Exploring the Intricacies and Accuracy of Sellita Movements

Talking about watches, the term movement comes as one of the most intriguing parts. Making a watch movement requires high expertise and a complex endeavor to manufacture a reliable one. Therefore, many watch brands source their movements and components externally. In this case, the name Sellita movements come as one of the most respected manufacturers around the world.

Founded in 1950, Sellita Watch Co. SA emerged as a cornerstone in the industry, supplying mechanical movements that beat within millions of watch cases. As one of the many assemblers of ébauches (unassembled base movements and parts for the Swiss watch industry), Sellita thrived in an era where third-party movements reigned supreme.

These days, Sellita remains one of the biggest movement suppliers for third-party brands in the watchmaking industry – besides ETA, which now focuses on Swatch Group brands only. Therefore, this article will discuss more about the Sellita movements and their pivotal role in shaping the landscape of contemporary watchmaking. 

What Is a Sellita Movement?

A Sellita movement refers to a mechanical watch movement manufactured by Sellita Watch Company SA, a Swiss-based movement manufacturer. Sellita movements are the internal mechanisms that power a watch, dictating its timekeeping capabilities. These movements are known for their precision, reliability, and craftsmanship.

Sellita specializes in producing mechanical movements, which is considered one of the best suppliers besides ETA. The company offers a diverse range of movements, from simple three-hand movements to more complex ones with additional complications like chronographs and GMT functions.

Sellita’s primary focus has been on improving the components and refining elements like gears, pinions, and springs that form the mechanical core of their timepieces. Over time, Sellita movements have emerged as the benchmark for Swiss watch movements, setting the standard against which all global manufacturers measure their creations. This esteemed position speaks volumes about the unparalleled quality upheld by this manufacturer.

These days, Sellita’s standing as a premier movement producer has been further solidified, owing to an enduring conflict involving ETA and the Swiss antitrust agency. As a result of this ongoing dispute, ETA as a long-standing member of the Swatch Group has been restricted from selling its movements outside the Swatch brands. 

That phenomenon has positioned Sellita as the indisputable leader in the market for Swiss watch movements beyond the Swatch Group’s sphere of influence. Sellita movements are sought after by many watch brands due to their quality, accessibility, and compatibility with various watch designs. They are known for their robustness and accuracy, undergoing rigorous testing and quality control measures to ensure they meet high standards.

Different Grades of Sellita Movements

Sellita offers different grades that carry different specifications. Although the ratings may vary between different specific caliber numbers, below are the specs for the most popular ones (SW200-1 and SW215-1):

• Standard → adjusted in 2 positions with an accuracy of +/-12 sec/day up to +/- 30 sec/day.
• Special (Elabore) → adjusted in 3 positions with an accuracy of +/-7 sec/day up to +/- 20 sec/day.
• Premium → adjusted in 5 positions with an accuracy of +/-4 sec/day up to +/- 15 sec/day.
• Chronometer → comply with the COSC criteria.

Read also: All the Things You Should Know about Miyota Movement

Is Sellita Swiss-made?

The idea of a Swiss-made object in the watchmaking industry – be it a movement or a watch – should comply with the specific regulations of the Swiss Federation. The regulation explains that a watch or movement should meet specific standards, such as the components being made at least 60% of whose value comes from or being assembled in Switzerland.

Historically rooted in producing movements for ETA within its Swiss facilities, the Sellita movement fulfills those rigorous criteria. The movements manufactured by Sellita are crafted and assembled in Switzerland, adhering to the country’s rigorous regulations and quality control measures. 

As a result, Sellita movements are considered an integral part of the Swiss watchmaking heritage, contributing to the industry’s reputation for producing exceptional timepieces.

Watches with Sellita Movements

As mentioned before, the Sellita movement has become one of the biggest manufacturers of mechanical movements. 

You can find renowned names, like Hublot, Oris, TAG Heuer, and many other independent brands that rely on Sellita. Below are Sellita movement watches available in the Gnomon Store:

Marathon MSAR NGM Diver Automatic – Rubber Ref. WW194026

The first Sellita movement watch comes from Marathon watches with its diving timepiece. The Marathon MSAR NGM Diver Automatic stands out for its robustness and reliability, owing much of its precision to the Sellita SW200 movement at its core. 

The Sellita movement powers this timepiece seamlessly, delivering consistent and accurate timekeeping. This Swiss-made movement ensures exceptional performance, allowing the Marathon MSAR to excel in demanding conditions, making it an ideal companion for divers.

Price: $990.00 USD

Read also: 7 Top Swiss Watches Under $2000: Luxury Within Reach

Steinhart Ocean One GMT Blue/Red Ceramic 2

Many Steinhart watches are driven by the Sellita movement, including this Steinhart Ocean One GMT Blue/Red Ceramic 2. The watch boasts a Sellita SW330-2 automatic movement, renowned for its accuracy and robustness. 

The Swiss-made movement ensures precise timekeeping and offers the convenience of a GMT function, allowing for tracking multiple time zones effortlessly. Paired with Steinhart’s quality craftsmanship and the allure of its ceramic bezel in blue and red, this watch amalgamates style and functionality seamlessly.

Price: $670.00 USD

Squale Super-Squale Sunray Grey – Leather

The Squale Super-Squale Sunray Grey with a leather strap embodies elegance and functionality in one striking timepiece. Its sunray grey dial, complemented by meticulous detailing and a classic leather strap, exudes sophistication. 

Beyond its aesthetic allure, this watch boasts impeccable craftsmanship with an automatic Sellita SW 200-1 Elaboré powering the watch. The Super-Squale Sunray Grey is a testament to Squale’s heritage of producing reliable diving watches while seamlessly blending style and substance.

Price: $990.00 USD

Final Thought

From their origins as assemblers for the Swiss watch industry to becoming a cornerstone in the watchmaking industry, Sellita movements reflect a commitment to mastering the art of mechanical movements. 

However, beyond its prominent position, the true measure of a watch movement lies in the quality of the final product – and Sellita has consistently demonstrated its prowess as a dependable, top-tier manufacturer crafting exceptional movements.

Read also: Meca-Quartz Movement: What It Is and The Advantages