Is ETA using plastic pallet forks?

I've never seen this before outside of the Tissot Astrolon of the 1970s (TZ Tissot Astrolon article).

The pic at left is from a post on TZ by 'Petermm'. (Peter, please contact me if you read this, I've been trying to email you. Thx.)

We have of course seen plastic parts used in strategic spots in the Lemania 5100 and the modern variants of the Lemania/Omega 1863 movement (thanks Chuck).

But this is the first time I've seen a plastic pallet fork used in an otherwise 'normal' metal movement.

Paul Delury notes ...
TimeZone: Public Forum: Now Doesn’t This Beat All; ETA’s 2842 ...: "These ETAs are made down to a price point when compared to, say, a 2824 or a 2892 from the same maker. My understanding is that these 2842 & 2841 movements were made specifically for the Swatch watches, which are a 'disposable' product. I've not heard or read anything about just what lifespan these plastic on metal systems are supposed to have, or if they do indeed wear faster than a conventional jeweled pallet arrangement. I would think the movements overall are probably expected to have a set life, due to the very nature of the watches they are used in, but I don't know what it would likely be. I don't know that the Swatch automatics are designed to be serviced. If so, that in itself would impose a certain time limit in terms of acceptable time-telling."

I wonder if the plastic fork was used to decrease manufacturing costs, or increase longevity without the need for intervention/servicing?

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