CWC SBS diver

Interesting question, I am going to venture a yes answer without any authority only because I know of situations where watch owners switched out automatic movements for quartz. I imagine there must be some off the shelf movement that might fit. A decent wmaker will know.

Thanks 👍

Drop CWC a line. They got back to me in less than a day when I asked them some particulars about a special project watch.

Nice one cheers 👍

Sorry to hear this. I love the SBS Diver and it is near the top of my wish list.

CWC do make an automatic version with a Selita SW200-1. I’m no expert, but I would assume you can just take this off the shelf automatic movement and have a watchmaker insert that into it as it looks like the same case. Only issue looks like you might loose that day of the week complication and just have to replace with a new date or no date face.

No worries. In that case he just have to drop-in the SW 220 movement and he's good.

The Sellita SW 220.

How bad is the dial? Could be cool to do a swap and keep the old dial.

I need a new face anyway my friend, so that wouldn't be an issue. So its possible to buy a movement off the shelf? Any idea where i could source this ?

Never thought of that, (this place is amazing 🤣🤣).. im working away from home atm, so ill check next time im up the rd 👍

The only issue I can see with a movement swap is the case thickness. If they use the same case cool but who knows. You’d need a movement and a retainer to hold it in place. And cut a new stem. And gotta consider if the hands will fit the new movement.

I need new hands too, so not a problem. I was more concerned about the thickness if im honest

The automatic movement will not fit on the quartz case - the auto version they use requires an additional 2 mm. Maybe if you use a non Swiss movement

I think height is going to be an issue. The Ronda 517 in the quartz SBS is 11.5 lignes in diameter, the same as ETA 28xx and it's clones, but the 517 is only 3mm in height while a 28xx-type movement will be well over 4mm. I'd imagine that's a big part of why the quartz SBS is 11 mm thick while the auto is 11.6 mil.

Great watch and interesting question. I would look at the dimensions of the quartz versus the Automatic version of the watch. If the cade dimensions are the same, whatever movement is used in the Automatic can probably be put I to it. I'm no watchmaker but it sounds possible.

I was thinking some of the inexpensive Chinese movements that I have seen being used but as I said definitely no authority. I was actually thinking of switching out the quartz in my wife’s Roadster but don’t want to mess with a watch not mine.

Cheers

Jerry

While I don’t have any input or experience on “engine swaps” this is fascinating. Here is Caliber Corners info on the SW200-1, if it helps!

https://calibercorner.com/?s=Sw200-1

I think, as others have pointed out, it’s all gonna come down to finding a movement with the correct dimensions, and a handset that will fit on the cannon pinion, etc

Hi @bigben, technically speaking yes, but in practice, it's a bit more complicated than it appears at first glance, the recess dimensions will determine whether the swap is possible, bear in mind quartz movements tend to be thinner than mechanical counterparts. So unless you have a calliper and the inclination to take extensive measurements on the case, your best option is to get in touch with the manufacturer to enquire about your project as many crunchers have suggested.

Do you know how the battery burst? Did water get inside the movement? I'm surprised something as beefy as a CWC that's only 5 years old has let go in such dramatic fashion so quickly!

After a few months i had very light condensation on the underside of the glass, im guessing the seal wasnt the best. Id changed the battery twice. Maybe it was a cheapo battery the jeweler used, no idea.

For a CWC watch i expected more, but it was a gift and has sentimental value so im not gonna knock it.

On a side note, the best watch they ever made IMO was the first G10 👌

Yes mate, thats exactly what ill do. Ill write to CWC and go with what they say. Thanks for the advice 👍

Thanks duke,

I did think if there was gonna be an issue it would be height. I dare say theres a deeper case back out there, but id like to keep thhe original. If theres an issue ill just go again with the quartz 👍

Get in touch with a professional , my go to guy is also in UK @tempus https://www.tempusmods.co.uk/?fbclid=PAAaYZKwsMV0WucpCn-aLW413uZiHnTB8nUwZwFrRe-vYmYAfO55Qx79aHsws_aem_ARq28bm3DAwgJzmel7XDlWvacT0YEZIx0QNciesTym8pF7A8UMLtk_4NhM5frGPNfBA he customs watches I did a special piece for me.

Cheers 👍