Cal. 2894-2 is a chronograph built on the ETA 2892-2 base. Because it features a “balanced” 3-6-9 subdial arrangement and is built on a reliable and slim base, it is popular with higher-end watch manufacturers. The similar skeletonized ETA 2894S2 is sometimes found without chronograph functions. ETA launched Cal. 2894-2 in 1996, but a hand-winding 2-handed skeleton movement known as Cal. 2894 existed in 1992.
Note that because the chronograph bridges and components are mounted directly to the top plate of rite movement, directly behind the dial, it is not considered to be a modular movement. Unlike most second- and third-generation ETA 2890 movements, Cal. 2894-2 measures 12.5 ”’ (28.00 mm) in diameter.
ETA 2894-2 Functions
Cal. 2894-2 features a “balanced” subdial arrangement but these features are arranged in an unusual order:
- Small running seconds at 3:00
- A date window at 4:30 (though this can be relocated)
- 12 hour chronograph counter at 6:00
- 30 minute chronograph counter at 9:00
Very few watch movements in history have a small seconds subdial at 3:00.
ETA 2894-2 Operation
The chronograph function is started, stopped, and restarted using the button at 2:00. It is reset to zero using the button at 4:00.
The movement can be manually wound with the crown in position 1. Rotate the crown clockwise to wind the mainspring.
The date wheel is advanced with the crown in second position (one notch out). Turn the crown counter-clockwise to advance the date wheel by one day.
The time is set with the crown in third position (pulled all the way out). Rotate the crown clockwise to advance the minute and hour hands and counter-clockwise to turn them backward.
ETA 2894-2 Applications
- 1997 Ventura V-Matic Chronograph Small
- 1997 Epos Tonneau Regulateur
- 1998 TAG Heuer Monaco Limited Edition
- 2003 Porsche Design Gold Chronograph
- 2004 TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 1964
- 2004 Bulgari Ergon Chronograph
- 2005 Bell & Ross BR01-94 Instrument
- 2005 Longines Master Chronograph
This is also used by TAG Heuer as their Calibre 17. Eberhard modified it as Cal. EB-250 to have four subdials stacked vertically on the right side of the dial.
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:
- Elaboré – with nickel balance
- Top – with Glucydur balance
- Chronomètre – with Glucydur balance and official chronometer certification
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.
| Complications | First Generation 1975-1983 | Second Generation 1983-2000 | Third Generation 1996-2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Date | ETA 2890 (12.5”’) | ||
| Date | ETA 2892 (12.5”’) | ETA 2892-2 | ETA 2892A2 |
| World Time Disc, Date | ETA 2893-1 | ||
| Adjustable 24 Hour Hand, Date | ETA 2893-2 | ||
| World Time Disc, No Date | ETA 2893-3 | ||
| Modular Chronograph, Small Seconds, Date | ETA 2894-2 (12.5”’) ETA 2894S2 (12.5”’) | ||
| Small Seconds, Date | ETA 2895-1 | ETA 2895-2 | |
| Dual Concentric Wheel Date | ETA 2896 | ||
| Power Reserve Indicator, Date | ETA 2897 | ||
| Perpetual Calendar, Moon Phase, No Seconds | ETA 2890-9 | ETA 2890A9 | |
| Perpetual Calendar, Moon Phase, Central Seconds | ETA 2891-9 | ETA 2891A9 |