there is a qualitiy difference between the two.

Not sure about the Chopard.

EDIT: I see now you weren't asking for a comparison of both, but rather the range of quality within each. What Roff says is correct. There are levels of quality in each movement.

The ETA 2824-2 comes in 3 flavors:

ST - Standard
EL - Elaborated
T - Top (Chronometer grade)

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“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” - Albert Einstein

Interesting topic, is there a way to reference what grade of the movement was used in a given watch?

If its not specifically stated that its a chronometer or top grade etc., its usually standard grade.

Side note: I dont think the 2892 comes in standard grade; only elabore, top and chronometer grade.

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-RJ

Chopard uses both ETA and in-house movements.

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-RJ

The 2824 actually comes in 4 grades - standard, elaborated, top, and Chronometer which are separate from each other. Essentially the Top grade is the same as the Chronometer grade but it hasn't been tested by the COSC and hence doesn't have the certification.

The 289x series only comes in 3 grades - elaborated, top, and Chronometer.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Tricky tricky! I'll be sure to remember this correctly next time, D8. Thanks!

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“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” - Albert Einstein

Did you see why in my quick post between meetings I just said 3 or 4 without trying to get into the details It can get pretty complicated.

So after what I have learned from this thread... do you know what level the ETA movements Chopard uses are? (Specifically the mille miglia chronograph)

The Chopard Milla Miglia Chronos use COSC Valjoux 7750. They are certified chronomters - top grade. I have the MM Grande Prix de Monaco Historique and it has the 7750. Also the MM GMT which uses the GMT version of the COSC 7750 (too lazy to look that one up). I am not a fan of the "Dunlop" rubber strap, even if it is vanilla scented. Do like the calf Rally strap and the MM bracelet is very well done.

My understanding is only the LUC models are in house.

I like both my Chopards very much, but do think overall they are a touch over-priced new. Some good deals can be had on the used market.

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SHARKMAN

Here's the 2009 Monaco Historique. The subtle sunburst silver dial is quite nice and what drew me to it.

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SHARKMAN

Great answers Driver & RJ, and Roff too with the quickie! Thanks.

Thanks, that's just what I was asking for.

I should have been a tad more specific - like Breitling Chopard doesn't just buy a completed movement and slap it in. They finish them to their standards, so each movement goes by a Chopard Caliber #. The white or black dial MM GMT Chonos are very sharp and sporty watches. At 42.5mm diamater, they do wear larger. I bought mine used on TZ or WUS, with a full length Rally strap, a short Rally (perfect for me) and a rubber "dunlop." All with interchangable tang and deployment clasps. I don't rememeber what I paid, but the condtion of the watch was near perfect(for a 2005 model I was amazed) and it was certainly less than $2500.

The Monaco Historique on the brushed/polished SS bracelet (pictured above) is about $7400 retail (before discount) new. That's what I meant by a bit over-priced IMO. It thas one of the best exhibition displays I've seen.

Another nice touch on the MMs is the date cyclops is mounted UNDER the crystal.

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SHARKMAN