A watch with a number, not a name
Sector does not give its watches names. It numbers them. In our inventory, a Sector watch is called 230, 240, 270, 660, 670, C300, H2o, Otto150, Legend, or has an "Ex" code followed by two digits. Forty-three different collection codes, for 283 watches available for order, ranging in price from 24.45 to 448.15 euros.
The problem is that these names don't tell you anything. A 230 could be a three-hand quartz watch, a chronograph, or an automatic watch. The same goes for a Legend. The collection name describes a design, not a movement. To know what you're buying, you have to check the model number.
And this reference is surprisingly detailed. We checked it against our entire inventory, actively looking for counterexamples. It holds up.
What You'll Learn in Three Minutes
Read the two-digit number following "R32" to determine—even before opening the data sheet—whether the watch is automatic, a chronograph, or quartz. Then read the next section to identify the collection. We provide the complete table of the 43 codes.
Naples, 1973: Where did this brand come from?
Sector was founded in Italy in 1973 by Filippo Giardiello in Naples. From the very beginning, the company focused on sports watches, at a time when the industry was dominated by Swiss and Japanese brands. Its unique selling point was Italian design applied to timepieces.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the brand adopted the slogan that would come to define it: No Limits. It’s not just an advertising tagline. Sector partnered with real-life extreme sports figures, including skydiver Patrick de Gayardon, a pioneer of wingsuit flying, and freediver Umberto Pelizzari, one of the deepest divers in the history of the sport. The Sector watch of the 1990s is the one you see on the wrists of people jumping out of airplanes or diving 100 meters without a tank.
The brand has since joined the Italian Morell watch group, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023 and has expanded its product line to include jewelry. Its sporty positioning, however, has remained unchanged: of our 283 models, the vast majority feature instrument-inspired design elements—graduated dials, counters, wide cases, and digital displays.
The Time Difference You Need to Know
Sector used to make watches for freedivers. Today, of the 239 Sector watches in our inventory that specify a depth rating, 233 are rated for 100 meters or less, including 124 rated for 50 meters. Only six exceed 100 meters, and they are all automatic watches. The brand’s heritage is sporty; the current lineup, however, is overwhelmingly urban. We’ll come back to this later, because it’s a feature you can’t change after the fact.
The Decoder: Reading a Sector Reference
All Sector part numbers in our inventory, without exception, begin with R32. The 283 data sheets follow this prefix. The following should be read in two parts.
First step: the pair that follows the R32
The two digits in the fourth and fifth positions indicate the watch's mechanical movement. This is the most useful—and most reliable—part.
| Start of reference | What the watch is | In stock | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
R3221 / R3223 | Automatic movement | 20 watches | 20 out of 20, no counterexamples |
R3271 / R3273 | Chronograph (three sub-dials) | 73 watches | 73 out of 73, no counterexamples |
R3251 / R3253 | Quartz or digital | 190 watches | No distinction: 130 quartz, 60 digital |
Verified on September 25, 2026, based on the 283 Sector models available for order from the Club de la Montre.
In other words: if the model number begins with R322, the watch is a mechanical self-winding watch. If it begins with R327, it is a chronograph. There were no exceptions to these two rules across the entire inventory.
The third row highlights a clear limitation of the system: R325 groups together both analog quartz watches and digital watches indiscriminately. To tell them apart, you have to look at the name or the photo. Only one watch completely defies this pattern: the Ex-7341, reference R3251172052, which is a chronograph even though its reference number indicates it belongs to the quartz family.
The detail that surprised us
While checking, we came across thirteen records in which the “movement” or “functions” field contradicted their own title. In all thirteen cases, the reference was correct, and the record was incomplete. We are correcting them. But this does highlight something useful: the code engraved on the back is more reliable than the description.
Step 2: The three-digit number
The next three digits identify the model line. A single collection may have multiple codes because its chronograph version is numbered separately: the 230 is 161 for the three-hand model and 661 for the chronograph; the Legend is 135 and then 735; and the 660 is 517 and then 617.
| Pack of 3 | Collection | In stock | Fork |
|---|---|---|---|
| 161 | 230 | 49 | 119 to 348 € |
| 661 | 230 Chronograph | 25 | €189 to €249 |
| 240 | 240 | 21 | €99 to €129 |
| 301 | C300 | 15 | €119 to €179 |
| 135 | Legend | 12 | €199 to €448 |
| 617 | 660 Chronograph | 10 | €149 to €179 |
| 203 | Ex-q | 9 | €49 to €64 |
| 318 | H2o | 9 | 59 to 59 € |
| 578 | 270 | 9 | €99 to €139 |
| 778 | 270 Chronograph | 9 | €139 to €199 |
| 303 | S-08 | 8 | 79 to 79 € |
| 552 | S-07 | 7 | 99 to 99 € |
| 640 | 240 Chronograph | 7 | 149 to 149 € |
| 735 | Legend Chronograph | 7 | €229 to €348 |
| 191 | Ex-27 | 6 | 59 to 59 € |
| 314 | Ex-50 | 6 | 49 to 49 € |
| 517 | 660 | 6 | €99 to €149 |
| 540 | 670 | 5 | €149 to €199 |
| 551 | S-06 | 5 | 99 to 99 € |
| 242 | Ex-46 | 4 | 59 to 59 € |
| 292 | Ex-44 | 4 | 59 to 59 € |
| 296 | Ex-09 | 4 | 59 to 59 € |
| 302 | Ex-48 | 4 | 59 to 59 € |
| 312 | Ex-49 | 4 | 49 to 49 € |
| 317 | Ex-51 | 4 | 59 to 59 € |
| 650 | Otto150 Chronograph | 4 | €199 to €229 |
| 293 | Ex-45 | 3 | 49 to 49 € |
| 355 | Ex-56 | 3 | 69 to 69 € |
| 476 | 240 | 3 | 99 to 99 € |
| 718 | H2O Chronograph | 3 | 99 to 99 € |
| 352 | Ex-53 | 2 | 79 to 79 € |
| 353 | Ex-54 | 2 | 79 to 79 € |
| 532 | ex-28 | 2 | 49 to 49 € |
| 579 | 240 | 2 | 99 to 99 € |
| 676 | 240 Chronograph | 2 | 149 to 149 € |
| 150 | Otto150 Automatic | 1 | 298 to 298 € |
| 172 | Ex-7341 | 1 | 59 to 59 € |
| 277 | Ex-17 | 1 | 24 to 24 € |
| 351 | Ex-52 | 1 | 119 to 119 € |
| 525 | Ex-16 | 1 | 49 to 49 € |
| 526 | Ex-05 | 1 | 24 to 24 € |
| 544 | Ex-32 | 1 | 32 to 32 € |
| 550 | Otto150 | 1 | 169 to 169 € |
The 43 collection codes identified among the 283 Sectors available for order as of September 25, 2026. The last three digits of the part number indicate the color variant.
A complete example
Let's take R3223161023. It reads R32 (Sector), then 23 - so an automatic one —, and then 161 - that is, the 230 collection - and then 023, the variant. Without even opening the spec sheet, we know it's a 230 with an automatic transmission. That's exactly what it is.
Automatic watches: twenty watches, all featuring the R322 movement
This is the most interesting part of the catalog, and the least well-known. Sector offers self-winding mechanical movements priced between 298 and 448 euros, spread across just two collections: the 230 and the Legend. All of them bear a reference number starting with R3221 or R3223, without exception.
These are also the only Sector models in our inventory that exceed the advertised 100 meters. The three automatic 230 models below are rated at 200 meters—meaning that, unlike the rest of the lineup, they are built to be worn in the water.
R3223135005
Sector Legend Automatic Silver
448,15 €
The top model in the Legend collection, with an automatic movement. R3223135005: The “22” indicates the mechanical movement even before the product description.
R3221135004
388,26 €
The same Legend automatic watch in a black case. Reference number R3221: the second digit is different, but the movement is the same.
R3223135001
Sector Legend Automatic Silver
348,34 €
The entry-level model in the Legend Automatic line. Three hands, no complications, and the “22” that identifies the movement.
R3223161023
348,34 €
The 230 Automatic, rated to 200 meters—one of only six Sector models in our inventory rated for depths exceeding 100 meters.
R3221161003
348,34 €
The same 230 automatic at 200 meters, model R3221. The price of an automatic diver's watch remains under 350 euros.
R3223161014
298,43 €
The most affordable automatic watch in stock. Under 300 euros, mechanical movement, collection code 161.
Chronographs: Seventy-three watches in the R327 collection
The chronograph is the centerpiece of the Sector catalog: 73 watches, or more than one in four. All feature the R3271 or R3273 movement. These are quartz chronographs with the three classic sub-dials, not mechanical ones—the distinction is evident in the model number, since a mechanical chronograph would begin with R322.
R3273735006
Sector Legend Silver Chronograph
348,34 €
The most comprehensive Legend chronograph. R3273: the 72 denotes three sub-dials; the 735 denotes the Legend.
R3273735002
Sector Legend Silver Chronograph
248,53 €
The same Legend chronograph, with a more understated design, for 100 euros less.
R3271661028
248,53 €
The 230 as a chronograph. Code 661: this is the 230 (161) converted to a sub-dial version.
R3273661052
198,62 €
The most affordable Sector chronograph in stock, priced under 200 euros.
Waterproofing: The section you should read before any others
This is the only feature that cannot be changed after purchase. Here is the exact breakdown of our Sector inventory.
| What's Coming Up | Number of Sectors | What this actually enables |
|---|---|---|
| 50 meters | 124 | Rain, washed hands. No swimming. |
| 100 meters | 109 | Swimming on the surface, taking a shower. Not repeated dives. |
| More than 100 meters | 6 | The only ones designed for use in water. Fully automatic. |
| IP67 or IP68 rating | 20 | Smartwatches. An electronic index, not a depth measurement. |
| Not specified | 24 | Check each listing one by one before buying. |
Total: 283 watches. As of September 25, 2026.
The key figure is the one at the top of the table: 124 out of 283 Sector models are rated at 50 meters. Contrary to what the number suggests, 50 meters does not mean you can dive to fifty meters—or even swim. It is a measure of static pressure in a laboratory setting, and the movement of an arm in the water far exceeds that pressure. We’ve devoted an entire article to this misunderstanding: 30 meters doesn’t mean 30 meters.
E-books aren't read the same way as other books
The twenty connected Sector models (S-06, S-07, S-08) do not display depth but rather an IP67 or IP68 rating. These are two different scales. IP68 covers immersion, but under conditions defined by the manufacturer, without the cyclic pressure requirements imposed by the watchmaking standard. In practice: showers and rain, yes; swimming pools, only if the brand specifically states so.
The quartz collections, ranging from 58 to 198 euros
This makes up the bulk of the catalog. Six model lines make up the lineup, with differences in appearance rather than function. All are advertised as having a range of 50 meters, which makes them more suited for city use than for the sea.
R3253240516
98,81 €
The 240, the brand's dress watch. Three-hand quartz, 50 meters: a city watch, not a dive watch.
R3253517028
98,81 €
The 660, the sporty quartz watch. Code 517 for the three-hand version, 617 when it switches to chronograph mode.
R3253540007
Sector 670 Multifunction Silver
148,72 €
The 670 Multifunction: additional counters without a chronograph mechanism.
R3251318008
58,89 €
The H2o, the colorful entry-level model. Less than 60 euros, with color as its only selling point.
| Collection | In stock | Fork | The registry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 230 | 74 | €119 to €348 | The all-around watch. The only one available in quartz, chronograph, and automatic versions. |
| 240 | 35 | €99 to €149 | The most stylish, slim design. |
| Legend | 19 | €199 to €448 | The top-of-the-line model, and the second to offer an automatic transmission. |
| 270 | 18 | €99 to €199 | The case is wider than the 240, but has the same design. |
| 660 | 16 | €99 to €179 | The self-confident athlete. |
| C300 | 15 | €119–179 | Outdoor vocabulary, quartz. |
| H2o | 12 | €59–99 | The colorful entry-level model. |
| 670 | 5 | €149–199 | Multifunction, non-chronograph watches. |
| Otto150 | 6 | €169 to €298 | The most recent series to arrive in stock. |
The Ex families, which are more numerous and smaller, are discussed separately below.
The Ex Collection: Foxgloves starting at 24 euros
About thirty Ex models include digital-display watches and small quartz watches. These are the least expensive Sector models in the catalog, and they best capture the spirit of the 1990s: resin cases, liquid crystal displays, and instant readability.
An important detail: several of them are rated to 100 meters, which is better than models three times as expensive in the rest of the catalog. For a watch designed to take a beating, it offers the best value in the inventory.
R3251277002
24,45 €
The least expensive digital watch in stock. Twenty-four euros, LCD screen, no frills.
R3251526001
24,45 €
The other watch costs 24 euros and is advertised as having a water resistance of 100 meters. It's the best value in the Sector catalog.
R3251544001
Sector Ex-32 Digital Silver and Black
31,94 €
A two-tone Digital, priced at thirty euros, also advertised as having a range of 100 meters.
R3251312001
48,91 €
The Ex-49, a digital watch rated to 100 meters, for under fifty euros.
R3251203001
48,91 €
The Ex-q in white: a reimagined version of the round case from the '90s, for less than fifty euros.
R3251314501
Sector Ex-50 Digital Multicolor
48,91 €
The multicolored Ex-50, the most eye-catching member of the Ex constellation.
The S-06, S-07, and S-08 connected models
Twenty smartwatches, all priced between 79 and 99 euros, divided into three models. Their model numbers follow the same pattern: R3251 or R3253, followed by 303 for the S-08, 551 for the S-06, and 552 for the S-07.
R3251552001
98,81 €
The S-07 is connected and has an IP68 rating. This is an electronic water resistance rating—not to be confused with a depth rating.
R3251303001
78,85 €
The S-08 is water-resistant (IP67). One step below IP68: protected against splashes, but not prolonged immersion.
How to Choose, Depending on What You'll Use It For
| Your usage | What to Aim For | The reference mark |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming, diving | One of six watches rated to depths of over 100 meters | Start by R322 and reads 200 meters |
| Time | A quartz chronograph | Start by R327 |
| A battery-free mechanism | 230 or Legend Automatic, €298–448 | Start by R322 |
| Daily Life, the City | 240, 270, C300, 660 | Start by R325, 50 meters |
| Sports Without Breaking the Bank | An Ex digital camera at 100 meters | R3251 and some code in Ex |
| Notifications on Your Wrist | S-06, S-07, or S-08 | Codes 551, 552, or 303 |
The habit to keep
Before buying a Sector—no matter where—check the first five characters of the model number. R322 announces an automatic, R327 a chronograph. Then check the listed water resistance: in this catalog, four out of ten watches are rated at 50 meters, which means they aren't suitable for swimming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if a Sector watch is automatic?
By looking at the first five characters of its reference number. If it begins with R3221 or R3223, the movement is a self-winding mechanical movement. Of the 283 Sector watches in our inventory, this rule holds true without exception: all twenty self-winding models have an R322 reference number, and no watch with an R322 reference number is a quartz watch.
What does the "R32" at the beginning of Sector part numbers mean?
This is the brand's prefix: the 283 Sector models in our catalog all begin with R32. The next two digits indicate the movement type, and the three-digit block that follows identifies the collection.
What is the difference between a Sector 230 and a Sector 240?
The 230 is the brand's versatile collection: along with the Legend, it is the only one available in quartz, chronograph, and automatic versions, ranging in price from 119 to 348 euros. The 240 is more dressy, with a slimmer case, and is available only in quartz, ranging in price from 99 to 149 euros.
Can you swim while wearing a Sector watch?
It depends entirely on the model. Of the 239 Sector watches in our inventory that specify a water resistance rating, 124 are rated to 50 meters, which does not allow for swimming: this is a static pressure rating that is exceeded by the movement of an arm in the water. The 109 watches rated to 100 meters allow for surface swimming. Only six exceed 100 meters.
Is Sector an Italian brand?
Yes. Sector was founded in 1973 in Naples by Filippo Giardiello, and made a name for itself in the 1980s and 1990s with the slogan “No Limits” and ambassadors from the world of extreme sports, including skydiver Patrick de Gayardon and freediver Umberto Pelizzari. The brand is now owned by the Italian group Morellato.
Are Sector smartwatches water-resistant?
They are rated IP67 or IP68, which does not refer to depth but rather to an electronic protection rating. The IP68 rating covers immersion under conditions defined by the manufacturer, without the cyclic pressure requirements of the watchmaking standard. In practice, showers and rain are not a problem; swimming pools are only an issue if the brand specifically states so.
Which Sector is the least expensive?
Two digital watches priced at 24.45 euros: the Ex-17 (part number R3251277002) and the Ex-05 (part number R3251526001), the latter rated to 100 meters.
Data collected on September 25, 2026, based on the 283 Sector models available for order through the Club de la Montre. Prices and availability are subject to change.