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Attention all Swiss ETA buyers.... Please Read!

drfcfighter

I'm Pretty Popular
19/11/06
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pete2528ca said:
some of these dealers drop ship so much they probably don't know their arse from their elbow. I usually buy the asian version and then buy a swiss eta from OFrei and swap the parts.

really the only way to go if you want Swiss for right now, but Ofrei will stop stocking ETA's soon too. He even said as much that after the next couple of shipments or so, he'll dry up too...
 

RWIGWH

RWI's Great White Hope
Supporter
10/2/07
6,255
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daytona4me said:
ONCE AGAIN I WILL SHOUT!!!! WAKE UP EVERYONE, STOP FEEDING THE BEAST!!! YOU ARE JUST AS MUCH THE PROBLEM AS THEY ARE!!!!
^This is what I could never understand. Buyers insisting they were getting what they pay for. A lot of the blame can go around, and not just on the dealers. A lot of so called watchsmiths with unquestionable reputations have either been BS-ing people in some cases or, not possessing the knowledge they claim. Over the years i have taken several movements to my watchsmith. He was amazed at times with the quality (IE Seagull ST-19) and out right laughed in my face over the 7750. A..B.. 21,600 or 28,000...It did not matter. He laughed...A lot. I think it's great we are learning the truth now and making it known, and I thank the admin team once again for stepping up with this. Our hobby can only benefit from these actions.
 

brtelec

Respected Member
Advisor
16/8/06
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Phoenix
Hopefully this new awareness will prevent some of the unsuspecting buyers from getting ripped off on a clone, sold as Swiss. I agree that with the dealers there is a lot of dropshipping and they do not know anymore about the watch going out than the buyer until it is too late. I would think that with the recent info, most of the dealers would scrutinize their suppliers more diligently before shipping a watch touted as "Swiss". I would imagine there will be many more movement shots in the near future on the forums and a lot more refunds if not. The real solution is buy Asian clone and be done with it.
 

hk45ca

Legendary Member
Advisor
17/3/06
11,843
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i want to know why we are being charged the same amount or more for these movements as we were for a real swiss eta.
 

Pizzanooo

Renowned Member
17/3/06
570
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0
hk45ca said:
i want to know why we are being charged the same amount or more for these movements as we were for a real swiss eta.

Damn straight hk45ca, the eta movements are still available and have been. The Bs that they have gone away , OR HARD TO GET is pure shit right now.
 

Importr

I'm Pretty Popular
Supporter
Certified
23/10/06
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I suspected that this might have been happening from a long time ago - but since the supposed "swiss" movt was still working, I didnt want to rock the boat.

I have noticed though, in a recent "swiss eta" purchase from one of our current dealers, i removed the stem and contrary to all things Swiss, removing and refitting the stem felt awkward and clumsy - even with the release button pressed.
Also, the "ETA" stamps were present - but that means jack these days.

I wont be paying the extra premium anymore, and I'll be highly sceptical of anything (other than a stamped Valjoux 7750) that claims to be Swiss.....

I find that the bog-standard 21j works fine anyway.

I take it that the ETA quartz movements are still "safe" then? ie. the "swiss" quartz as found in the "ultimate" Porsche Flat Six quartz chrono??
 

trailboss99

Head Honcho - Cat Herder
Staff member
Administrator
Certified
30/3/08
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Hmmmm, little white lies, again. Thanks for the heads up.

I think I know the dealers of who you speak. Have had a cpl of simerlar chats with them of late. Didn't think it was quite so bad tho. My lips are sealed. Wouldn't like to be responsible for anyone loseing a kneecap or two.

Otto running out as well? Damn! Last time we spoke (six mths or so back) everything was rosy. Thats bad. I think I'l go order a few before its too late.

You're right about the A21J tho. Its tough. Many here will be aware of what I have been puting one thru for the last few mths. Had it on my wrist the other day whilst holding a lump of 2x4 behind some 4mil plate while bashing it (the plate, smart ass, not the watch) with a very big hammer removing some dents. Didn't miss a beat. What more can you ask for?

Col.
 

Krieg

Getting To Know The Place
12/12/06
46
0
0
I think this is a "replica game"; so I want to buy a "full replica watch" (movement included); personally I think it's a bit funny to buy a gen movt. from a replica seller....... :?
 

takashi

Legendary Member
4/4/06
11,500
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0
just my 2 cents. I think I am starting to get tired of this Swiss ETA BS too... My current non chrono replica watches are powered by Asian clone of ETA28xx movement. I got what I paid for and am very happy that I made the right choice. In this game, really, educate yourself more, more and more. Don't get easily misleaded by the sellers. A highly possible way is to take similar path like me. Go and get yourself Asian ETA clone (like on my SSD). It's a superb movement.

Especially those from Seagull, this movement is very good. I won't mind if the repmakers are using this movement extensively.
 

DemonSlayer

Known Member
3/12/07
178
1
18
Takashi, are these clone movements available to buy seperately, or did you already buy your SSD with the movement fitted in?

You stated earlier that the SSD with the clone movement can be had for well under $150 shipped, but I know of no dealer on this board or the others who sells it for that price.
 

max33

Do not accept unsolicited offers
5/10/08
13
0
0
Can someone actually tell or show the differences between gen and rep ETAs?
 

wilshire888

Getting To Know The Place
22/7/08
61
0
6
Sorry, but are we under the assumption that SWISS ETAs are still made in Switzerland; or are we already aware that "ALL" movements are really made in China?
 

guru

Advisor
Advisor
Certified
30/9/06
11,754
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Taka, totally agree. My Heritage was suppost to be ETA but it is a Seagull,runs 1 sec slow in 5 days! I googled and some people say it is better then the ETA (2824)
Anyhow, I am totally happy!
why don't you guys use the google machine and search for seagull?
 

LegendofSpeed

Respected Member
4/5/06
5,722
4
38
wilshire888 said:
Sorry, but are we under the assumption that SWISS ETAs are still made in Switzerland; or are we already aware that "ALL" movements are really made in China?

That is why I used quotation marks... as in "Swiss"... there is a distinction though between movements made in Asia by ETA and the clone movements that are marked with ETA markings but are not made them...
 

guru

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30/9/06
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some parts of the Swiss ETA movements are made in China but the movement is assembled in China. All movement are available in I II and III grade. I do not know which grades have Chinese parts in them.
Anyhow, the main reason for this is that ETA is now controlling the shipments they do. Since 3 months you do not get any 7750 anymore on the bay. I can still get a 7750 from my watchmaker for premium price,700 USD :)