The Sellita SW200 movement is a high-quality automatic movement widely used in Swiss watchmaking. Known for its reliability, accuracy, and robustness, the SW200 is often seen as an alternative to the ETA 2824-2.
This blog will explore the specifications and technical details of the Sellita SW200, along with user reviews and a comparison to similar movements.
Sellita Watch Co. was founded in 1950 and has since become a significant player in the Swiss watchmaking industry. The SW200 movement was introduced as a direct competitor to the ETA 2824-2, offering similar specifications and performance.
Over the years, the SW200 has been refined and is now used by numerous Swiss watch brands, including Oris, Tag Heuer, and Baume & Mercier.
Specifications:
- Movement Type: Automatic
- Accuracy: -20 to +20 seconds per day
- Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph)
- Jewels: 26
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Height: 4.60 mm
- Diameter: 25.60 mm
- Hacking: Yes
- Hand-Winding: Yes
- Date Function: Yes
Sellita SW200 vs ETA 2824
Differences Highlighted:
- Jewels: The SW200 has 26 jewels compared to the 25 jewels in the ETA 2824-2.
- Accuracy: The ETA 2824-2 typically has a slightly wider accuracy range compared to the SW200.
- Average Price: The SW200 is generally more affordable than the ETA 2824-2.
Here is a comparison chart between Sellita SW200 and ETA 2824
| Feature | Sellita SW200 | ETA 2824-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | -20 to +20 seconds per day | -12 to +30 seconds per day |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph | 28,800 vph |
| Jewels | 26 | 25 |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours | 38 hours |
| Height | 4.60 mm | 4.60 mm |
| Diameter | 25.60 mm | 25.60 mm |
| Hacking | Yes | Yes |
| Hand-Winding | Yes | Yes |
| Date Function | Yes | Yes |
| Average Price | $150 – $250 | $200 – $300 |
Known Models
The Sellita SW200 movement is used in various prestigious watch brands and models. Some known models include:
- Oris Aquis Date: This popular dive watch features the SW200 movement for its reliability and precision.
- Tag Heuer Formula 1: A sporty model that benefits from the robustness of the SW200.
- Baume & Mercier Clifton: This elegant timepiece is powered by the SW200, offering both style and performance.
Time Setting Guide
Setting the time on a watch powered by the Sellita SW200 involves:
- Pull the crown out to the second position.
- Turn the crown to set the time.
- Push the crown back in to start the movement.
Technical Details
The Sellita SW200 movement is built with 26 jewels to minimize friction and wear, enhancing its durability. It operates at a high frequency of 28,800 vph, allowing for smooth sweeping of the second hand.
The movement also features hacking and hand-winding capabilities, providing greater control over time setting and manual winding.
Retail Price
The average replacement price for a Sellita SW200 movement ranges from $150 to $250. This price reflects its quality and the precision engineering involved in its production.
Shortcomings
While the Sellita SW200 is highly regarded, it has a few shortcomings:
- Power Reserve: The 38-hour power reserve is decent but slightly lower compared to some modern movements that offer longer reserves.
- Preis: Although more affordable than the ETA 2824-2, the SW200 can still be considered pricey compared to other non-Swiss movements.
User Reviews
To provide a well-rounded view of the Sellita SW200 movement, here are some reviews from popular watch forums and social media:
Watchuseek Review by SwissWatchFan: “The SW200 in my Oris Aquis Date has been fantastic. It’s accurate, reliable, and has a smooth sweep. The hacking and hand-winding features are a big plus. No complaints so far!”
Reddit Review by WatchCollector89: “I have a few watches with the SW200 movement, and they’ve all performed well. The accuracy is within acceptable ranges, and I appreciate the build quality. The only downside is the power reserve, which could be a bit longer.”
Watchuseek Review by ChronoLover: “My Baume & Mercier Clifton with the SW200 is a joy to wear. It’s precise and dependable. The movement is quiet, and the second hand sweeps beautifully. I highly recommend it.”
The Sellita SW200 movement is a reliable and robust option for many Swiss watch brands. Its high accuracy, durability, and the inclusion of hacking and hand-winding features make it a strong contender in the automatic movement market.
When compared to the ETA 2824-2, the SW200 offers similar performance at a more affordable price, making it an excellent choice for both watch manufacturers and enthusiasts. Considering the budget for some micro watch brands, the Japanese Miyota 9015 or Seiko NH35 would be a good option.