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A very pretty watch at a great price. Champagne dial, chronograph, and a beautiful movement. Perfect for everyday wear. A refined and understated timepiece.

Vintage watch for everyday use

<p><strong>Sea-Gull</strong> is a watch brand founded in <strong>1955</strong> in Tianjin, China. Evolving from the Tianjin Watch Factory (now Tianjin Sea-Gull Watch Group), it manufactures mechanical watches and movements for audiences ranging from first-time buyers to collectors seeking more ambitious complications.</p>
<h3>From Tianjin Watch Factory to the ST families</h3>
<p>Born as a state-owned factory, the brand went through the quartz era before returning to all-mechanical production, building around caliber families (ST16, ST18, ST21/2130, ST36, ST19, etc.); <strong>a key milestone was acquiring the tooling and blueprints of the Venus 175 chronograph in the early 1960s, which spawned the ST19 lineage</strong>, while the mid-2000s brought in-house tourbillons (ST80 and derivatives) and a spectrum from standard workhorse movements to sophisticated complications.</p>
<h3>From &ldquo;Project 304&rdquo; to the 1963 chronograph, then a wider range</h3>
<p>Part of the brand&rsquo;s global recognition comes from a military-born piece turned cult classic: <strong>the &ldquo;1963&rdquo; derived from Project 304</strong>, a re-edition of a chronograph designed for the Chinese Air Force with a clean bi-compax layout and strong historic appeal; around it, Sea-Gull develops classic and sporty lines as well as tourbillons priced more accessibly than many Swiss counterparts.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Sea-Gull 1963</strong> &mdash; Hand-wound bi-compax chronograph, descendant of Project 304; a gateway icon to the brand.</li>
<li><strong>Sea-Gull Tourbillon (ST80)</strong> &mdash; Tourbillon series launched in the mid-2000s; a showcase of expertise and a &ldquo;value&rdquo; alternative to Swiss benchmarks.</li>
<li><strong>Sea-Gull Ocean Series</strong> &mdash; Sport and diving line (including &ldquo;Antarctic&rdquo; editions), aimed at daily wear.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Catalog movements and a global ecosystem</h3>
<p>Beyond its own watches, Sea-Gull broadly supplies movements: ST16 (a robust automatic with Japanese-inspired architecture), ST2130 (similar layout to ETA 2824-2), ST36 (hand-wound family akin to Unitas 6497/6498) and ST19 (column-wheel chronograph derived from the Venus heritage); <strong>this availability powers many micro-brands and international assemblers</strong>, supporting the company&rsquo;s reputation as a major industrial supplier in Asia.</p>
<h3>Positioning, pricing and distribution</h3>
<p>The positioning spans a wide range: entry-priced &ldquo;classic&rdquo; automatics, mid-range historic chronographs and higher-end complications (tourbillons, multi-axis); <strong>exact pricing varies by market and series (from a few hundred euros at entry level to several thousand for tourbillons)</strong>, while annual volumes are not disclosed. Distribution mixes direct online sales, retail partners in China and abroad, and a B2B network for movements.</p>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Sea-Gull appeals to those discovering mechanical watchmaking at a measured cost, to enthusiasts of engaging horological stories (1963), and to the curious seeking &ldquo;de-dramatized&rdquo; access to complications. The brand is identifiable by its ST caliber ecosystem, supplier role, and collections ranging from utilitarian daily pieces to technical showcases. To choose between a historic <strong>Sea-Gull 1963</strong>, a daily-driver automatic or a more demonstrative tourbillon, compare specifications with real-world use: rely on <strong>Dialicious customer reviews</strong> to assess legibility, comfort and on-wrist behavior.</p>
<p>(Updated August 2025)</p>

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 experience with its maintenance; we'll see then.

Also note that the watch comes on a brown leather strap with quick release and a black and khaki green NATO strap, but I put it on a sage green rubber strap for summer, which I think suits it well.

The chronograph's mechanism, with the minute hand jumping from minute to minute, is brilliant, and I never tire of turning it over to see the caliber. It's INCREDIBLE.

At this price! UNBEATABLE

HKED is a distributor based in Hong Kong. On the site, it is possible to buy "1963" models with increased quality control and TOP finishing. I gave this watch to my son for his 14th birthday. This HKED has a 40mm 1963 case, with an ST 1901 movement, derived from the Swiss Venus 175 mechanical chronograph movement, visible, thanks to the glass, which the case back is provided with. It has a "Swan Neck" setting. The emerald green sunray dial, with the two cream sub-counters is beautiful. The domed glass is made of plexiglass and gives a vintage look to this model. A good chronograph at a very low budget to start a collection!

HKED-Seagull 1963

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 eyes on it.

An interesting chinoiserie

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 track and small seconds, evokes the military style of the 1960s. The blue hands and gold-tone indexes create a striking contrast, while the glass crystal adds a touch of luxury while preserving the watch’s vintage charm. The round 316L stainless steel case, with a diameter of 37.5 mm and a thickness of approximately 15.1 mm, offers a robust yet refined silhouette.

ST1901 Manual Movement: Equipped with a ST1901 manual mechanical movement with 22 jewels, this watch is renowned for its reliability and precision. Its movement operates at a frequency of 21,600 A/h and offers an adequate power reserve for everyday use.

Comfort and dimensions: With a net weight of only 60 g and a canvas strap with a length of approximately 28 cm and a width of 18 mm, this watch is comfortable to wear all day long. Personally, I am not a fan of the Nato strap supplied with the watch, so I opted for a green leather strap, whose stitching recalls the color of the dial. This allows me to admire the movement more easily while offering optimal comfort for everyday use.

Modern finishes: This edition is distinguished by the use of quality materials, such as resistant glass. The transparent case back allows you to observe the movement in action, a real asset for watch enthusiasts.

Military heritage and versatility: Elegant and functional, this watch can be worn in both formal and casual settings. Its water resistance of 3 bar (30 meters) makes it practical for everyday use.

Conclusion: My Sea-Gull 1963 International Edition fuses military heritage with a touch of modernity. For fans of vintage mechanical chronographs, this is an exceptional choice. Its fascinating history and technical performance make it both collectible and practical, while offering excellent value for money.

Sea-Gull 1963: An Iconic Chinese Chronograph

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 Chinese air force, the PLA Air Force. After two years of development, in 1963, the legendary ST19 chronograph was born. This movement, based on the Venus 175 acquired by China after its production ceased in Switzerland, demonstrates a perfect fusion of Swiss watchmaking know-how and Chinese innovation. The Seagull 1963 seduces with its retro aesthetic: a refined dial, delicately colored hands and remarkable mechanical precision, thanks to its manual winding. More than a watch, it is a true piece of watchmaking history, a tribute to an era when watchmaking was at the crossroads between tradition and innovation.

My SEA-GULL 1963 mechanical chronograph watch

<p>La marque&nbsp;<strong>Serica</strong> a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en <strong>2019</strong> par J&eacute;r&ocirc;me Burget et 3 amis &agrave; Paris, en France. Le nom <strong>Serica</strong> vient d'une r&eacute;gion perdue au bout de l'Extr&ecirc;me-Orient que les Grecs et les Romains avaient baptis&eacute;e ainsi. Ce lieu fait &eacute;cho &agrave; la gen&egrave;se de la marque, qui vise &agrave; concevoir des montres m&eacute;caniques de qualit&eacute; au style n&eacute;or&eacute;tro, pr&ecirc;tes &agrave; vous suivre aux confins du monde.</p>
<p>La gamme comprend des montres telles que la <a title="Page Serica 4512" href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/4512">Serica 4512</a>, la <a title="Page Serica 5303" href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/5303">Serica 5303</a> et la <a title="Page Serica 8315 GMT Chronom&egrave;tre" href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/8315">Serica 8315</a>. L'une des particularit&eacute;s de cette marque est que son nom n'appara&icirc;t nulle part sur le cadran, afin de pousser le passionn&eacute; &agrave; acheter un design, des finitions et des proportions, et pas seulement un nom. En juillet 2023, Serica a lanc&eacute; la Serica 5303 COSC une version chronom&egrave;tre certifi&eacute;e par le Contr&ocirc;le Officiel Suisse des Chronom&egrave;tres.</p>
<p>Leur avant-dernier mod&egrave;le est la <strong><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/6190">Serica 6190</a> </strong>surfant sur les bases de la 1&egrave;re r&eacute;f&eacute;rence de la marque, la Serica 4512. Cette 6190 &eacute;pouse les codes stylistiques de la marque, des anses lyres, un choix de cadrans diff&eacute;rents et la possibilit&eacute; de choisir la position de la couronne &agrave; 3 heures ou en mode "Destro" &agrave; 9 heures. Cette Serica 6190 est &eacute;quip&eacute; du calibre Soprod M100 certifi&eacute; COSC (Contr&ocirc;le Officiel Suisse des Chronom&egrave;tres) &agrave; l'intar des productions actuelles des autres mod&egrave;les 5303 et 8315.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Depuis le 21 novembre 2024, Serica propose une nouvelle collection tr&egrave;s audacieuse...&nbsp;<strong>Une montre habill&eacute;e sortant des sentiers battus nomm&eacute;e "Parade" sous la r&eacute;f&eacute;rence 1174</strong>. Ces 4 chiffres, comme toutes les autres r&eacute;f&eacute;rences Serica, propose une symbolique issue du nombre d'or ou divines proportions dont le ratio entre la longeur et la largeur sont de 1,174... Une nouveaut&eacute; propos&eacute;e en pr&eacute;-commande &agrave; 1,490 &euro; pour une livraison pr&eacute;vue en Mars 2025...</p>
<h2>Quel est le prix d'une montre Serica ?</h2>
<p>Les prix des montres Serica &eacute;voluent et diff&eacute;rent selon les mod&egrave;les. La plupart co&ucirc;tent entre <strong>990 &euro;</strong> et <strong>1,890 &euro;</strong> selon les mod&egrave;les et finitions. Le mod&egrave;le GMT de la marque, Serica 8315 GMT Chronom&egrave;tre co&ucirc;te <strong>1,890 &euro;</strong> tandis que le dernier mod&egrave;le lanc&eacute; par Serica, la r&eacute;f&eacute;rence <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/6190">6190</a> est propos&eacute;e &agrave; <strong>990 &euro;</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>Serica</strong> est ind&eacute;pendante et produit environ 5,000 montres par an, tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Serica fait partie du <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_francaises">Top 10 des marques de montres fran&ccedil;aises les plus populaires</a>, ainsi que du <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_micro_marques_de_montres">Classement des meilleures micro-marques de montres</a>. Pour choisir le mod&egrave;le Serica qui vous correspond le mieux,&nbsp;<strong>les</strong> <strong>avis clients Dialicious</strong> sont une ressource essentielle pour &eacute;valuer les diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients</p>
<p>(Mise &agrave; jour Novembre 2024)</p>

<p dir="ltr">The brand <strong>Serica</strong> was created in <strong>2019</strong> by J&eacute;r&ocirc;me Burget and 3 friends in Paris, France. The name Serica comes from a lost region at the end of the Far East that the Greeks and Romans named it like this. This place echoes the genesis of the brand, which aims to design quality mechanical watches in a neo-retro style, ready to follow you to the ends of the world.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The range includes watches such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/4512">Serica 4512</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/5303">Serica 5303</a> and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/8315">Serica 8315</a>. One of the particularities of this brand is that its name does not appear anywhere on the dial, in order to encourage the enthusiast to buy a design, finishes and proportions, and not just a name. In July 2023, <strong>Serica launched the Serica 5303 COSC</strong>, a chronometer version certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/6190">Serica 6190</a></strong> surfing on the bases of the brand's first reference, the Serica 4512. This 6190 follows the stylistic codes of the brand, lyre lugs, a choice of different dials and the possibility of choosing the position of the crown at 3 o'clock or at &ldquo;Destro&rdquo; mode at 9 o&rsquo;clock. This Serica 6190 is powered with the Soprod M100 caliber COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Certification) certified, like the current productions of the other 5303 and 8315 models.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Since November 21, 2024, Serica has been offering a very daring new collection... <strong>A dress watch off the beaten track called &ldquo;Parade&rdquo;</strong> under the reference <strong>1174</strong>. These 4 figures, like all other Serica references, offer a symbolism derived from the golden number or divine proportions whose ratio between length and width is 1.174... A novelty offered for pre-order at <strong>&euro; 1,490</strong> for one delivery planned for March 2025...</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Serica watch cost?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The prices of Serica watches change and differ depending on the model. <strong>Most cost between &euro; 990 and &euro; 1,890 depending on the models and finishes</strong>. The brand's GMT model, Serica 8315 GMT Chronometer costs &euro; 1,890 while the latest model launched by Serica, the reference&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/6190">6190</a> is offered to &euro; 990.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Serica is independent and produces around 5,000 watches per year</strong>, all models combined. Serica is part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://preprod.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_french_watch_brands">Top 10 most popular French watch brands</a>, as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_micro_watch_brands">ranking the best micro watch brands</a>. To choose the Serica model that best suits you, <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/5303">Serica 5303 reviews</a>, <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/4512">Serica 4512 reviews</a>, <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/6190">Serica 6190 reviews</a> or <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/8315">Serica 8315 reviews</a> are an #1 resource for evaluating different models through real customer experience.</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated December 2025)</p>

<p dir="ltr">The <strong>Sea-Gull 1963</strong> is an iconic watch that embodies Chinese watchmaking history and know-how. Initially designed for the Chinese Air Force, over the decades it has become a symbol of military watchmaking and a prized piece among collectors around the world, particularly for its historic design and affordable price.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Origins and Historical Context</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In the 1950s, <strong>China sought to develop its watch industry</strong> to reduce its dependence on foreign imports. In 1955, the Chinese government ordered four watch specialists to produce a national watch for the People's Liberation Army. This initiative led to the creation of the first Chinese watch, known as the WuXing, produced by the Tianjin Watch Factory, which later became Sea-Gull.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In 1961, the Chinese Air Force issued a specific order for a chronograph to equip its pilots. After several prototypes and rigorous testing, official production began in 1963, giving birth to the watch today known as the Sea-Gull 1963.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Technical Characteristics and Design</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The Sea-Gull 1963 stands out for its classic design and technical specifications:</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Housing:</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Initially in stainless steel, with a diameter of 38 mm, adapted to the standards of the time.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Dial:</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Champagne color, decorated with gold indexes and hands, with a red star at 12 o'clock, symbolizing the People's Liberation Army.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Complications :</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Bicompax chronograph with a small seconds at 9 o'clock and a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Movement :</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Caliber ST19, a mechanical movement with manual winding, <strong>derived from the Swiss caliber Venus 175</strong>. Indeed, China acquired the rights and production machines for the Venus 175 movement, allowing local production and adaptation to military needs.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Glass :</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Domed acrylic, offering a vintage aesthetic.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Bracelet :</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Olive-colored NATO, reinforcing the military aspect of the watch.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Evolution and Reissues</h2>
<p dir="ltr">After its initial production for the army, the Sea-Gull 1963 went through several reissues intended for the general public:</p>
<p dir="ltr">2000s : Faced with collectors' enthusiasm for vintage military watches, Sea-Gull reissued the 1963, retaining its original design while improving certain technical aspects.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Modern Variants : Versions with 40mm and 42mm cases have been introduced to suit contemporary preferences. In addition, options with sapphire crystal and transparent back were offered, allowing you to admire the ST19 movement in action.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Limited Editions : Some reissues were produced in limited quantities, with engraved serial numbers, increasing their appeal to collectors.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Cultural Impact and International Recognition</h2>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>The 1963 Sea-Gull became an icon of Chinese watchmaking</strong>, symbolizing the industrial independence and technical know-how of the country. Its unique history and connection with the military make it a sought-after piece by military watch enthusiasts.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Internationally, the 1963 Sea-Gull has gained popularity thanks to its excellent value for money and timeless design. It is often recommended as a first mechanical watch for new collectors, providing an affordable introduction to traditional watchmaking.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The Sea-Gull 1963 is much more than just a watch; she is the testimony to a time when China sought to assert its technological independence. Its elegant design, combined with a rich history, makes it a must-have piece for any watch enthusiast. Today, <strong>it continues to seduce with its vintage charm</strong> and reliable mechanics, perpetuating the heritage of Chinese watchmaking on the international scene.</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated November 2024)</p>

Sea-Gull 1963 Owner Review : Modest, original and surprising

Vintage watch for everyday use

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Sea-Gull 1963 Owner Review : Modest, original and surprising

Vintage watch for everyday use

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