Sea-Gull - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

You'll find countless articles and videos about this Seagull 1963, a reissue of the first watch for the Chinese Army. A reissue of the first watch for the Chinese Air Force after World War II. An automatic chronograph, hand-wound, column-wheel movement, originally derived from the VENUS Cal175. Add a 40mm diameter, sapphire crystal, and a bit of lum... Find me one in Europe for €113 (purchase price in 2024)? The answer is simple: it doesn't exist, and no European watch can come close. I don't have enough experien…

This little vintage Sea-Gull from the 70s is a little gem! At the time, authorization from the Communist Party was required to purchase this watch. Due to the very low standard of living of the population, it was the ideal and essential gift at weddings. This model became a reference in the country, particularly thanks to its ST-5 movement. This is decorated by hand, which makes each model unique. Index and superb applied logo, champagne dial, faceted hand, red lollipop second, signed crown, engraved case back prov…

Automatic watch with a power reserve indicated by a small hand at 10 o'clock, small seconds, and sapphire crystal. The case is made of stainless steel and the strap is leather with a pin buckle. It measures approximately 40 mm by 11 mm. This is an elegant bias-wound watch with an interesting complication for less than €75. Remarkable.

Certainly one of the best value for money emotions. Its vintage look, its movement that flatters the eye and its history make it a must have. Of course it is a chinoiserie, you should not expect exceptional quality. But compared to the price there is nothing to complain about. I have had it for 5 years, it still works impeccably and I really enjoy putting it back on regularly. Its small diameter can be scary but on nato it has a beautiful presence and always arouses a look and questions from people who lay their ey…

Bought in November 2023. It's more of a Red Star 1963, because it's not the official model of Maison Sea-Gull... but it's still legitimate, there is indeed the famous ST1901 mechanical winding movement based on the Venus 175, 38 mm case and acrylic glass, I chose this version to get as close as possible to the original version. It's a very accessible watch that was a great success on the Internet, I got it very easily at a more than reasonable price. You always take a risk when buying a watch on the Internet withou…

If the market is flooded with bronze models, I find that if only one had to use this material it should be this seagull which seems to come from ancient times. The patina accentuates its vintage aesthetic, the association of colors is perfect with its champagne dial. The only flaw is the nato with which it is delivered. It's simple, nothing goes on it. The pin is too small as are the loops. Changing the latter is simple since its width is 18mm.

I was looking for a mechanical chronograph, and after some research and videos, I fell in love with the Seagull 1963. This iconic watch, powered by the ST19 movement inspired by the famous Swiss caliber Venus 175, offers exceptional value for money. The Seagull 1963 is a must-have model for enthusiasts and collectors, combining fascinating history, vintage design and mechanical engineering. In 1961, the Chinese government gave the Tianjin Watch Factory a prestigious mission: to design a chronograph to equip the Chi…

Watching Ivan on Xavier’s couch finally convinced me to buy the Sea-Gull International Edition 1963. Beyond Ivan’s comments, it was the iconic design of this watch that really appealed to me, including its red star, blued hands, and bright red chronograph. Its excellent value for money and its status as a modern reissue of a legendary chronograph originally designed for the Chinese Air Force also played a key role in my decision. Classic and elegant design: The champagne dial, with its subdials for the minute trac…

I had been hesitating for several months, probably even years. The ultra vintage look and the historical (mythical? ...!) character had seduced me. As well as the general compactness for a chronograph. Finally, a promotional opportunity convinced me (yes, it's almost petty!). OK, the leather strap is much too long (therefore quickly changed), the whole thing does not exude foolproof robustness, and the diameter sold at 38mm actually measures 37.5 in diameter (a 38.5 would have been perfect), but the synthesis of t…

(Sea-gull 1963 (reissue); 40mm; sapphire crystal and open back). This mechanical chronograph is an icon and is very successful thanks in particular to its affordable price (paid €177 in 2021). The original model was developed in the early 1960s by the Tianjin manufacturer at the request of the Chinese government in order to equip its air force pilots. The on-board ST1901 movement is inspired by the Venus 175 which equipped Breitlings in particular. My model is a little different from the historical model because I…