The Most Reliable Automatic Watch Movement, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the automatic watch movement you think is the most reliable!

Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:54

In the world of horology, selecting a watch with a dependable automatic movement can be daunting due to the sheer number of choices available. Enthusiasts and casual wearers alike seek movements that provide not only precision but also longevity, making the search for a reliable automatic movement very pertinent. By compiling rankings based on popular opinion, this guide aims to simplify your decision-making process. Here, users like you can cast votes on which automatic watch movements have stood the test of time and rigors of daily use. The feedback from a community of watch lovers contributes to a dynamic and up-to-date list that reflects real-world experiences and preferences. Your participation is crucial; your vote helps ensure that others can make informed choices when they select their next timepiece.

What Is the Most Reliable Automatic Watch Movement?

1

58
votes
The original uploader was Twigler at English Wikipedia. · Public domain

ETA 2824-2

This movement is known for its durability, accuracy, and versatility. It is used by many high-end watch brands and is considered a workhorse movement.
The ETA 2824-2 is a highly regarded automatic movement widely used in the watch industry. It was developed by ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse, a renowned Swiss watch movement manufacturer.

Movement Type: Automatic

Jewels: 25

Power Reserve: 38 hours

Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)

Accuracy: Around -8 to +12 seconds per day
2

12
votes
Sellita SW200-1

Sellita

This is a Swiss-made movement that is very similar to the ETA 2824-2. It is also reliable, accurate, and widely used in high-end watches.
The Sellita SW200-1 is a mechanical automatic movement widely acknowledged for its reliability and performance. It is a Swiss-made movement that has gained popularity, especially as a more affordable alternative to the esteemed ETA 2824-2 movement.

Type: Automatic

Jewels: 26

Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)

Power reserve: approximately 38 hours

Accuracy: +/- 12 seconds per day
3

24
votes
Seiko 6R15

Seiko

This Japanese-made movement is known for its accuracy and reliability. It is used in many Seiko watches and is highly regarded by watch enthusiasts.
The Seiko 6R15 is a mechanical automatic watch movement known for its reliability and precision. It was designed and created by Seiko, a renowned Japanese watch manufacturer with a long history of producing high-quality timepieces. The 6R15 movement is often found in Seiko's mid- to high-range watches, offering an excellent combination of performance and value for watch enthusiasts. Its features and specifications include:

Movement Type: Automatic

Jewels: 23

Power Reserve: Approximately 50 hours

Accuracy: Between -15 to +25 seconds per day

Vibrations per Hour: 21,600
4

16
votes
Miyota 9015

Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.

This Japanese-made movement is a newer addition to the automatic watch movement market. It is known for its accuracy and reliability and is often used in microbrand watches.
The Miyota 9015 is a self-winding mechanical automatic movement developed by Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. It is renowned for its reliability and accuracy, making it a popular choice among watchmakers and enthusiasts.

Hand-Winding: Yes

Movement Type: Automatic

Caliber: Miyota 9015

Jewels: 24

Vibrations Per Hour: 28,800
5

19
votes
ETA 2892-A2

This Swiss-made movement is known for its precision and reliability. It is used in many high-end watches and is considered a top-tier movement.
The ETA 2892-A2 is a high-quality automatic watch movement widely recognized for its reliability and precision. It was developed by ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse, a renowned Swiss watch movement manufacturer.

Movement type: Automatic

Jewels: 21/25/27 jewels (depending on version)

Power reserve: Minimum 42 hours

Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz)

Accuracy: Within -4 to +6 seconds per day (COSC certified)
6

20
votes
Valjoux 7750

Ébauches SA

This Swiss-made movement is a chronograph movement that is known for its durability and accuracy. It is widely used in high-end watches and is considered a classic movement.
The Valjoux 7750 is a widely renowned automatic chronograph movement known for its reliability and widespread use in the watch industry. It was created by Ébauches SA, a Swiss movement manufacturer.

Movement Type: Automatic

Jewels: 25

Power Reserve: 42 hours

Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz)

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
7

6
votes
Soprod A10

Soprod SA

This Swiss-made movement is a newer addition to the market and is known for its accuracy and reliability. It is often used in microbrand watches.
The Soprod A10 is a highly regarded automatic watch movement known for its reliability and precision. It is produced by Soprod SA, a Swiss manufacturer of mechanical movements and complications. With a reputation for excellent craftsmanship, the Soprod A10 offers several noteworthy specifications:

Type: Automatic

Jewels: 25

Power Reserve: 42 hours

Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
8

8
votes
Seiko 4R36

Seiko

This Japanese-made movement is known for its accuracy and reliability. It is often used in Seiko watches and is highly regarded by watch enthusiasts.
The Seiko 4R36 is a reliable automatic watch movement that was developed by Seiko, a renowned Japanese watch manufacturer. It is widely recognized for its accuracy, durability, and value for money.

Movement Type: Automatic

Jewels: 24

Power Reserve: Approximately 41 hours

Hacking: Yes

Hand Winding: Yes
9

8
votes
ETA 7750

This Swiss-made movement is a chronograph movement that is known for its durability and accuracy. It is widely used in high-end watches and is considered a classic movement.
The ETA 7750 is a highly regarded automatic watch movement known for its reliability and precision. It is one of the most widely used and respected Swiss-made chronograph movements in the industry.

Movement type: Automatic

Caliber: ETA 7750

Jewels: 25

Power reserve: Up to 44 hours

Vibrations per hour: 28,800
10

4
votes
ETA 6497

This Swiss-made movement is a manual-wind movement that is known for its durability and reliability. It is often used in pilot watches and is considered a classic movement.
The ETA 6497 is a mechanical hand-wound watch movement known for its reliability and durability. It is commonly used in large-sized wristwatches and pocket watches.

Type: Mechanical hand-wound

Size: 16 1/2 lignes (36.60 mm)

Jewels: 17 or 21

Power Reserve: 46 hours

Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz)

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Ranking factors for reliable automatic watch movement

Accuracy

The movement should be able to keep accurate time without requiring frequent adjustments.
Durability

The movement should be able to withstand wear and tear over time, including shocks and impacts.
Power reserve

The movement should have a reliable power reserve that allows the watch to run for an extended period without needing to be wound.
Ease of maintenance

The movement should be designed with ease of maintenance in mind, with readily accessible parts and straightforward repair procedures.
History of reliability

The movement should have a proven track record of reliable performance over a sustained period.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable automatic watch movement. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or movement is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

5786 views
157 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each movement once every 24 hours. The rank of each movement is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable automatic watch movement

When it comes to automatic watches, the movement is the heart and soul of the timepiece. There are various types of automatic watch movements, but the most reliable ones are those that are made by reputable and established brands. The most commonly used movements are the Swiss-made ETA and Sellita, as they have a proven track record of accuracy and durability. However, there are also other reliable movements such as the Japanese-made Miyota and Seiko movements. The reliability of an automatic watch movement also depends on how well it is maintained and serviced, so it is important to have it checked regularly by a professional watchmaker.