When it comes to Swiss watch movements, ETA has long been regarded as a dominant force. For decades, it served as the backbone of countless timepieces across the globe. However, in recent years, Ronda has emerged as a strong contender—offering comparable quality, better accessibility, and more competitive pricing. So, what exactly is a Ronda movement? And why is it considered a worthy successor to ETA? Let’s explore in detail with ZuLi Watch.
What Is a Ronda Movement?
A Ronda movement refers to the watch calibers manufactured by Ronda AG, a well-established Swiss company known for producing high-quality watch movements. These calibers serve as the “heart” of a watch—powering the hour, minute, and second hands, along with additional complications such as chronographs or calendars.
Why Is Ronda Considered the Ideal Alternative to ETA?
For decades, ETA (a subsidiary of the Swatch Group) was the primary movement supplier for many watch brands. However, since the early 2010s, Swatch Group has gradually restricted ETA movement supplies to non-group brands. This created a gap in the market—and Ronda quickly rose to fill that void.
Key Advantages of Ronda Movements
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Open Supply Policy
Unlike ETA, Ronda offers its movements to all watch brands—large or small—making it easier for manufacturers to access high-quality Swiss components. -
Competitive Pricing
For example, the Ronda 515 costs around 350,000 VND, significantly lower than the ETA 955.112 (approx. 750,000 VND). Using Ronda movements can reduce production costs by 30% to 50%. -
Ease of Maintenance
Ronda movements feature a simpler construction, making them easier to repair and service compared to ETA calibers. -
Swiss Made Standard
Despite the lower price point, Ronda movements still comply with the strict requirements of the Swiss Made label, ensuring reliability and precision.
Popular Ronda Movement Lines
1. Standard Line – Reliable Quartz Basics
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Frequency: 32,768 Hz, Accuracy: ±10 seconds/month
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Battery: Silver Oxide (2–4 years)
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Commonly used in everyday and dress watches like Tissot Everytime Quartz
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Durable, affordable, and easy to replace
2. Startech Line – Premium Quartz Chronographs
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Includes functions like ADD and SPLIT time
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Popular models: Ronda 5030.D, Ronda 5040.D
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Battery Saving Mode helps extend battery life
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Ideal for sporty or luxury chronograph watches
3. Mecano Line – Traditional Mechanical Movements
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Signature models: Ronda R150, Ronda R152
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Beat rate: 28,800 vph (8 beats/second) for smooth hand motion
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Made with stainless steel using CNC precision machining
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Often featured in high-end watches with transparent casebacks (e.g., Oris Big Crown ProPilot)
4. Slimtech Line – Ultra-Thin Quartz Movements
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Thickness: only 1.9mm – among the thinnest in the world
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Battery life: up to 6 years
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Perfect for slim, elegant fashion watches
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Notable calibers: Ronda 1062, Ronda 1063
The History of Ronda – A Legacy of Adaptation and Innovation
1946 – Founded by William Mosset
Ronda was established in 1946 by William Mosset, in post-war Switzerland. Driven by a vision of durability and precision, he laid the foundation for a company focused on mechanical excellence.
“A watch is not just a tool to tell time—it’s a way for people to connect with history.”
— William Mosset
Quartz Crisis – A Defining Pivot
In the 1970s, Japanese quartz watches—especially from Seiko—disrupted the Swiss watch industry. Instead of resisting change, Ronda made a bold pivot to quartz movement production. This strategic move not only saved the company but also marked the beginning of a new era.
1985 – A New Generation
After the passing of William Mosset, his two sons took over the company. Under their leadership, Ronda expanded into quartz, mechanical, and even hybrid movements—blending the best of both worlds.
Conclusion
Ronda is more than just a replacement for ETA—it’s a symbol of resilience, innovation, and Swiss craftsmanship. From ultra-thin quartz to high-precision mechanical calibers, Ronda offers solutions for every segment of the watch market—from affordable to premium, from sporty to stylish.
If you’re seeking a reliable, cost-effective, easy-to-service, and Swiss-quality movement, then Ronda is a name you shouldn’t overlook.
