The key number to concern yourself with during movement QC is amplitude.
Amplitude is an indicator of four things:
- how well the parts of the movement were manufactured.
- how well these parts were assembled.
- how clean the parts were when they were assembled.
- was proper lubrication applied during assembly.
All of the factors above will affect the watch’s amplitude. Low amplitude is an indicator that the movement is not well made, not well assembled, not clean, or not properly lubricated.
Lift Angles of some common movements:
- ETA 2824 — 50 degrees
- ETA 2836 — 50 degrees
- Rolex 3135 — 52 degrees
- Rolex 3187 — 52 degrees
- Rolex 3235 — 53 or 55 degrees (55 for vs3235)
- Rolex 4130 — 52 degrees
- Miyota 9015 — 51 degrees
- Patek 324SC — 51 degrees
- Patek 240 — (I don’t know, if you do please comment)
- AP 3120 — 53 degrees
(Another good post from Reddit)