ETA 2442

Description

If you pick up one of the common Flume movement finders, K2 or K3, you will come across the ETA 2442 at the latest on the second page of the size-sorted illustrations, which is not only the smallest ETA movement, but one of the smallest watch movements ever produced.

Even a 1 Euro Cent coin is significantly larger than this marvel of miniaturization, which measures a mere 6 lines in diameter, or 13.3 mm.

As is often the case with ETA movements, it was available in different configurations, though in the exhibited examples these are limited to the color and type of balance wheel:

The design, which is identical in construction to the ETA 2412, is flawless, as can already be seen from the base plate, in which of course all important bearings are equipped with jewels:

Here too, the modern, space-saving gear train arrangement was used, in which there is no central minute wheel, but the hand mechanism is driven via the pinion of the third wheel.

The large mainspring barrel is connected to second wheel with its thick axle, followed by the third wheel, seconds wheel, and escape wheel. The latter must be inserted laterally during assembly.

The lever of this pallet lever system, like the escape wheel, is beared in olivedized rubies and is very difficult to assemble.

The balance wheel used in the examples at hand is always a large Glucydur balance wheel, which operates at a semi-fast 21,600 A/h and is beared in a pair of Incabloc shock protection devices.

The adjustment is made directly on the hairspring key, and unfortunately, it is almost a matter of luck to adjust the movement precisely.

As with the ETA 2412, the ratchet mechanism is located below the ratchet wheel.

On the dial side, the pinion of the third wheel drives the minute wheel, on which the cannon pinion is mounted via a slip clutch.

Naturally, the ETA 2442 uses a yoke winding mechanism.

The different color variations can also be seen on the dial side:

In the lab

Timegrapher result

The movement was very difficult to regulate, but considering that it came from a “scrapped” watch, it still shows a satisfactory accuracy. Significantly better results could certainly be achieved in better condition.