Swiss automatic on your wrist

Questions and answers

Is the Festina Swiss Made Automatico worth $558?

At $558 you get a Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic, sapphire crystal and 100 m water resistance in a steel case and bracelet. That is fair for a Swiss automatic, though the movement is a workhorse rather than a decorated one.

How does the ETA 2824-2 compare with newer movements?

The 2824-2 is reliable and easy to service, but its roughly 38-hour power reserve is shorter than the 70–80 hours of newer movements like the Powermatic 80 or Sellita SW200-1 variants.

Can I swim with this watch?

Yes. It is rated 100 m / 10 ATM, which covers swimming and snorkeling. Do not press the crown underwater, and have the gaskets checked at service.

What size is the case and how heavy is it?

The case is 43 mm wide and 12 mm thick, and the watch weighs 172 g on the steel bracelet. That is a substantial watch, so try it on if you have a wrist under about 7 inches.

What comes in the box?

The original Festina box and papers are included, per the listing. The watch ships on its stainless steel bracelet with a deployment clasp.

When is the price lowest?

Holiday sales and end-of-season clearance are the usual windows for discounts on Festina automatics. Two stores currently list it new, so compare both before buying.