The 2472 is a mechanical movement with automatic winding, date display with semi-quickset feature, and power reserve of 42 hours.

This movement features a semi-quickset date feature, more advanced from all other members of the ETA 2400 family apart from the similar hand-wound 2408. The date changes instantly at midnight. To set the date, the time is moved forward from 20 30 to 24 00, then back to 20 30 and forward again.

The 2472 was very popular due to its compact size and excellent performance. It was a state of the art movement for much of the 1960's, with the bidirectional automatic winding, date feature, and direct central seconds cited as advances. The 18,000 A/h balance motion would quickly be eclipsed, but the 2472 was capable of chronometer-grade performance thanks to precise regulation using a moveable hairspring stud and long regulator arm.

Similar movements are the 2474 and 2475.