Rouage & Transmission·1 min read·Débutant

Why are there rubies in a watch?

Jewels: the documented ETA 2824-2 count, without ranking quality by jewel count alone.

The documented jewel count

Jewels and calibre data

The official ETA 2824-2 technical communication specifies 25 jewels. This figure applies to that calibre; it does not establish their exact allocation among movement components. ETA — 2824-2 technical communication.

Do not use this count alone to rank quality or to compare mechanical and quartz movements without further documentation. The ETA sheet provides an identified example, not a general rule about quality, materials or resale value. ETA — 2824-2 technical communication.

Décalibre School

Frequently asked questions

Do watch jewels add resale value?

The number alone does not establish resale value.

Does a quartz watch have jewels?

It depends on construction; reviewed sources do not support a general rule.

Can a jewel break?

The reviewed sources do not document this risk; a watchmaker can inspect the movement.

Official sources