Movement preferences

[gpsydney]

I thought it was time to dip my toe into the forum pool and ask my first question. I've been saving a few up for a while, and just wanted to get one off my chest before I buy lots of reps that perhaps won't love me back as much as I want to love them.

Now my first rule (as I'm sure it is for you), is to search the forums for answers before asking a question. I have done this, but I'm not satisfied (or in some cases clueless) after my many searches on certain topics.

So here goes...

Q. What's the reason that so many people talk about the Seagull movements (in my particular case, the 23J/ST2555) as bulletproof, verses the more expensive Asian 7750 which came in my first decent rep purchase (PAM329) which is so commonly called a ticking timebomb? I know price doesn't always reflect quality, but being a newbie at buying reps this way (via a TD) verses a trip to Shenzen or markets in various Asian countries, I started out buying the most expensive rep of this model in order to shield myself from disappointment while I learn more from the forums. Putting the accuracy of the case back area aside for a second as a reason for increased accuracy/value, why is a cheaper movement considered better?

Thanks in advance...

 

[mauricio612]

The only answer I can think of is RELIABILITY

First things first, simple movements are less likely to have issues than movements with more complications such chronograph, perpetual calendar, dual time zone etc...

The A21J is probably the cheapest and one of the most reliable movements out there. The A7750 is a clone of a somehow complex movement. As it is probably harder to replicate, produce and assemble, it is more expensive. However it is less reliable because all those small parts need to be assembled thoroughly in order to avoid issues in the long run.

A2836/A2824 movement are better because they are more reliable and unlike the 7750, it can be serviced easily and parts from gen ETA can be found on the market.

Buying the most expensive rep is not the best way to get the best movement.

I think it's also the case for gen watches. The gen watches with Tourbillon, Perepetual Moonphase Calendar, Flyback Chrono and Rattrapante Chrono are probably more likely to have issues than the basic ETA watches.

 

[Strodda]

The seagull 2555 is actually more complex when it comes to the gear train, as there are more parts to turn the indirect driven second hand. And as for ETA parts to fix Asian movements, most of the parts on a 7750 are interchangeable. The only differences are some of the chrono parts.

 

[gpsydney]

Thank you... much appreciated info.


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