tudor sellita | tudor t600 sellita

For decades, Tudor was inextricably linked to ETA, the Swiss movement giant. The reliable and readily available ETA 2824-2 and its variants powered countless Tudor watches, solidifying the brand's reputation for robust and accessible luxury. However, the watch landscape is constantly evolving, and Tudor, like many other brands, has been navigating the changing tides of movement sourcing. While the official transition has been relatively quiet, the shift is real: Tudor is increasingly utilizing Sellita movements, specifically the Sellita SW200-1, in certain models. This article will delve into the history of Tudor's movement choices, explore the implications of this shift to Sellita, and examine the specific models impacted, particularly the Tudor 1926.

The End of an Era: Tudor's Longstanding Relationship with ETA

Before diving into the Sellita era, it's crucial to understand the historical significance of Tudor's partnership with ETA. For a considerable period, Tudor relied heavily on ETA movements, particularly the ETA 2824-2. This movement, a workhorse known for its reliability, affordability, and ease of servicing, formed the backbone of many popular Tudor models.

The ETA 2824-2 (and its derivatives) was a smart choice for Tudor. It allowed them to offer high-quality, Swiss-made watches at a more accessible price point than if they were to develop and manufacture their own movements entirely in-house. This strategy aligned perfectly with Tudor's brand positioning as a robust and reliable, yet more affordable alternative to its parent company, Rolex.

The "Tudor ETA 2824 movement" became synonymous with quality and value. Watch enthusiasts appreciated the robust construction and accuracy of the ETA 2824-2, which ensured that Tudor watches performed reliably for years. This reliance on ETA also simplified servicing, as watchmakers worldwide were familiar with the movement.

Furthermore, the "Rolex Tudor ETA movement" connection wasn't just about utilizing the same supplier. Rolex often provided Tudor with ebauches (partially assembled movements) which Tudor then finished and regulated to their own specifications. While not extensively decorated like some high-end movements, these ETA-based movements in Tudor watches were often adjusted to a higher standard than standard ETA movements.

The Winds of Change: Why the Shift to Sellita?

So, why the shift from ETA to Sellita? The reasons are multifaceted and reflect the broader trends within the Swiss watch industry:

* ETA Supply Restrictions: Over the years, ETA, owned by the Swatch Group, has gradually reduced the supply of movements to brands outside the group. This strategic decision aimed to strengthen Swatch Group's own brands and encourage other watchmakers to develop their own in-house movements or seek alternative suppliers. This supply constriction forced many brands, including Tudor, to seek alternative movement sources.

* Sellita as a Viable Alternative: Sellita, a Swiss movement manufacturer, emerged as a strong competitor to ETA. They produce movements that are functionally very similar to ETA movements, often based on the same designs that came off patent protection. This allows brands to offer watches with comparable performance and reliability without relying on ETA.

* Cost Considerations: While not always the primary driver, cost is undoubtedly a factor. Sellita movements can often be sourced at a more competitive price than ETA movements, helping Tudor maintain its value proposition.

* Independence and Security of Supply: By diversifying their movement sourcing and incorporating Sellita movements, Tudor gains greater independence and security of supply. This reduces their reliance on a single supplier and mitigates the risk of supply chain disruptions.

* A Strategy of Gradual Transition: Tudor's transition to Sellita has been a gradual process, not a sudden overnight switch. This allows them to manage the transition smoothly, ensuring consistent quality and avoiding potential disruptions to production.

Tudor T600 Sellita vs. Tudor ETA 2824-2: A Detailed Comparison

When discussing "Tudor Sellita," we're primarily referring to the Sellita SW200-1 movement. This movement is widely considered a direct competitor to the ETA 2824-2. Let's compare these two movements in detail:

| Feature | ETA 2824-2 | Sellita SW200-1 |

|-----------------|----------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|

| Diameter | 25.6 mm | 25.6 mm |

| Height | 4.6 mm | 4.6 mm |

| Jewels | 25 | 26 |tudor sellita

| Frequency | 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) | 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) |

| Power Reserve | Approximately 38 hours | Approximately 38 hours |

| Winding | Automatic, bidirectional | Automatic, bidirectional |

| Hacking | Yes (seconds hand stops when crown is pulled out) | Yes (seconds hand stops when crown is pulled out) |

| Date Complication | Yes (optional) | Yes (optional) |

| Origin | Switzerland | Switzerland |

As you can see from the table, the two movements are remarkably similar in terms of specifications. They share the same diameter, height, frequency, and power reserve. Functionally, they perform almost identically.