Sellita Caliber SW100

The Sellita caliber SW100 is a small automatic watch movement, typically referred to as a ladies size movement. The smaller form factor allows the SW100 to be used in smaller diameter watches, or watches with limited movement space due to non-traditional architecture.

Based on technical documentation, the SW100 has been on production since at least February 27, 2015.

Base Movement:

The SW100 is essentially an ETA clone with its framework based on the ETA caliber 2671. The smaller form factor allows the SW100 to be used in smaller diameter watches, or watches with limited movement space due to non-traditional architecture. For example, the ETA 2671 is found in the Hamilton Face2Face which has a smaller space for the movement thanks two its dual mechanical movement design.

Two Versions:

Sellita offers a both a date and no-date version of the cal. SW100.

• SW100 a – With calendar complication, date at 3:00
• SW100 b – No-date

This means that brands seeking to use the SW100 in a dateless dial design will not need to have a phantom date. Keep in mind that this does not guarantee that a no-date style watch powered by the SW100b. Because the date version tend to be more popular and readily available, sometimes watch brands will use a date version (in this case the SW100a) and simply use a solid dial without a date aperture (aka date window) cutout – therefore creating an unused crown position when setting the time.

Also note that furthering the notion that more “date” models of various SWXXX movements are produced that no-dates, the official tech sheets are based around the SW100 a “date” version (see below).

3 Grades of SW100:

As with most Sellita calibres, the SW100 is available in 3 grades. Unlike what we’re used to with ETA movements, the grades of Sellita do not necessarily determine the finish of the movement, but are mostly used to categorize the movement’s running performance.

• Elabore – Tested in 3 positions; average accuracy of +/-10 seconds/day; maximum of +/- 25 sec/day; isochronism +/-20 sec/day; amplitude range of 190~315
• Top – Tested in 5 positions; average accuracy of +/-7 seconds/day; maximum of +/- 20 sec/day; isochronism +/-15 sec/day; amplitude range of 200~315
• Chronometer – Tested in 5 positions; meets COSC spec for accuracy; amplitude range of 200~315

Learn More: All About Sellita Movement Grades

Finishing Options:

When it comes to finishing, Sellita offers 4 options (aka “grades” or levels of finishing):

• D1 (No decoration) – Nickel, no extra finishing
• D2 “Simple” – Nickle, basic decoration
• D3 “Refined” – Rhodium, perlage and striping
• D4 “Luxurious” – Rhodium, blued screws, perlage and striping

Pro-Tip: When you ask a watch brand what grade movement the watch has inside (why are you buying from a brand that doesn’t show you this in the first place?), also be sure to ask what level the finishing is.

Replacement Prices:

At the time of this post, replacement prices for the SW100 were found online in the range of $175 USD (for Standard grade) up to about $400 USD list price (supposedly for a Top grade). This, of course, does not reflect accurate wholesale pricing when ordering in bulk directly from Sellita.

SW100 Tech Sheets (pdf):

Examples of Watches With Calibre SW100:

The Toledano & Chan B/1 architecture and vintage watch inspired microbrand watch was revealed on May 9, 2024. The B/1 is a no-date watch with a stunning lapis lazuli blue dial with a 904L steel case and integrated bracelet. The B/1 is 33.5mm wide, making it an ideal candidate for a smaller diameter movement.

The brand’s official site lists the movement as: “Swiss made Sellita SW100 automatic movement”.

The T&C B1 is being used as a 2-hander, forgoing the sweeping seconds hand. They also flipped the movement 180 degrees for a destro style layout (crown on the left).

The B/1 retails for $4,000 USD. 125 pieces. Going on sale May 16, 2024.

Upon seeing the lack of a date window on the dial, Caliber Corner immediately reached out to @toledanoandchan to verify the version of SW100 that will power their debut timepiece: “With Sellita offering both a date and no date version of the SW100, just wanted to verify that you’ll be using the no date version in the dateless B/1”.

The brand’s official response:

“As far as I know the no date version”

Caliber Corner also asked if there was any chance the brand could provide an image of the watch with the caseback off, to which the response was:  “I’ll try but a bit swamped tbh at the moment”.

As for the grade of SW100 in the B/1, no response was given.

Editor’s Commentary: It’s disappointing and bizarre to me when a watch brand doesn’t know exactly what movement they are using in their watch. Do they not remember having discussions with the movement producer (Sellita) or the factory building their watches? Are they not watch enthusiasts themselves, enough to take into consideration how the design will impact the movement choice and user experience? And for all of the watch media connections hyping up certain watches of choice, why didn’t any of them dig deeper into the movement and its functionality with the design – or at least offer professional advice as to why a no-date watch priced in the several thousands should probably have a true no-date movement? Why would a serious enthusiast be excited about a no-date watch with a phantom date position, especially when the movement maker offers a no-date option? In my opinion, it goes to show that despite the hype train by the venture capital backed watch publications, and the community automatically labeling new brands as microbrands or independents, some brands are producing what essentially amounts to fashion watches – and even if that’s a hot take, there is no excuse for a watch brand of any age or price range to not be able to provide specific details about the version and grade of their advertised movement. 

Update 5/10/24:

Toledano & Chan replied with more information about the SW100 in the B/1. The brand officially states that it is indeed the no-date version (SW100 b), standard grade.

If you know of more watch brands using the SW100, please add them in the comments below.

Additional Resources:

• List of Sellita movements