ETA Movement Grades Explained

Eta Movement Grades

Some of the topics covered in this caliber listing:

How Many Grades of ETA Movements Are There?

ETA offers four grades of watch movements:

Standard
Elabore (Elaborated)
Top
Chronometer

Accuracy Between Grades:

These ratings may vary between specific caliber numbers, but here are the specs for the popular ETA caliber 2824-2:

Standard – adjusted in two positions; accuracy of +/-12 sec/day up to +/- 30 sec/day
Elabore – adjusted in three positions; accuracy of +/-7 sec/day up to +/- 20 sec/day
Top – adjusted in five positions; accuracy of +/-4 sec/day up to +/- 15 sec/day
Chronometer – COSC specs (learn more)

How to tell the difference between grades?

One way to distinguish between Standard/Elabore and Top/COSC grades of ETA movements is to look at the anti-shock device on the balance wheel:

Standard	Novodiac / ETACHOC
Elabore	Novodiac / ETACHOC
Top	Incabloc
Chronometer	Incabloc

Other Differences:

Standard and Elabore Grades:
Nickel plated balance wheel; Nivarox hairspring; polyrubies used for pallet jewels.

Top and Chronometer Grades:
Glucydur balance wheel; Anachron hairspring; red rubies used for pallet jewels.

Similarities Between Grades:

Despite differences in accuracy and testing, all grades share some common specs and features. All grades have the same diameter, height, jewel count, lift angle, frequency, and power reserve.