ETA Caliber G10.71A

The ETA caliber G10.71A is a Swiss parts quartz chronograph movement with 4 jewels. This movement is made in Thailand. According to official ETA documentation, this movement has been on the market since at least 1997.

The metal plate on the movement is signed: ETA (logo) / G10.71A / Swiss Parts / Thailand Movement / Four 4 Jewels / Battery 9.5 x 3.6 1.55v

G10.71A Vs G10.711:

There is a similar caliber G10.711. The two calibers even share the same tech sheet and ETA doesn’t even bother to have a drawing of the 71A, instead it’s just the 711. The main difference between the two movements appears to be that the 711 is Swiss made and the 71A is Swiss Parts assembled in Thailand.

Notice that the G10.71A is not stamped with V8, but the G10.711 is. That is because the V8 stamp signifies that the movement was made in Switzerland by ETA.

Example: If you have a Tag Heuer F1 watch that says Swiss Made, then it most likely is using a G10.711. If you have an Invicta that says Swiss or a Renato with Swiss Parts, then it’s probably using a G10.71A.

Date Location:

You may see this movement written at G10.71A-3. The trailing digit refers to the location of the date window. The date can be at 3, 4 or 6. The position can be tilted or horizontal. Check your dial.

This is mostly used when ordering a replacement movement to make sure the correct datewheel is used to match the calendar aperture on the front of the watch. This digit is not included in the caliber number engraved on the movement itself.

How to Change the Battery:

The G10.71A takes battery number 394.

Replacing the battery on your G10.71A watch is very straightforward. The diagram below is from the official ETA tech sheets. As pictured, place your tool between the battery and the arm that holds it in place (#2 in the image below). Gently pry the arm back and the battery should lift up. Be careful not to bend of break off the arm that holds the battery in place!

To install the new battery, do the process in reverse, but make sure the battery is placed under the lip first (#3 in the image above). If you install a new battery and the watch doesn’t function properly, it’s possible that the battery is bad. Always try a new battery before giving up.

Reset the Chronograph Hand to Zero:

After a battery change, you may need to recalibrate the chronograph hands on your watch. It’s easy and you don’t need to send your watch back to the company or a watchmaker.

• Pull the crown to position 2 (date setting)
• Press the bottom pusher to adjust the central chronograph second hand
• Press the top pusher to adjust the 1/10 second hand
• Pull the crown out to position 3 (time setting)
• Press the top pusher to adjust the 30 minute hand
• Press the crown in to position 1 (against the case) when finished

*Some manufacturer’s refer to the crown position numbers differently. We always try to refer to the positions the same as the manufacturers do. ETA crown positions are as follows:

Crown/Stem Removal:

To remove the crown, look for the stem release hole on the movement near the crown There is a small arrow pointing to it. Putting the crown to date setting position should reveal a button in the hole that you can gently press with your tool to release the stem. Do this carefully and do not press too hard. If you damage the stem release mechanism, there doesn’t seem to be a way to fix it since it’s encased in plastic.

Metal Plate:

The metal plate on the G10.71A is just a thin cover with sticky adhesive. Below this metal cover you will find an plastic encasing that holds everything together.

What’s strange is that the metal plate on the G10.71A says Swiss Parts, but taking the metal off reveals a plastic movement case that just says Swiss (more close-up images below).

Replaceable, Not Repairable:

This movement is part of ETA’s Fashionline group of quartz movements. This caliber is not considered to be a repairable movement and is largely found in entry level lower priced timepieces.

In ETA’s Own Words:

“Movements of these calibres can-not be disassembled; therefore, this document contains informa-tion on electrical tests and hand-fitting only.” -ETA

Discontinued:

The ETA caliber G10.71A (and G10.711) is no longer listed on the ETA site and has been discontinued.  Caliber G10.212 may be a possible replacement.

Replacement Price:

At the time of this post, replacement prices for the G10.71A were found online in the range of $48.25 – $59.95 USD.

Macro Shots:

Video:

Pros:

• Relatively inexpensive chronograph functionality with “Swiss” labeling.
• Easy to recalibrate if the chronograph second hand isn’t lining up.
• Does not need an insulator tab under the battery.
• It has been around for a while with proven reliability overall.

Cons:

• Not serviceable, other than changing the battery.
• Easy to damage the stem removal mechanism, making it difficult to remove from the case.
• Made outside of Switzerland even though some brands will lead consumers to think it is a Swiss ETA G10.
• Poor documentation by the manufacturer.
• Discontinued by the manufacturer.

Additional Resources:

• Find more G10 movements here