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ETA 2893-1

ETA 2893-1

ETA’s 2893-1 is a modular world time movement with central seconds and date. It is derived from the similar ETA 2892-2 and is part of the second-generation ETA 2890 family. Cal. 2893-1 appeared in 1992 alongside the similar ETA 2893-2 and ETA 2893-3 and remains in production today.

ETA 2893 Movements

ETA released a trio of dual time zone movements in 1992, all known as Cal. 2893. Each movement has a slightly different implementation of a 24 hour second time zone display.

DateNo Date
24 Hour DiscETA 2893-1ETA 2893-3
24 Hour HandETA 2893-2

In all three movements, the central 24 hour display is quick-set using the crown in second position and is independent of the central hour hand, which is set using the crown in third position. Adjusting the 24 hour hand or disc does not cause the movement to “hack” or stop, so the timekeeping remains accurate when traveling.

Although common today, an independent hour hand like this was somewhat unusual at the time. Indeed, the popular Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 16710 had just gained an independently-adjustable 12-hour hand four years earlier.

This 1992 coverage in Europa Star shows all three members of the ETA 2893 “Travel Time Trio”
Image: Europa Star 193, 1992

ETA 2893-1 Applications

Cal. 2893-1 is a fairly rare movement, only found in certain world time models. The distinctive world time disc is sometimes replaced with a simple 24 hour disc, as on the Hamilton Khaki Navy Air Race.

The IWC 37526 and 30750 are similar to the ETA 2893-1.

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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