Myths of Chinese ETA movements It has been commented on various forums that ETA used to manufacture mechanical movements in China but no longer do so, and that some ETA movements on the market are assembled from residual parts stocks. There seems to be little basis for this story.
ETA mechanical movement parts have only ever been manufactured in Switzerland. However there was at one time little restriction on the sale of ETA
ebauches, so unassembled old stock may possibly still exist, particularly in
Hong Kong.
Another related myth is that 'Asian ETA/Valjoux/Unitas' movements are made by Chinese companies using ETA tooling. A careful examination of ETA movements alongside their Chinese equivalents reveals some subtle differences. The Chinese designs appear to be adapted to simplify manufacturing and assembly and to enhance durability. There are other differences that are simply ...different. Sea-Gull, Hangzhou, Liaoning, and Shanghai watch factories have all had to create their own tooling to produce these movements.
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