Real ETA 2824 clone?

[HaydenM]

Hi all,

I read around the forum that there was a problem with some watches from the Z-factory having inferior movements not as advertised so thought after I got the caseback off and the camera out I would check in with the people here far more knowledgable than me as to whether or not this is a "real" ETA clone.







Thank you all in advance

[jpz5142]

It's an eta clone

[HaydenM]

It's an eta clone

Thank you very much

[alligoat]

Looks like a pretty nice clone to me.

I like those hold down tabs.

[HaydenM]

So far it's worked pretty well, kept amazing time for the first couple of days, then for some reason overnight it either gained or lost five minutes (can't quite remember which) for a while, thankfully it's settled down again and is keeping pretty good time.

[HaydenM]

and as if to spite me this movement has stalled twice today, stopping altogether and needing either a sudden jolt or for me to take the back off and get the movement moving again to start. :/ not as good as previously thought perhaps.

[jpz5142]

Well like you said, the z factory movements have been having a bad rep lately. Several guys have posted their horror stories about movements stopping breaking in their z factory reps. The general consensus is that rep factories get the movements that are quality rejects or just not up to the higher standards in order to be sold to the name brand watch companies. It would appear that even amung rep factories there is a pecking order and as z factory is the newest that they are getting the left overs the other rep factories don't want.

[Bc1221]

Clone movements seem to be a bit stiffer at the stem from my exp.

it's a bit tougher to hand wind than eta.

Not sure why you're is stopping.

May be worth getting looked at or replacing

[HaydenM]

Being in Australia I don't think from my readings there has been anybody nearby who would service a rep watch (I'm very happy to be proven wrong on this statement). 

What would the cost for a better quality replacement be?

[SSTEEL]

If this is the BB Tudor rep, I have had a few in for repair due to the movements stopping, and they all turned out to be the seconds hand touching the underside of the crystal.

[HaydenM]

If this is the BB Tudor rep, I have had a few in for repair due to the movements stopping, and they all turned out to be the seconds hand touching the underside of the crystal.

It is the Tudor BB rep, was it an easy fix?

[mymanmatt]

I wasn't going to say anything, but I have 2 in the cabinet I replaced with good quality clones. Those movements seem to be trash. Both of these failed in the first 2 days. I keep them for parts in case I get one that actually is repairable

[HaydenM]

I wasn't going to say anything, but I have 2 in the cabinet I replaced with good quality clones. Those movements seem to be trash. Both of these failed in the first 2 days. I keep them for parts in case I get one that actually is repairable

Any idea of a good place to source a better quality clone?

[SSTEEL]

It is the Tudor BB rep, was it an easy fix?

 

Sometimes its just a matter of seating the seconds hand onto its pinion more.

[HaydenM]

I think I will need to get some tools, or perhaps get it serviced as it is getting more and more troublesome.

[Bc1221]

Replace it with a new clone. It'll be cheaper than servicing that one IMO.

You can buy clones off ebay for under $100.

Service would run you anywhere from $100-$300 depending on the watchesmith and what parts need to be replaced.

The plus side of this is, it will get replaced with eta parts and the movement will prob run better than it' ever did.

Downside is it could get pricy.

There's also the option of swapping with a gen eta.

If you have the tools, do a swap yourself. Save some money.

I don't know how to service a movement but if any of my clones ever died, I'd prob just do a swap.

Gen eta, I would get serviced.

Edited August 8, 2014 by Bc1221

[HaydenM]

I think I should be able to change the movement myself but I just need to get a better set of screwdrivers as the current set I have won't unscrew the screws attaching the movement to the case.

[GenTLe]

I think I should be able to change the movement myself but I just need to get a better set of screwdrivers as the current set I have won't unscrew the screws attaching the movement to the case.

 

Just in case, give a look here: http://shop.homage-watches-guide.com/

It's the inner shop of the other RWG

[HaydenM]

Just in case, give a look here: http://shop.homage-watches-guide.com/

It's the inner shop of the other RWG

is that just a clone of http://watchbitz.com.au/shop/ ?

Edited August 9, 2014 by HaydenM

[dbane883]

You could always get a TC 2824. But I suspect that the hands could be rubbing. Check that first.

[GenTLe]

is that just a clone of http://watchbitz.com.au/shop/ ?

I don't know... Maybe they are both run from the same person. Who is Trailboss, moderator at RWG.bz

[mitchbaria]

Be careful when uncasing it as there is a certain way to hold it and never touch the face of the dial....you'll be fine

"This Hobby is Crack!"

[HaydenM]

What're the prices like on these clone movements and where can I get my hands on one? 

[Jkay]

Sorry I've come late to this party but when you have a movement in your replica watch which is a clone of ETA, and it has the decorative swirls (Pearlage) then it's always made by Sea-Gull, the famous Chinese movement company. That's their trademark decoration for their clone ETA pieces.

[HaydenM]

Okay, so what is the best value for money clone 2824 out there? (Sorry for all of my newbie questions, I've done some reading but it's quite difficult to find the prices of these movements)