Sellita SW200: A Complete Guide to the Robust Swiss Movement

Sellita is one of the most renowned manufacturers of mechanical movements in the watchmaking industry. Sellita has been in the game since the 1950s and is an unwavering companion to many well-established watch brands today. At present, Sellita’s catalogue consists of 15 different caliber families that encompass a variety of functions. This includes the Sellita SW200, which is one of the brand’s most robust and reliable mechanisms to date. 

In this article, we will be delving deep into the Sellita SW200. This includes the Sellita SW200’s full range of capabilities and some of the best watches that offer it. 

Sellita SW200: A Background

First launched in 2008, the Sellita SW200 is widely regarded as Sellita’s answer to the popular ETA 2824-2 calibre. This is in large part because the Sellita SW200 comprises many components similar to that of the ETA 2824-2 movement. In fact, many professionals have gone on record saying that the Sellita SW200 and ETA 2824-2 are practically identical in structure. We will discuss their similarities in greater detail later in the article, but for now, let us focus solely on the Sellita SW200. 

Currently, there are 22 variations of the Sellita SW200. These are all Sellita SW200 movements that come with different functions and complications. For instance, some movements incorporate date features and power reserve indicators, while others may come with moonphase features and so on. 

However, the standard Sellita SW200 caliber is the Sellita SW200-1. The Sellita SW200-1 serves as the base for all the other movements in the SW200 family. 

Anatomy of the Sellita SW200-1

The Sellita SW200-1 is a Swiss movement known for its reliability, robustness, and versatility. These characteristics are precisely why many brands have chosen this movement for their timepieces. 

As a result, there is quite an extensive selection of Sellita SW200-1 watches in the market. This is great, since it means that your options aren’t only limited to a specific kind of timepiece with the Sellita SW200-1. Whether you love dress watches or you are looking for rugged sporty watches, you will almost certainly be able to find one that is powered by the Sellita SW200-1. 

The Sellita SW200-1 is a self-winding movement that comes with a ball-bearing rotor and 26 jewels. The calibre itself has a diameter of 25.6mm and measures 4.5mm thick, which are rather standard dimensions for an automatic movement. The Sellita SW200-1 also beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasts a decent power reserve of 38 hours. 

There are two basic versions of the Sellita SW200-1, which differ in terms of the complications offered. The Sellita SW200-1 A allows timepieces to have three hands, for the hours, minutes, and seconds, and an additional date function. This date function comes with a quick-setting option which you can control using the watch’s crown. The Sellita SW200-1 B, on the other hand, has largely the same build as the Sellita SW200-1 A, but does away with the date function. 

The Sellita SW200-1 is also available in different finishes: D1 to D4, along with the TAI. The Sellita SW200-1 D1 comes as it, without any decorations. The D2 is for simple embellishments, such as snailed components. 

Next, the D3 describes Sellita SW200-1 movements with more refined ornamentation and intricate textures. Finally, the D4 is for luxuriously-decorated Sellita SW200-1 calibres which offer the highest quality of design. TAI, on the other hand, describes Sellita SW200-1 movements which have tailor-made designs that are customized by the brand.

Other SW200 Variants 

Here are all the different variations of the Sellita SW200 available today: 

• SW220-1 (Automatic, 3 Hands, Date, and Day)
• SW221-1 (Automatic, 4 Hands, and Pointer Date)
• SW240-1 (Automatic, 3 Hands, Date, and Day)
• SW260-1 (Automatic, 3 Hands, Small Seconds, and Date)
• SW261-1 (Automatic, 3 Hands, Small Seconds, and Date)
• SW266-1 (Automatic, Regulator, and Date)
• SW270-1 (Automatic, 4 Hands, Date, and Power Reserve Indicator)
• SW279-1 (Automatic, 4 Hands, Small Second, Date, and Power Reserve Indicator)
• SW280-1 (Automatic, 3 Hands, Date, and Moon Phase)
• SW285-1 A (Automatic, 3 Hands, Date, Moon Phase, and Day/Night)
• SW285-1 B (Automatic, 3 Hands, Date, Moon Phase, and Day/Night)
• SW288-1 A (Automatic, 3 Hands, Date, and Moon Phase)
• SW288-1 B (Automatic, 3 Hands, Date, and Moon Phase) 
• SW290-1 (Automatic, 3 Hands, Small Seconds, and Date) 
• SW295-1 (Automatic, 4 Hands, Small Seconds, and Pointer Date) 
• SW200-1 AJ (Automatic and 3 Hands)
• SW261-1 AJ (Automatic, 3 Hands, and Small Seconds)
• SW200-1 S A (Automatic, 3 Hands, and Skeleton)
• SW200-1 S B (Automatic, 3 Hands, and Skeleton)
• SW200-1 S C (Automatic, 3 Hands, and Skeleton)

Pros and Cons of the Sellita SW200 

Like any watch movement out there, the Sellita SW200 comes with its fair share of pros and cons. Here is a quick summary: 

Pros

1. The Sellita SW200 is as robust and reliable as mechanical movements can get. While it comes from a well-established brand, the main reason why it is still so well-loved today is because it is incredibly durable and versatile. The Sellita SW200 calibers are well-built and composed of high-quality components, so you can really trust that your timepiece will last a long time with this movement. 
2. Another interesting thing about the Sellita SW200 is that it comes in four different grades: standard,   special, premium, and COSC-certified. While each grade of the Sellita SW200 has essentially the same core, they differ in quality of precision and accuracy. This shows how versatile the Sellita SW200 caliber is and why each watch equipped with this movement is unique in its own way. 

Cons

1. There are not really a lot of negative things to say about the SW200. The main criticism watch enthusiasts point out is that the Sellita SW200 is one of the most basic movements out there. While it is reliable and durable, it does not have the same level of intricacy as other movements in the market. Some watch collectors are simply drawn towards more elaborate movements that show off luxury craftsmanship, which is why they may not be the biggest fans of the Sellita SW200. 

Sellita SW200 vs ETA 2824

As mentioned earlier, the Sellita SW200 and the ETA 2824-2 are two movements that are often associated with each other. This is primarily because, in terms of both structure and functions, the Sellita SW200 and ETA 2824-2 are essentially identical. In fact, the differences between the two barely matter to anyone besides the watchmakers themselves. 

That said, there are a number of slight differences between the two calibers. Firstly, you will find that the ETA 2824-2 has only 25 jewels. The Sellita SW200, on the other hand, is made up of 26 jewels, which helps in reducing friction. In addition, the Sellita SW200 also has a slightly different oscillating rotor with sharper ridges, so it looks more elaborate compared to its ETA counterpart. 

5 Watches with the Sellita SW200

Moving on, below are some watches powered by the impressive Sellita SW200 movement.

1. Alpina Seastrong Diver Ref. AL-525LBN4V6

First up on our list of watches driven by a Sellita SW200 movement, we have the Alpina Seastrong Diver Ref. AL-525LBN4V6. It is one of the many diving watches created by Alpina as a way to showcase its commitment to both innovation and traditional watchmaking techniques. It boasts a handsome navy motif and a strong, robust build. 

This Alpina Seastrong watch is housed in a 44mm stainless steel case. It is coupled with a lovely blue rubber strap which showcases a pattern of criss-crosses. Affixed to the top of the watch case is a unidirectional bezel. It is fitted with a shiny blue aluminium insert for its elapsed time scale. On the right side of the watch, you can also find a thick screw-down crown made of steel and blue rubber, which contributes to the watch’s outstanding 300-metre depth rating.

The dial of this watch also comes in rich blue, complementing the bezel and strap. It follows a simple layout that comprises rounded hour markers, thick sword hands, and a date window at 3 o’clock. The hands and indices of this watch are all coated in white lume, so you can read the dial clearly even in the dark.  

On the underside of this watch, you will find an exhibition-style caseback. It gives you a close-up view of the Alpina AL-525 Calibre that powers this watch. This movement is based on the Sellita SW200-1, so it has 26 jewels and a frequency rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. When fully wound, it can last for up to 38 hours. 

One thing to note is that earlier models of this Alpina Seastrong Diver Ref. AL-525LBN4V6 were equipped with an ETA 2824 base caliber. If you are buying pre-loved versions of this watch, this is something you should keep in mind. 

The Alpina Seastrong Diver Ref. AL-525LBN4V6 retails at $1,400 USD. 

2. Oris Aquis Ref. 0173377664185-SET

Next, we have the Oris Aquis Ref. 0173377664185-SET. This is yet another impressive blue dial watch powered by a Sellita SW200 movement. It comes with an elaborate design that pairs well with its ruggedness, making this a perfectly balanced watch. Made in collaboration with the Shanghai Animation Film Studio Co, this Oris Aquis piece is based on a 1960s Chinese animated film, The Monkey King. 

The Oris Aquis Ref. 0173377664185-SET is presented in a 41.5mm stainless steel case, along with a three-piece link bracelet made of the same material. Sitting on top of the watch case is a blue elapsed time scale bezel. A luminous pip is placed on the bezel, at 12 o’clock, which helps illuminate the watch face in the dark. 

The blue dial of this Oris watch has a simple yet appealing design that is cleverly inspired by the Monkey King, Sun Wukong. It bears a pattern of straight lines that radiate out from the centre of the dial, like a sun. This dial is also filled with luminous applique hour indices, thick sword hands, and a date display at 6 o’clock. The seconds hand of this watch comes in vibrant red and yellow, and is designed to look like the Monkey King’s famous magical staff, the Ruyi Jingu Bang. 

On the back of this watch lies a sold stainless steel caseback. Aside from being engraved with the watch’s details, this caseback also shows off an embossed image of the aformentioned Monkey King and his staff. Sealed behind this caseback is an Oris 733 Calibre. Based on the Sellita SW200-1, the Oris 773 has a frequency rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and a 38-hour power reserve. This Oris watch is also water-resistant up to depths of 300 metres, making it a great underwater companion. 

You can get this limited-edition watch for around $2,600 USD. 

3. Baume et Mercier Classima Ref. M0A10215

Although the Baume et Mercier Classima Ref. M0A10215 also uses a Sellita SW200 movement, it offers a completely different aesthetic compared to the previous two watches. This is a classier dress watch, which is great for Sellita SW200 fans who want diverse options. It is also quite versatile, and serves as an excellent everyday beater watch as well. 

This Baume et Mercier Classima watch utilises a 40mm stainless steel case and a matching five-link stainless steel bracelet. This watch comes with a screw-down crown, along with a sapphire crystal and fixed bezel that protect its face from any external damage. It has a modest depth rating of 50 metres, which is the standard water resistance capacity most dress watches have. 

The dial of this watch comes in clean white, which blends well with the watch’s all-steel exterior. It is ornamented with applique stick indices, thin Roman numeral markers, and a compact date aperture at 3 o’clock. At the centre of the dial, you can also find sweeping blued steel leaf hands, which add a touch of elegant colour to this watch face. 

Flipping this watch over, you will see an exhibition-style caseback. It treats you to an up-close and personal view of the Sellita SW200 movement that runs inside. This calibre is made up of 26 jewels and delivers a 38-hour power supply. 

This Baume et Mercier watch is priced at $2,450 USD. 

4. Sinn Uhren Ref. 556-I

Next, we have a handsome utilitarian watch in the form of the Sinn Uhren Ref. 556-I. This is a robust and straightforward timepiece that makes for a fail-safe watch option, no matter what the occasion is. 

This Sinn Uhren watch comes in a 38.5mm stainless steel case, along with a H-link bracelet made of the same material. Both the case and bracelet are treated with a satin finish, giving the watch a gloriously smooth, sleek look. Seated on top of the watch case is a thick fixed bezel that is also made from satinised stainless steel. It helps protect the watch face from any impacts. 

The black dial of this watch shows off a very minimalistic layout, reminiscent of the German Bauhaus watch designs, that prioritises legibility. It is filled with rectangular, painted hour indices and thick luminous sword hands, along with a compact date complication at 3 o’clock. 

This is yet another watch with a see-through caseback, giving wearers a glimpse of the self-winding caliber inside. This watch runs on the Sellita SW200-1 movement, which has 26 jewels and promises a 38-hour power reserve. Aside from that, this Sinn watch is also water-resistant up to depths of 200 metres. 

This Sinn watch costs approximately $1,300 USD. 

5. Yema Superman Heritage Ref. YSUP2018A-AMS

Last but certainly not the least, we have the Yema Superman Heritage Ref. YSUP2018A-AMS. This watch has a very rugged and sporty exterior that perfectly matches the sturdy Sellita SW200 movement inside. On top of that, it also shows off a very contemporary style that the modern man is sure to enjoy. 

This Yema Superman watch sports a 39mm stainless steel case and a H-link bracelet that is also made from stainless steel. Pressed on top of the watch case is a curved-edge rotating bezel. This bezel bears a black ceramic insert, which is marked with a 60-minute count-up scale. On the right side of the case rests a large screw-down crown. It is equipped with a bezel-lock mechanism, which ensures the watch’s outstanding 300-metre depth rating. 

The dial of this watch has a jet-black finish, which matches its bezel. It follows a standard diving watch layout, containing luminous hour indices in various geometric shapes and large arrow-headed hands. A small date display also lies at 3 o’clock. Driving all of these features is the robust Sellita SW200-1 Calibre. It is made up of 26 jewels and offers a 38-hour power supply. 

This Yema watch is worth around $1,150 USD. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Now, let us move on to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Sellita SW200. 

How accurate is the Sellita SW200? 

The standard Sellita SW200 has an accuracy rate of +/-12 seconds per day, paired a frequency rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. That said, the precision rate of the Sellita SW200 does improve based on the grade of the movement. With the premium version of the Sellita SW200, you can get an accuracy rate of +/-4 seconds per day.

How long do Sellita movements last?

Sellita movements can last up to two decades or more. However, it should be noted that the lifespan of a movement also depends on many different factors. These include the maintenance it is given, how often it is being used, and more. 

Final Thoughts 

The Sellita SW200 is truly one of the most trustworthy mechanisms to ever be made. It is the epitome of a simple yet reliable caliber, which is why it continues to be the go-to movement for many watch brands today. If you have a timepiece powered by a Sellita SW200 caliber, rest assured that you have utmost quality and functionality on your wrist! 

Photo Credits: Sellita and WatchShopping Sites

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