A Hybrid Swiss - Chinese Movement 6497-x

[takashi]

I think it should share this post here. Hope this is useful. To quote myself:

This one you won't find anywhere on the market and I believe this modification is rarely done. I am in the process of writing an article about Asian vs Swiss ETA6497 based movement. Recent acquisition of PAM113 PVD from daytona4me requires me to make a major revamp to my article. Simply, Asian 6497-2 has evolved much faster than I would have imagined. It has improved not only cosmetically but also mechanically. I will focus more on the mechanical point of view which evaluates how good the parts are machined.

However, in this post, let us begin looking into possibility of how a modified 6497-2 can be achieved.

So without further delay, let us take a look at this newly created Swiss - Chinese movement. I will list out modifications done at the end of this article.

... Quote from second post:

Sorry for the incomplete post. I was rushing to get it posted and seems that the edited version was not posted properly.

If you want to get visually similar movement, you can do what T4D suggested. Use the Swiss bridge to subsitute your E/H series Asian 6497-2 movement. There are many Asian 6497 variations, you have to be sure to get the -2 copy (indicated by smaller balance wheel flared, beating at 21600bph).

That's still won't be close to the genuine article. There are more parts you need to change to ETA parts to achieve that better "look" than Asian parts.

Don't forget that while doing all this mods, full watch movement service and reoiling should be done.

Here is the list of mods:

I started with Swiss ETA6497-1 which comes with an early version of PAM036. First major difference: 6497-1 beats at 18000bph. This has to be taken care of with changes on several parts.

Required parts, specific to this project:

1. Balance wheel. It just happens that I have a broken Asian 6497-2, non swan neck, sword regulator with CdG finishing. The balance bridge for stud and jewel support is taken from this Asian 6497-2. Reason that you can use this part is because it comes with correct Incabloc shock protector. The Swiss 6497-1 comes with different shock protector. You can be content with that Asian 6497-2 balance wheel but this Swiss ETA6497-2 Glucydur balance wheel is totally a different breed. Much better in finishing and offers you superior timekeeping performance (if adjusted properly) You have to remove the silver stud to replace this balance wheel. Here is the part I used: 721/40.050.21 Glucydur ETASTABLE ETACHRON/ CHR.

To change it to a high beat movement, is not as simple as it is. You need to change more parts. You can take those parts from your Asian 6497-2 movement. However, there are a few visible gears that you need to change to get that better finishing.

2. Escape wheel. 705/30.040 I have to admit that this part is not visible but Swiss version looks much better in finishing. The one that came with my Asian movement was broken so it needs to be replaced anyway.

3. Second wheel. 224/30.027.13 This happens to be broken also but I got it from another Asian movement. Non visible parts. I have bought it before to use it for my iPAM project. But that is base model so the number is 220/30.027 for the one without second hand enabled (shorter pivot).

4. Centre wheel. 201/30.015. This is a visible part. Asian version still can't match this finishing on the Swiss version.

Third wheel, barrels are taken from Asian version (non visible and good). Ratchet wheel and crown wheel are also taken from newer version Asian to achieve that sunburst finishing. Swiss version costs a lot of money with this kind of finishing.

The rest of the parts are from Swiss low beat version.

[l3x]

Thnx for the article takashi. When I first came into the PAM scene, my view of Asian 6497 movements were that they were FAR inferior to the Swiss. After sepending time on the boards, my view has since changed. I was very surprise to learn that a few of the swiss 6497 movements were actually made in China (and possibly contain chinese parts) :-) I have seen some beautiful (and very reliable) Asian movements in some really amazing reps.

Hopefully someday, we'd see the Asian be on par with the Swiss (for much lower cost). That would be the day :-)

[mikellem]

Great Post!

Thanks Taka..

I am slowly learning about movements...

MM

[Shundi]

Great article Taka thanks for posting it!!

[morlock]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.