Black Bay: ETA vs in house

[pearson1995]

Originally Posted by Wcdhtwn

So I heard... and before I go on I'm looking more for verification than trying to spread a rumor... that ETA's are going to be difficult to service in the future.

I was told by someone who seems to meet the qualifications of a WIS that since ETA was purchased (by swatch maybe? I forget) that the purchaser was killing the ETA movement. The company has agreements with a couple of watch brands that use ETA's to continue servicing them but all other brands using them will not be able to get parts or servicing. This begins in a couple of years, if I recall what he told me correctly. Now Rolex/Tudor may be one of the few companies that will be able to get parts/service but I'm not sure how you'd find that out. Admittedly I haven't tried the master of the universe, Google.

So if he was correct I would have to recommend against anything with an ETA for fear of it not being repairable in a few years if something were to happen. And no this guy was not trying to sell me a watch, nor does he work at a watch store.

Surely the fact ETA movements are used in so many watches, availability of parts and servicing is something which will continue into the future.

The money alone from servicing and repairing these watches must be ridiculous... too much to just turn their back on

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by pearson1995

Surely the fact ETA movements are used in so many watches, availability of parts and servicing is something which will continue into the future.

The money alone from servicing and repairing these watches must be ridiculous... too much to just turn their back on

That's what I thought too. But was told the company who bought ETA wants to kill the lower end, mass produced movements, in favor of higher priced in house movements. On the surface it seems fishy but he seemed well versed on the topic.

[mapalfa]

Swatch Group own ETA and have a policy of restricting parts which is only getting worse with time. They are also supplying less part-finished movements for watch manufacturers to brand as their own.

BUT, with the millions of movements out there plus all the spares sitting with repairers, there won't be a shortage any time soon. Also, even if it becomes hard to find ETA parts in decades to come it will still be a cake-walk in comparison to finding original Rolex/Tudor parts outside the RSC network.

[Boothroyd]

Originally Posted by ZeKe

ETA wins hands-down for me.
1. Better looking dial (subjective)
2. More authentic dial to vintage models (objective)
3. Thinner case than in-house calibre (objective).
4. Short run for ETA black model makes it feel more special to me (subjective/objective)

Both great pieces....and 70 hr power reserve for in-house is very nice...can't go wrong either way.

Thinner case, forgot about that. Great point and you were first to mention it.

[TickTockChuck]

I'm a fan of the ETA black bay black with it's classic vintage styling elements which gives it a special feel and pleasing look I never tire of. Styling-wise it is the clear winner IMHO. ETA fits in with Tudor's history. I have to say the ETA movement is a happy little machine that springs into action after just 3 or 4 full winds and keeps time within COSC limits even though not officially rated as such. I think the ETA is also modified by/for Tudor (?). The styling and limited run may bode well for future value (?), but nowhere like a rare Daytona on Antiques Roadshow...ha! As always buy what you like. Cheers!