FWIW, I have a mix bag at my house. I have several watches with the Swiss and Asian 6497-1 and the Asian 6497-2. I know you guys are referring to the reliability of the movements from more of a lifespan and/or repairability standpoint, but I also think it is important to look at function and replacability as well. In my experience the Asian movements tend to keep better time and the cost is such the replacement is too easy of an option. I find this to be true with autos and manuals alike. Most of my PAM reps have the Asian movements in them, but the ones that have Swiss just don't keep time accurately. Even after regulating them, they just don't stay accurate. They have a tendency to slip and usually gain time on a regular basis. The Asian PAMs all keep time very accurately and usually stay in about a + or - of 3 to 5 seconds a day. That is perfect in my opinion and I am sure that most of you will agree. I have been having a similar experience with the Asian autos that I have. I purchased a no date sub (can't remember the model right now) from Narikaa about a year and a half ago and that thing as stayed dead on accurate (to the second) since it arrived. My Swiss autos are usually all over the place. I don't know if this has to do with what one might refer to as sub standard Swiss movements available to the rep world or if it just the fact that some of these watches are really designed for the Asian movements, but that has been my experience.
As for replacability over repairability, I can replace the Asian movements when they die for cheaper than the Swiss obviously. If I ever have the chance to find a high quality Swiss movement on the bay or some small store, then all I need is a new set of hands and I can "upgrade" the movement in most cases.
As for replacability over repairability, I can replace the Asian movements when they die for cheaper than the Swiss obviously. If I ever have the chance to find a high quality Swiss movement on the bay or some small store, then all I need is a new set of hands and I can "upgrade" the movement in most cases.