With the launch of the PT5000 movement into the Geckota range, we thought it is the perfect time to explain more about this movement and exactly why it is so special.
The PT5000 movement is a relatively new addition brought out by Chinese movement manufacturers H.K. Precision Technology. It is a mechanical movement with automatic and hand-winding capabilities, which beats away at an impressive 28,800 VPH to provide a buttery smooth sweep to the second's hand. The movement has 25 jewels and is 25.6mm in diameter / 4.6mm in height. The size of the movement means that it is very versatile as it is small enough and thin enough to fit in a variety of watch cases.
Several of the Geckota watches range are powered by this impressive movement
The PT5000 movement now powers these Geckota Sea Hunter Steel Editions, Check them out here - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
The PT5000 Movement found in Geckota watches - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
PT5000 vs SW200 watch movement
Just like Sellita has been doing with the Sellita SW200 for years, HK Precision Technology has created its movement based on an already proven formula. In case you are not familiar, the ETA 2824 is the benchmark of an entry-level swiss-made movement, this design is what you will see used in many brands throughout the years such as Tudor, Hamilton, Sinn, Stowa and more.
The movement is known as a workhorse in the industry...because it is exactly that.
It's well designed, robust, easy to source spares for and provides incredible value for the price. It's simply a movement that will keep on ticking for years and years without any fault. And in the occasion that it needs attention, it can be looked at by pretty much any watchmaker.
The only problem with this now is supply, and that's where companies like Sellita and HKPT come in.
For the past decade or so ETA has been slowing down the production of their movements with the goal to eventually stop supplying outside of Swatch group (Who they are owned by). This has created an opening for other companies to clone the design and continue the supply of this incredible movement to the rest of the industry since the design is so old now that it is no longer protected by any sort of patent.
Is the PT5000 a good movement? - PT5000 watch movement review
Of course with the design being so easy to copy there are as many if not more poor quality clones that exist, but the quality is actually where the PT5000 has shined the most.
In a bid to challenge the perception of Chinese made movements being unreliable and inaccurate, HKPT brought their highest grade of PT5000 to Glashutte in Germany to have its accuracy reviewed by the Chronometer Observatory (They couldn't get this done at COSC; the worlds best-known accuracy certificate system, as they only test Swiss movements).
The PT5000 Movement found in Geckota watches here! - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
The observatory has seven testing categories, and only allows a mechanical watch a deviation ranging from minus 3.8 seconds to plus 5.8 seconds within a day"
The PT5000 now powers the Geckota G-02 Diver, Check them out here! - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
This movement then went on to be China's first-ever watch movement to reach chronometer certification, which you can read more about here.
PT5000 vs NH35
The NH35 movement is an automatic mechanical movement from Seiko. It's another very popular movement for the entry-level watch industry to use, however when compared to the PT5000 it is exactly that. The NH35 is 27.4mm wide and 5.3mm thick vs the PT5000 which is just 25.6mm wide and only 4.6mm thick. It also only beats at 21,600 vph, whereas the PT5000 sits at 28,800 vph. Are you interested in learning more about some of the most popular watch movements used in the watch industry? Check out our article here for more information!
