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ETA 2890-9

ETA’s 2890-9 is a modular perpetual calendar movement produced from 1990 to 2000. It is based on the ETA 2892-2, part of the second generation of the ETA 2890 family. The replacement, ETA 2890A9, based on the updated ETA 2892A2, was introduced in 1998.

The ETA 2890-9 paired a perpetual calendar and moon phase module with the ETA 2892-2 base. This increased thickness from 3.6 mm to 5.2 mm. Unlike the similar 2891-9, this movement lacks a seconds hand.

The perpetual calendar layout is as follows:

ETA 2890-9 Applications

Cal. 2890-9 was rarely used, appearing as mechanical watches were just regaining prominence and being a fairly expensive movement.

ETA 2890 Family Overview

The ETA 2890 family is a series of slim and robust automatic watch movements produced by ETA. They are generally regarded as superior to the similar ETA 2800 family. Cal. 2890 and its successors is based on the Eterna 1466U, with ball bearings on the rotor and a smaller balance wheel in the modern style. Launched in 1975, the family remains one of the leading watch movements to this day.

The most well-known movement in this series today is Cal. 2892A2, a highly evolved automatic movement with central seconds and a date wheel. Because of its slim dimensions, Cal. 2892A2 is often paired with modules to add world time, power reserve indicator, chronograph, and other complications.

Distinguishing features of the ETA 2890 family include a smaller balance wheel than historic movements, including the ETA 2824 family, and a large rotor hub located with seven visible bearings. The balance is located at 12:00 when viewed from the back with the crown at 9:00, and is located by a clockwise cock with an eccentric screw for regulation.

Most members of the modern 2890 family are available in there finish levels:

ETA also sells these movements with gold plating, various finishes, and custom rotors.

ETA 2890 Family

Most current ETA 2890 family movements have been updated since the 1990s with improved winding efficiency and an extra jewel in the upper winding bridge. As of 2021, ETA is no longer supplying these movements outside the Swatch Group, with most buyers switching to the clone SW300 family from Sellita. Specifically, Cal. SW300-1 replaces ETA’s 2892A2, Cal. SW330-1 replaces ETA’s GMT 2893-1, and Cal. SW360-1 replaces ETA’s small seconds 2895-2.

ComplicationsFirst Generation
1975-1983
Second Generation
1983-2000
Third Generation
1996-2021
No DateETA 2890 (12.5”’)
DateETA 2892 (12.5”’)ETA 2892-2ETA 2892A2
World Time Disc, DateETA 2893-1
Adjustable 24 Hour Hand, DateETA 2893-2
World Time Disc, No DateETA 2893-3
Modular Chronograph, Small Seconds, DateETA 2894-2 (12.5”’)
ETA 2894S2 (12.5”’)
Small Seconds, DateETA 2895-1ETA 2895-2
Dual Concentric Wheel DateETA 2896
Power Reserve Indicator, DateETA 2897
Perpetual Calendar, Moon Phase, No SecondsETA 2890-9ETA 2890A9
Perpetual Calendar, Moon Phase, Central SecondsETA 2891-9ETA 2891A9
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