Are powermatic 80 movements reliable and long lasting?
I have recently come across a couple of youtube videos in which it was said that the powermatic 80 movement found in all budget friendly swatch group watches are not as reliable and easy to work as previously thought.
Does anybody have first hand knowledge about this or would like to add to my knowledge in this regard.
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Lahore
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6.50” / 16.51 cm
I have the Hamilton Khaki Auto 38 and it's maybe my most reliable watch. The power reserve is insanely good.
Short answer on long-term reliability -- no one truly knows. However, a lot of them DO use parts made of plastic, and over time, almost all plastics dry out and become brittle.
My Certina is about 10 years old now, and has the Powermatic 80. It’s working fine.
So far so good, as the owner of the Hammy KFA and Tissot PRX
I've had many and only one problem which was dealt with under warranty.
Take what you see on YT with a grain or salt
I have a 10 year old Powermatic and it is still running like Usain Bolt.
I have a 10 year old Powermatic and it is still running like Usain Bolt.
Is it too fast?
Is it too fast?
Just never stops no matter how old it gets. Sadly, I acquired it on a whim for almost nothing and I do not wear it much, but still looks great and runs pretty accurately. Will have to throw it on the timegrapher next time I pull that thing out.
I have a 10 year old Powermatic and it is still running like Usain Bolt.
So it randomly gains 9.8 seconds?
There are different variations when it comes to the powermatic 80 movement (Like all watch movements). Some are 23 Jewels and others are 25 jewels. Some use plastic parts and others do not. The powermatic is used in many of swatch group’s brands (Tissot, Hamilton, Mido, Rado, Certina, etc.). You can read more about it here: https://calibercorner.com/tissot-caliber-powermatic-80/
As far as reliability goes, they’re fairly good since it was developed to replace the ETA 2824. It can be repaired, but it can be difficult since it’s fine tuned in the factory by machine. Some have had success adjusting the screws on the balance wheel. See: https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/regulating-a-powermatic-80-movement-eta-c07-111.1610138/
Lastly, swatch group’s service center may replace your watch’s movement with a new movement depending on damage and repair time.
The Pwermatic 80 is sctually a movement family. They should be all fine.
The C07.111 is mostly used in the entry level watches and contains some plastic parts.
Check if they have the C07.611 or C07.811 .
Short answer on long-term reliability -- no one truly knows. However, a lot of them DO use parts made of plastic, and over time, almost all plastics dry out and become brittle.
There are a few variations of the Powermatic. Some have plastic parts, some do not. As watch cases are sealed most of the time and not subjected to UV rays, brittleness isn’t a worry.
I’ve changed batteries on a 30 year old Tag. The movement holder and other parts were in great shape.
Hmm... reliable, probably. Long lasting, let's just say I wouldn't buy it for that reason. However, it can be replaced and the watch can keep going. I think that's totally adequate at that price point. Also, don't worry about the plastic parts. Plastic parts are fine. Plastic parts are like silicon parts in a way 😉 just sounds much cheaper.
No problems here either