ETA Caliber G15.212

The ETA caliber G15.212 is a Swiss quartz chronograph movement with 6 jewels. The caliber is part of ETA’s Fashionline family of quartz movements. According to official ETA documentation, this movement has been on the market since at least 2016. As of this post, the ETA caliber G15.212 is still listed in the ETA catalog.

The metal plate on the movement is signed: ETA (logo) / SWISS V8 / SIX 6 Jewels / Battery 394 9.5 x 3.6 1.55v / G15.212

Variations:

There are two variations of the ETA caliber G15.212. ETA lists these as G15.212 AA and G15.212 AB. In the tech documents, each variation is also references as G15.212 PRD and G15.212 PWD. The main difference between these two calibers is that the AA version has ETA’s PowerDrive technology (PWD) and the AB version is equipped with ETA PreciDrive (PWD).

Swissness:

The V8 stamp indicates that the origin of this movement is Switzerland, however, it is only marked “Swiss”, so it is unclear as to whether that means Swiss made or assembled in Switzerland from foreign parts.

G15.212 Vs G15.211:

While not entirely confirmed as of this post, it appears that the ETA caliber G15.212 replaced the older caliber number G15.211. Both movements share the same dimensions, same jewel count, same features, including the placement of the chronograph and calendar functions. The main different seems to be that the G15.212 can be equipped with PowerDrive (G15.212AB) or PreciDrive (G15.212AA) technologies (see above). The G15.211 is not marketed by ETA to have either of these.

Date Location:

You may see this movement written at G15.212-6 or G15.212-D6. 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.

This code 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. Check your dial before ordering a new movement.

How to Change the Battery:

The G15.212 takes battery number 394.

Replacing the battery on your G15.212 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. Try not to bend or 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 G15.212 is just a thin cover with sticky adhesive. Below this metal cover you will find an plastic encasing that holds everything together.

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 information on electrical tests and hand-fitting only.” -ETA

Replacement Price:

At the time of this post, replacement prices for the G15.212 were found online in the range of $59.95 – $79.95 USD.

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.
• Poor documentation by the manufacturer.
• Discontinued by the manufacturer.

Additional Resources:

• ETA official G15.212 tech sheet
• Find more ETA quartz chronograph movements here