The ETA 9180, often listed under ETA/ESA nomenclature, represents an early quartz innovation from the 1970s quartz crisis era. Developed by ETA (part of the Swatch Group lineage) and closely tied to Eterna’s ESA branding, this movement bridged mechanical traditions with electronic precision in Swiss watchmaking.
Key Specifications
Type: Quartz-controlled stepper motor with sweep seconds hand.
Size: 29.00 mm diameter; approximately 5.55 mm thick (comparable to siblings like ETA 9164).
Jewels: 7 jewels, primarily on visible movement side for seconds and third wheels.
Battery: Cell 343 (SR1130 equivalent).
Functions: Hours, minutes, sweep seconds, date with quickset (bidirectional).
Innovative Features
This caliber stood out with dual hacking: electrical via a lever at 8:30 and mechanical via a rotor-blocking lever. Its oversized, heavy rotor featured eight tiny permanent magnets and shock-protected bearings, driving a complex four-coil system—far more elaborate than modern single-coil Lavet motors. Dial-side innovations included a plastic date ring (prone to brittleness after decades) and yoke keyless works for setting.
Historical Context
Introduced around 1973, the 9180 powered vintage pieces like Eterna Quartz Electronic watches, marking ESA’s final complex quartz design before simpler successors like the 9360. It highlighted rapid evolution, rendering mechanicals nearly obsolete overnight, yet offered reliability in 29mm cases from brands like Longines and Certina analogs. Parts remain available for restoration, including wheels (e.g., third wheel, cannon pinion).
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Watch Parts Enquiry
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Stem, Crown, Hands & Spares might be available for this movement.
Email us for rate and availability: [email protected]
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