The 2L44 is an automatic winding movement with a power reserve indicator and open heart escapement, used in a range of high-end grade replica watches. The calibre measures 30.2mm in diameter and approximately 7.3mm in thickness, placing it in the mid-size automatic movement category suitable for dress and sports watch cases in the 40–44mm range. Its time display configuration consists of central hour and minute hands with a small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock — a classical layout associated with dress watch and marine-inspired references. The power reserve indicator positioned at 12 o'clock shows the remaining energy in the mainspring, allowing the wearer to monitor winding status without stopping the watch.
The open heart escapement is a decorative feature that exposes the balance wheel and escapement through an aperture in the dial, making the oscillating components visible during wear. This feature is associated with skeleton and semi-skeleton dial aesthetics, and appears on references where visual movement display is part of the design identity. In replica watches using the 2L44, the open heart aperture replicates the dial layout of genuine references that incorporate this feature — most commonly Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine inspired references where the power reserve and open heart are signature dial elements. The combination of power reserve indicator, small seconds, and open heart display makes the 2L44 a visually complex calibre suited to multi-complication dial layouts.
In Practice
- The 2L44 runs at automatic winding with a central rotor. Like all automatic movements, it winds via the natural motion of the wrist during daily wear. Wearing the watch regularly for 8 or more hours per day is typically sufficient to maintain full wind. If the watch has been stored unworn, manual winding via the crown is recommended before setting the time.
- The power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock shows remaining mainspring tension on a graduated scale — typically marked with a range from empty to full reserve. When the indicator approaches the low end of the scale, the watch should be worn or manually wound to restore power. A depleted power reserve will cause the movement to stop and may affect timekeeping accuracy as reserve drops.
- The open heart aperture exposes the balance wheel oscillation at approximately 6 beats per second in a standard automatic calibre. The aperture position varies by reference dial layout. In QC photos, buyers should verify that the balance wheel is visible and oscillating cleanly through the aperture, and that the aperture edges are cleanly finished without rough cutting or misalignment relative to the dial printing.
- At 30.2mm diameter and 7.3mm thickness, the 2L44 is compatible with mid-to-large case designs. The movement thickness contributes to overall case profile — buyers who prefer thinner watches should note that 7.3mm movement thickness will result in a case that sits noticeably above the wrist compared to slim dress watch calibres.
- The small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock is independently driven from the main timekeeping gear train. In QC photos, buyers should verify that the small seconds hand is sweeping continuously and that it is correctly centred within its subdial. A small seconds hand that appears stationary or off-centre indicates a movement or finishing issue that should be flagged before accepting delivery.
Related Terms
Sea-Gull ST1655 V3 · Mingzhu DG2813 V4 (Power Reserve) · Tourbillon Inspired · Sub-dial · Skeleton Miyota 9015 Clone
Read Next
For a full overview of automatic movement types used in replica watches — including power reserve calibres and how they compare — read: Replica Watch Movements Explained