The work that goes into designing, engineering, and building a new movement is substantial, and the move is generally regarded as newsworthy. We saw it with Oris and their Caliber 400, and with YEMA and their GMT movement. There?s another one that almost slipped through the cracks, however, and it comes from the German brand Damasko. The inaugural movement of the A26 family was developed to create independence from Swiss manufacturers without a significant increase in price. Sounds like a win win to us. So, why the modesty" Let?s take a closer look.

Damasko

The A26 will be offered as an option alongside ETA fitted watches, meaning they share dimensions as to fit within the same cases. These models, which include the DK30 and DK32, are still 39mm in diameter and under 10mm in case thickness, making the A26 all the more impressive a feat for the brand. Not only does the A26 share dimensions with the ETA 2824, all components that route power from the mainspring to the escapement are interchangeable. This may temper some of your excitement, but on the plus side, it means the movements will be easily serviceable by any competent watchmaker. 
Changes that were made include a new pawl winding system with 2 ceramic ball bearings to increase winding efficiency. Additionally, brass components within the manual winding system, which were common failure points in the ETA, have been replaced with hardened steel. While I  don?t see it mentioned, a glance between the A...