The Most Attainable Mechanical Chronograph on the Market - Seagull 1963 Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2024
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When it comes to anomalies in the watch world in terms of affordability, two watches tend to stand out from the crowd. One is the Vostok Amphibia, an automatic dive watch from Russia that will set you back only around $70, and the other is a Chinese-made chronograph with some interesting military history. In this video, we'll take a look at the Seagull 1963, probably the most affordable legitimate mechanical chronograph in the world.
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Finally! Seen a lot of other people cover this watch but No one does it like Teddy 👍
Appreciate it luke!
A deserved reward for what is delivered in this piece.
Agree ⌚
Where do I purchase it from so that Authenticity is guaranteed?
@@cengizyagiz2039 Ditto
The level of production is astonishing and photography puts to shame practically all other channels that have covered this exact timepiece. Not only am I impressed but I feel like I've seen the thing in an up close and personal fashion already. It's very nice to see the original movement, myself owning a variant with a big date and decentralized subdials.
I have had this watch for over 2 years now. For the price, it is an unbelievable value and lovable watch!! I have other high end watches but this one is amazing! I will never sell this watch unless I have to service. Then I will just replace it if it is still available. But for the dollars, WOW!!!! ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!
How long do you think the watch will last without needing servicing? Not many places in my country can service watches like this so that's what is preventing me from buying it
@@andres5724 I really don't know Andres. I have had it for 2 years now and still is keeping great time. For the price you can't beat this watch!
@@andres5724 that's the thing though as Teddy also mentioned: It's cheaper to buy a new watch or movement than to get it serviced, so I wouldn't worry about service when it comes to a Seagull
@@andres5724 The last time I had my Omega Speedmaster Reduced serviced, in 2011, it cost me more than a Seagull costs, and I got an amazing deal from an independent watchmaker.
The bottom line is this is just a GORGEOUS little watch with some cool history. Doesn't take thousands of dollars to put a little piece of horological joy on your wrist. If you put this in a line up with some of the heavy hitters costing thousands (with no brand markers on them) and let a non-watch person pick out their favorite... this watch would stack up. Yes, I own a sapphire version.
@Anthony Farrer you have to add a little bit of Chinese hate into this. Whats the matter with you. This is a channel for watch lovers. Leave your ignorant racist discrimination off this thread.
@Anthony Farrer It's actually 45 million who were murdered under Chairman Mao, but who's counting? Now the Chinese Communist Party commits genocide in Concentration Camps but again, now worries. What matters here is that you too can own this beautiful $300 mechanical watch with that stunning red star, symbolizing prosperity and wellness... among other things.
@@davidhunternyc1 I don't think wearing a Seagull is going to remind me of 45 million murdered during the Chinese civil war anymore than a Hamilton reminding me of the eradication of 90% of all Native North American population.
@@samsan3095 The red star is directly connected to Mao Zedong and his Red Army. A Hamilton watch is made in America but it is not associated with the genocide of the American Indian. China wants you to believe it's just fashion. They succeeded.
@@davidhunternyc1 Hamilton is one of the official supplier of pocket and later wristwatches for the government of the United States of America, which from the 18th century to the 19th century had an official policy of genocide against Native Americans and the practise of cultural genocide lasted until the 20th century.
There is no point of trying to score a moral victory in regards to watches or cancel history. Japanese brands supplied the Imperial Army and German brands supplied the German Army in WWII. You could try to dig up dirt of a brand from the past, or just enjoy it.
One more note: This is an actual Chinese watch. Its proudly Chinese made. This is not a micro brand that claims to be Swiss made or USA made and most parts are Chinese..
I have three HMT watches proudly Indian made with the manual movement a copy of Citizen in the 1970s The parts were made in India. As you note with the Sea Gull, we know where these watches were built because they tell you so
Teddy never says it's a Swiss made watch or anything else you said, just that the movement is in many respects essentially a Venus 175. In other words, it's almost an identical copy of another movement, which happens to be Swedish.
@@AI-iv4ui Swedish? Brah
@@AI-iv4ui No, Remember, the Swedish make meatballs and Volvos, the Swiss make watches.
@@prairiebhoy9199 just a random poor indian guy 🤣🤣🤣
I own a Seagull 1963 and I have to say, it is an amazing little watch. One and a half years after I bought it, it is just +5 seconds per day, I actually got compliments from female co workers wearing this timepiece. Great review Teddy, the macro shots are incredible 😍
My friend gave one to me as a gift after his love for this watch saw him purchase FIVE different versions of it, when I was wearing it one day someone RECOGNIZED IT and gushed over it, a complete stranger. Haha
are your female coworkers Chinese? lol
I couldnt agree more. Im am shocked at how accurate mine is and it looks fantastic.
'compliments from [horny] coworkers' - that has nothing to do with the timepiece bro - that's just you exuding your essence sir & getting your due recognition.
where did you find it?
I usually decide to buy a watch or not after watching Teddy's review video, but this watch is the first watch that I bought without watching any review at all and I didn't have any regret owning this watch. Beautiful👌
This is a perfect introduction to a column wheel chronograph for any watch enthusiast. It's remarkable what they have been able to offer at this price point. The fact that it's reliable and keeps good time too, simply amazing.
This completely destroys the myth that the column wheel mechanism is very expensive to produce (that's what the Swiss would say to justify their ridiculous prices).
@@msbrownbeast although to be fair, this watch is the product of a focused, organized effort to streamline the production process of one very specific movement to the absolute limit. it's kind of expected that the seagull is gunna be dirt cheap.
@@hoennnoodle Yes, They are likely producing them by the thousands and taking advantage of the volume and low cost of labour in China. But what a great deal it it! I just received mine a few days ago. Totally thrilled.
@@msbrownbeast i agree that it's a good deal, just slightly unfair to point at it and say that other column wheel chronos are way overpriced. swiss-made ones might be overpriced, sure, but they probably weren't manufactured with industrial-level optimization in mind. it's like asking why a seiko automatic movement is dirt cheap compared to a hand-finished patek...
@@hoennnoodle True, the Swiss products are likely more precise, and obviously better finished. Also the namesake matters a lot. But from the point of view of value for the buyer, for the price of a typical service for a Swiss Chronograph (say a Valjoux 7750-based model, only a mid-end example), one can buy several of these Seagull watches. And the Seagull movements look great. No one buys these watches for fine horology, but if mine will last me 2 or 3 years, I would be super happy, and even if it breaks down before, that movement is still a wonder to behold.
As for comparing Seiko to Patek (Oranges to Apples), I'm sure that the Grand Seiko products have at least as good (if not better) finishing and and certainly better precision than a similar Patek product and at a much lower price.
I bought the 40mm version almost a year ago. It is an absolute gem. It is not a Chinese knock off of a Swiss movement, it is the real thing made from the original Venus designs and tooling. Mine is running at about +6 sec./day. If you're fascinated by mechanical movements, then this watch is a great one to have.
From where you get it ? What website?
Which website?
AliExpress
I think I might be one of the very few Chinese fans. I never thought that you will talk about this watch. But you did it! I am so glad!!!
I've had one for 5 years, still performs well. Over my time owning it, it's gone from dead accurate to +7sec/day. It looks great on a brown stitched aviator's strap. I read a detailed tear down report on the movement by a watchmaker. The design is solid, but some examples may suffer from quality/contamination issues.
I'm very happy to hear this. I don't have a big budget to get a really nice watch with a beautiful movement. I want to buy this watching. Knowing it will last me at least 5 years while I save up for something more sustainable Is great.
where can I safely buy one ?
Do you have a source to support that claim?
Yes the design is from the Soviet, the production is done by using child labour
@@Aztec1050 the main reason i never bought one. I want my watches to tell a story, but theres no way u can glitter a story about communist china and their new hypercapitalist way of making everything nowadays.
An alternative affordable chrono is the cam operated Poljot 3133 based on the Valjoux 7734 and the 31681 derivative with 24 hour complication. Equally interesting history and still available in places although supply of movements is gradually drying up as they are no longer in production. I've had an aviator version for a number of years now and it's an incredibly robust movement that still keeps accurate time despite never having been serviced.
I just received my 1963 from HKED; Champaign dial, brown leather strap, acrylic crystal and exhibition display back.
Very elegant looking timepiece and fits my wrist well. Compared to my Citizen Eco Drive chrono, I don't
even know that I'm wearing it.
Doing a 24 hour break-in of the movement now as in running the chrono portion continuously to wear in the
meshing of the teeth of the chrono drive. Very smooth movement of the hands and winding of the watch.
Glad I paid a little more to HKED for this beauty.
This goes into rotation with my vintage Poljot Sturmanskie, Hamilton 1974 military issue hack watch, Seiko 7T62
chronograph titanium 200 m, and a Casio G-Shock Multi Band 6.
I repair pocket watches for fun and will be doing the servicing on my 1963 when it needs it.
Excellent content, beautifully shot video, and a calm and rational host from my home state.
Very well done, sir.
I bought the 'Sugess' 40mm with this movement. What a beauty! 👌🏾
Thanks to Teddy Baldassarre I bought the Seagull 1963 Acryl. Im really proud and happy. Thank you! Great stuff!
Nice. I'm about to get a sapphire version myself.
I would never have seriously considered this watch until seeing this particular review. What an interesting timepiece!
Amazing Watch that finally gets the mainstream recognition it deserves!
People give me strange looks when I show them this watch. I'm so glad you reviewed this and have brought it into the spotlight!
They have no clue about the history of the watch. It's a legendary watch.
Probably has something to do with current politics...unfortunately.
That shouldn’t be a surprise. If you wear this just for your pleasure don’t mind what other people think. But if you care about social image, let me tell you I think this watch is sh….t and I am sure most people will think the same
Cuz you a commie!
.. I'm just messing with you.
@@daniellee8162 unfortunately? WTF Mr Lee…human slavery, oppression, corporate espionage, oh this thing called COVID-19, 70 million massacred to form this “legendary watch country “ wake up Mr Lee
LOVE my 1963. I dress it up on a leather strap and get compliments on it a lot. My wife says it's my favorite watch I own and has even borrowed it once!
I love this watch. I have it for over two years now and no problems with it. I wear it quite often even had it on my trip to the Tatra mountains, wore it for two weeks strait, gave it some beating and it still coped very well. Thanks Teddy for the video it was quite informative.
Cześć. Skąd go brałeś? Dużo "fake'owych" w sieci.
was wondering, if you remember, where you picked yours up?
I was saving up for a Speedy a while ago, and instead I decided to get two different chronographs: this Seagull but with sapphire crystal, and a Yema Speedgraf featuring a Seiko NE86 automatic movement with a column wheel. That second one is a great way to get a high quality auto chronograph for under ~$1500 and I've seen it pop up in a few other watches.
I've aways wanted a speedy. Now for the mechanic chronograph I've got myself one of these and for the moon history, also closer to the looks of the speedy, the Bulova lunar pilot.
Speedys are kind of overrated to me. I believe in building a watch collection that you believe is cool and unique to you. Chances are, not a lot will know what is really on your wrist; most others will not appreciate the Omega quality. However, this watch and others like it (ones that you find cool and unique), will most likely get more compliments and just recognition in general than a generic Speedy. I guess it depends what you are trying to achieve: are you looking for a time piece to enhance how you look, or are you looking for recognition from a $6000 watch? Nothing wrong with either, whichever makes you feel more confident is what I would go with.
I've had this watch in hand when I bought it for a friend. Absolutely amazing, still considering to get it myself
Great quality and value has no room for prejudice. You put this Seagull chrono 1963 on my radar for sure. Thank you, Teddy, for a thorough and very respectable presentation. Btw, that intro music SWINGS brother! Keep up the great work.
I have my eye on one of these. I like the retro/military vibe of it.
I own one and i really love it
I have two of the sapphire crystal versions (an ordering error). Being a pilot I was initially attracted by their aviation history. I have a collection of Omegas and a Rolex but prefer to wear one of these incredible watches. The daily "driver" has the canvas strap and formal wear I use the one with a brown leather strap. Both are on par with my best Omega for accuracy. No scratches on the case or crystal after two years but had to have the secondhand remounted by a genuine Swiss watchmaker who normally only services high end watches who was impressed by the quality but suggested I no longer wear it when pounding engineering projects with a one pound hammer.
where did you buy it? could you provide links?
I have this watch. I don’t wear it all that often but I love it. It’s a great watch to show non watch people to introduce them to the beauty of mechanical watches. I know it’s a throw away piece but so what. The limited amount I wear it. It should last long enough that the annual ownership cost will be 30 or 40 dollars. I am ok with that. Great piece in the watch box for that
I have a sapphire crystal version of it, and I absolutely love it. The dial, and hands are far nicer in person that photos capture.
Im looking to get one, could you tell me which website you got it from? Thanks.
Where plz
I'm so glad you've reviewed this!
I own this watch and it is one of my favorites.
It is crazy that such a complex mechanism can be sold at this price. Great watch for the money with interesting history and something of its own.
Yeah, but money is still flowing to the hands of the chinese government when you purchase one. No thanks.
@@Speed_7545 I’m sure your intentions are well, but what about all the components in the phone you just submitted this comment through? No offence intended but maybe pick your subjects to preach on 🤷♂️.
@@MaximumRes Yes, my phone is Chinese. However, what phone is not Chinese? There isn't a way to be productive in the modern world without a smartphone.
However, when considering watches, there are plenty of options available that are not Chinese, therefore it's possible to make the choice of not supporting the CCP.
Apples to oranges.
@@Speed_7545 import a phone from India
These can be made pretty cheaply because the tooling costs have been paid off for years. Venus sold the tooling and blueprints to the Chinese in the ‘60s as fully-depreciated assets. The Chinese have used the heck out of this tooling ever since. Any cost they paid to acquire the tooling has long since been recovered in terms of watches “sold” (hard to do this kind of accounting in a centrally planned economy!).
When you see a watchmaker charge a premium for a watch with a bespoke in-house movement, a big part of that price premium is going to pay off the cost of literally making the tools to make the parts. Once those costs are paid, you either book higher profit margins or accept lower margins by dropping the price.
I'm very tempted. I've got a Swiss watch, a Japanese watch, a Russian watch, guess I need a German and a Chinese now, especially an original Chinese watch that isn't a clone/copy/fake of another watch.
are you being a little bit biased
your whole idea of copyright doesn't exactly apply in the watch world like in other places.
besides the logo, many watches are homage "copies" of other watches...
also for the movements, is a sellita sw200 less a clone of eta2800s than seagull st21s?
@@keny4281 I'm talking about something that might be similar, but different and not identical, and under its own name. Like this Seagull chrono, but not a Daytona superclone. I'm pretty sure you know what I meant, but if you didn't, that's what I meant.
@@Hrethgir ok I get you, a superclone is a definitely an infringement of copyright, and they are getting better and better in a scary way.
not that I support superclone but still im often amazed by the quality of them, not something anyone can pull off, I just really wish they'd put all that skill into making their own brands, but the reality is that it's way easier to make a high quality watch than to establish a recognisable brand, therefore I really appreciate a brand like Seagull, just got a seagull tourbillion couple month ago, something I thought id never able to afford.
@@keny4281 That's another Seagull that has my attention, probably the only way I could ever afford a tourbillon. What do you think of it?
@@Hrethgir worth every penny of it
Been wearing the 38mm sapphire daily for over two years. I work with my hands a lot and never take it off, it gets banged around frequently. Currently only has a 0.1ms beat error and a rate of +2 s/d when measured on my timegrapher. For less than $350 it's a steal.
Teddy, thanks for the video. With respect to your question, I have a couple Vostoks, and probably will never get them serviced, but then again, with their suggested service interval, and my rotation, I suspect they may last 30 yrs or more in good condition. I have that luxury. If I was really concerned about servicing, I would buy another movement and if one of my Vostok watches packed a sad, I'd replace it. It's like all the micro brands with NH35 movements. Why service when you can replace? Now more expensive watches, luxury Swiss etc, then service makes sense.
Sea-gull is making one most true to the original which is a 38mm with a solid engraved case back and hesalite crystal. All other variants in 38mm and 42mm mostly with sapphire crystal and exhibition caseback are produced under license from Sea-gull by other manufacturers. A 40mm is also available with sapphire crystal and exhibition caseback, but this version seems to be produced by a manufacturer that has no license from Sea-gull.
yes u r right, on seagull's china official website this watch's price is around 650 usd, and it specifically mentioned the exhibition case back version is fake, the genuine watch has solid engraved case back.
@@godsimon could you please link the official website? I find on Amazon UK the watch available with display case back from Sugess but I don't understand if it is an homage or legit. Thank you in advance
I went 38, but with a open back, just to be vaguely original, like buying 40mm Fleigers, the size is one of the design elements imho.
Friend, i would like to let you know that China have 3 major manufacturers selling seagull 1963 except Seagull, 2 brand is athourized is 1 is FAKE
First of all, by brand seagull, they have 3 limited model of 1963 before
38mm acrylic/ 7 words dial 中国天津手表厂/Soild caseback cover, nato band limited 5000 (all sold out)
38mm acrylic/ 7 words dial 中国天津手表厂/Soild caseback cover include independent number, black leather band limited 5500, it have QR for official webiste link as genuine (on sale and around usd500)
40mm 1962 (limited 650)
Their 2 legal authorized is
Sugess and Redstar (teddy video is redstar)
Due to partnership relationships, sugess and redstar not made 100% same as seagull, specify they are not using 天津海鷗手表厂 this 7 words, they are using 中国天津 and 中國制造 with exhibition case back and they have swan neck version. Their movements is REAL and provide by Tian-jin SEA-GULL
The fake one is a tina-jin seller, he use 7 words and brand as redstar or seagull, and it without QR code, that is fake and not athourized by sea-gull, the movement is not made by sea-gull
Hope the you support sugess and redstar except the tianjin fake one
@@naitud When I lived in Shanghai form 2008-2018, I bought my 1963, original Sea-gull with solid engraved caseback and nato strap, somewhere in 2017 for ¥1770. Prices have risen ever since. I also bought a Redstar, one of the licensed manufacturers as mentioned by someone here, last year with a panda dial in 40mm using the same movement. Love both.
I appreciate that your channel will bounce from grail watches to ones anyone could buy if they wanted.
I love mine and it's very accurate. I did however swap the strap for a leather racing strap.
I own this piece and I love it :) It's part of what I call my "Popcorn" watches - watches that aren't very valuable but are enjoyable to own
And this is why your channel is so great. You’re as likely to review the best from Patek as you are a $400 watch like this one.
...very impressive review! I sell this model now since over 12 years and I still learned some new things about this Chronograph thanks to this video - you never can stop learning :-) Go on with the good work!
I bought one from you. Still working great. Thank you 👍
Picked up the new 38mm black edition recently and I'm absolutely thrilled I took the plunge. Fabulous watch!
I love mine, very cheap for a mechanical chrono and looks great and classy on a mesh strap. Keeps decent time too, AND it's not copying anyone.
Just picked up a Sugess with this exact movement...I love the movement, the dial, the strap, everything! It's a phenomenal watch!
It's a very pretty watch, I got myself one a year ago more or less, enjoying it every now and then, and creates many interesting conversations, people usually ask about, funny
This is a hidden GEM! Great look movement and gets a ton of looks when I wear it.
Waited years for this, thank you!
Also thanks for the Vostok review! (My first and currently only auto)
Recently got a 1963 with the swan neck regulator. Out of the box, I am amazed how accurate this watch has kept time being fast only by 4 secs over 24 hours. Honestly had couple of Omegas that were 4 to 5 secs faster in a day. Seems like I got lucky or Seagull really does a good QC job.
Where did you get this watch at? I’m curious since I find it in 1 place for 400 and another for 180. This is is USD
Great video! I really enjoyed this one and the Amphibia one. I would love to see more videos like those two in the future. I find it more interesting to watch videos about these "gems" watches than the "regular" watch stuff that is all over the TH-cam. 🙂
From where did you get your watch? Any recommendations for places to buy one?
I’ve been watching Teddy for awhile now and I’ve been back at this video, looking at the 1963 for the past 2 months before finally pulling the trigger. Can’t wait for it to reach me! Thanks Ted for finding this beauty
I feel like holding the service costs against this watch is kind of a moot point. This watch costs around $300 and has the service cost of a watch ten times that, yes. But why does that matter unless you’re judging the watch as an investment as opposed to something you intend to keep? I can pay $3000 for a Logines chronograph and pay for expensive servicing, or I can pay $300 for a 1963 and pay the same servicing costs. I’m STILL up $2700, and hey, that money I saved can go into servicing costs!
I feel like the only reason it bears mention at all, or should, is if you assume the buyer only likes the ‘63 because they CANT afford to buy or service a $3k watch. As a judgement of the watch itself though, the value gain on the price doesn’t go anywhere.
If it breaks, the repair cost $300... and I mean, buying another one 😂 so who cares, it is an awesome watch and looks amazing!
I have the 42mm blue face with sapphire option. Love it!
Bought mine few weeks ago $130.00 astonishing caliber for the price
Just got it today. It’s so beautiful, so classic. Can’t take it off my wrist. Would easily pay twice the price for it.
Could I ask you what you paid for it?
Thanks Teddy for this educational and inspiring video about Seagull St1901 and very helpful comments below too, it helped me pull the trigger for the first time to buy a Chinese watch, I purchased same movement ST1901 from Sugess company with an orange (salmon) dial. The watch is really beautiful as I can see the exactly same movement. Looking forward to having joyful experience with the watch.
Hi there, after one year, how you would describe the overall experience with the watch?
You've given a completely new and classy perspective, huge fan😍
I like the Seagull 1963, and I would definitely like to see more content on some of the obscure watches out on the market. I wish my wrists weren't so damn big to wear one, or I'd be buying a 1963 now. Thank you for making this video, and keep up the great content.
I own one - it's a nice looking watch and reasonably priced.
Thanks for visiting this frequently touted watch, Teddy. Clearly, there is variance in personal taste - but to my eyes, this is both a unique and quite a beautiful design - especially when you see it in real life. Value is a difficult concept to quantify in terms of watches - as they are so frequently aspirational - and this potentially adds to their respective attractions. However, I am sure many people who can afford something more ostentatious buy this watch because it has a history; they appreciate its aesthetics; maybe, feel they have joined a cognoscente of those who look past price tags and have no desire to impress others... One thing I woukd add -I have just left China after four years - and never-a-once witnessed a Chines person wearing this watch!
I am living in Russia and I didn't see russian persons wearing Vostok! Except watches fans like me!))
Chinese would buy a cheap quartz watch.....to save MONEY...haha
My in-laws got me my first "real watch" and it has spiraled me into the rabbit hole of starting a watch collection. I live in Shanghai, and will probably buy a Seagull 1963 22 Zuan.
Thanks forthe video!
I added one to my collection a while ago. It is an interesting piece with it's history. I also have a Longines heritage model with a column wheel chrono movement that is based off of an ETA movement specifically made for Longines that cost almost 10 times as much. Although the Longines is an automatic I still think this Seagull is a helluva value for what you get. I enjoy both of them.
Jenni Elle another watch enthusiast said that out of all of her watches like Rolex and Cartier the seagull 1963 gets the most compliments ever!!!!
I recently started collecting watches again after many many years.
This is the first watch I purchased. I don’t know exactly what it is I
like but those blue hands and that dial face and those gold numerals and
those bold pushers. I replaced the supplied nato strap with a vintage leather stitched strap.
Mine forever.
Had one, beautiful little watch. Sold it in the end because too small and preferred my posher pieces. Would definitely recommend one tho.
Cheers Mate 👍🏻👍🏻
My Seagull 1963 arrived yesterday direct from China It is almost identical to the one reviewed by Teddy but has the Gold face not off white. I know its not a 100% genuine Seagull but it has the same ST-19 movement. At less than £150 British pounds I love it. You can buy a genuine one from the official Sea-Gull shop on Ali Express with the limited number serial number on the solid non display backcase for £433. You pay your money you make the choice.
The one-piece nylon strap is daft because it covers the display case - defeats the object of the exercise, really.
I put a leather strap on my Seagull, and my $25 Komandirskie Heineken rocks the green Nato!
Fr, am I the only one who thinks this watch looks sorta ugly on a NATO strap?
This channel makes me really appreciate these watches I would've otherwise overlooked.
this is my all time favorite watch and is the first watch i purchased and got me hooked on collecting. it is incredibly accurate and obviously well made and stunning in person.
This is why I love your channel. You consider watches in all price tiers. You look at them objectively and judge them fairly within the entire context of time telling and watchmaking. Not every watch is an investment. I own two of these one with the sapphire and with the acrylic crystal. I am not sure why, but the one with the original acrylic crystal is by far the better looking watch. I have no delusions about what I am going to do when the watch no longer functions.....I am going to throw it out and perhaps buy a new one. In the meanwhile, I am enjoying it for what it is.
Nice to see you do a video on this watch, and learnt a few more things from your video. I bought this a while back to add to my collection, and it's a quirky little watch with a history, hence I had to get one. For the money it can't really be beaten for something with such a history.
Damn you Teddy -- I bought two Vostoks after your other vid, and now I want a 1963 too!
You won't regret it!
There are better options from brands like Geckota & Lorier that have the same movement in them
@@Andrew.W75Having owned one, I beg to differ. Especially as Lorier produce and case their watches in China anyway.
@@Andrew.W75 a San Martin will be of equal quality to either Gekota or Lorier as they pretty much come from the same factories with different branding. Same is true of Islander watches. That's not too say they're bad, it's just too say a lot of people don't realise how good quality a lot of Chinese timepieces are.
I have a Seiko Presage homage by Reef Tiger that is easily of equal quality to Seiko.
Don't forget Omega bracelets have been produced in China (bracelets don't make up a key aspect of what is required for the Swiss made mark). The only difference is quality control and finishing.
@@philipcarr6698 I meant to say better designed options with the same movement in, each to their own but I think the design of the Seagull is very 'communist' & not in a good way
Bought one of these watches with sapphire glass and a caseback in 40 mm.
Put it on a brown vintage Rios1931 leather strap.
Love it so much.
Powerreserve is meeh
Water-resistance is close to non exsistant..
But the watch has character and charme like you wouldn't believe.
This watch completely rocks. Best bargain in mechanical chronos. I wear mine frequently. Totally deserving of the fanfare.
I don't know why TH-cam pushed this video to me, but I like it. My grandpa had a watch from this watch maker, the watch model was 东风(dongfeng)，east wind. He had to rewind and adjust it everyday. In 70s China, owning a watch was a big deal. The watch on your wrist made you a whole different person in the society.
You have also the baltic chronograph for under 1000 euros. Love from France
Don't forget Yema!
These are the videos that have made Teddy legendary!
Literally on my wrist right now.
Ordered one! Thanks Teddy. Can't wait to see it on person. Cheers!
My first really reliable mechanical watch is a BALTIC Bicompax 001 with the ST1901 caliber inside.
It's keeping time to 0/+4 s/day. That's better than many automatic I have.
I have this watch, but did not realise how wonderful the movement was until I saw your stunning videography and heard your commentary. Well done and thank you.
You should also try to review the watches for China's space agency. really beautiful and sharp.
What are they called?
Link?
@@malcior6465 Fiyta I believe
Link or brand name, please...let us here enlightened
@@malcior6465 Fiyta “Spacemaster,” seldom seen outside of China proper, I think. www.gearpatrol.com/watches/a550000/fiyta-spacemaster-astronaut-space-watch/
In my plans, if i ever will buy a mechanical chronograph, it will be a Seagull 1963. So far i have had good experience with chinese movrments, ibought a Tevise submariner homage in order to see if i like an automatic watch. Now i bought a Seiko 5 SNZG13J fieldwatch. Then if i like the Seagull then i can make the move to another brand. Tank you mr Baldasarre for your exellent review.
I absolutely love the Seagull 1963 and it will always be in my collection,
thank you for the wonderful revue Teddy.
Another interesting watch is the Strela Poljot 3133 that also has a
Swiss based movement supplied by Valjoux to make the 7734,
it would be intresting to hear your thoughts on that as well
Received my watch today and the dial is more beautiful in person. A unique design and you can be confident you'll be the only one in the room wearing this watch.
The subtle texture on the cream dial in combination with the raised gold hour markers looks fantastic. The sapphire crystal offers a lot of interesting distortion too.
On my version, the hands are a bit darker than they look here, but they are metallic and play with the light well. The vibrant red of the chronograph second hand is really the part of this piece that pops.
For those interested in the Chinese characters for this version:
The front translates to - "Made in China". On the original Seagull Dial there are two lines of text reading "China, TianJin Watch Factory"
The back roughly translates to - "1963 - Reissue of the first chronograph of the Chinese Air Force"
Where did you order it from?
I bought this a while back for less than half the price you’ve mentioned. I added a Barton canvas strap that matches the dial color perfectly. I wear it in my rotation way more than I should. After looking at it on my wrist I have look again to see the time.
Where do I purchase?
I think its so cool that Seagull are still making a vintage Swiss movement. Nice looking watch too!
I bought one of these and the chronograph was glitchy right out of the gate. I found someone on-line saying that a new watch might not work perfectly right away because the lubricant inside needs to work through the gears as the piece warms up. That seemed to be true inasmuch as it seemed to work better, but then by the end of the week it was not functioning properly. I pressed the start button and it didn't go. It pressed it again and nothing, and then maybe on the third or fourth try it would start, but only go for about 5 seconds. The watch is beautiful, but I had the thought that maybe a consistent, well functioning chronometer at this price point is truly too good to be true.
Constructive criticism: the background is too bright. Almost brighter than you. Makes it hard to focus
I want the grey room to return
The Sugess and Seagull chronos are magnificent watches. Reliable, affordable, fun and beautiful. They’re worth the couple hundred bucks just for the experience.
Hi Teddy, the orginal seagull 1963 watch does not come with see through caseback, nor saphire. Watches who have this are not original from Tianjin. (seagull watch company)
I own one of these. I also have some pretty prestigious Swiss watches, but I will not lie, I absolutely _love_ my Seagull 1963. The movement is beautiful and the finishing of the entire watch is immaculate. It gets a lot of my wrist time. I'm usually someone who rants about Chinese manufacturing a lot. But not with this one. It's a thing of beauty.
Problem with this watch is that it's hard to find a genuine one. If that even exists.
This. I don’t know which one I should buy…
@@txng The "genuine" one can be purchased from the Seagull Official Store on Aliexpress, but costs around $600 and does not have an exhibition caseback.
The other offerings with sapphire and clear back are not so much fakes, but more produced under licence from Seagull and are copies of the original. Even Seagull label their own watch as a replica of a "famous watch". After all they are now called Seagull and the original company was the Tanjin Watch Company.
If you buy a 38mm version with sapphire crystal and exhibition caseback from a store on AliExpress it should set you back about $150 and you will be getting a licenced replica of the original which will most likely be of equal quality. I have 9 watches from Seagull but my Seagull 1963 is not from them as I definitely wanted sapphire and to see the movement... and it is excellent. You'd be mad not to be able to see the movement!
Hope that helps and/or puts your mind at rest.
@@philipcarr6698 Thanks! I’ll definitely put this one on my list. $150 for a mechanical chrono, it’s a no brainer
@@txng go for 38mm blue hands, acrylic glass and no lume, if you want authentic. I went for all that but sapphire glass and the display caseback, and it's excellent. And they are made under licence as they're advertised as Seagull 1963 whereas AliExpress don't do fakes.
a.aliexpress.com/_ugRmch
Yes..the original is $600 with acrylic crystal, and no exhibition caseback.
The $150 "fakes" come with crystal options, sapphire or acrylic, and the stunning exhibition caseback. 😂
More watches like this and the Vostok please.
That dome crystal baffles me. It looks like the watch would easily be under 13mm thick, maybe even approach 12mm, by redesigning the crystal?
The Sapphire version is much thinner.
because that's more accurate historically, apparently.
I have both the Amphiba and the Seagull….they are awesome watch’s full stop never mind the price
Well, there is a competition - Strela Chronographs
Not really.
From what I know Strela is transitioning to ST19’s as the supply for MakTime movements dries up.
It’s unclear exactly what happened to MakTime and who owns the right and tooling to the 3133 etc -should anyone wish to restart production.
However, from what I can tell a restart of production seems increasingly unlikely, and personally I doubt the tools and expertise exist within any single company -if at all.
@@NilsPIversen yeah, I know they are switching to ST19 but they have at least some QC :)
The lowest priced Strela is also using ST19 movement. For extra 250€ you can get Poliot Chronograph but then it is much more expensive then this. Of course if you want to buy 1963 from Seagull directly (Which is most expensive option - highest quality - unfortunatley without see through caseback) then the price is closer but Poliot is still 100€ more.
Modern Strelas use this movement. If you’re looking for the true “Alexei Leonov” watch, you’re stuck trying to find vintage Strelas.
I bought meanwhile the green and the classical with Sapphire glass and swanneck. Thank you Teddy Baldassarre
Can you review the Steel Dive 1970 homage of the Willard. Crazy Specs for the money and getting very popular
Got one, and very happy with it, looks great on the wrist and not bothered bashing it about
This afternoon I pulled the trigger on a 38mm with sapphire version. Thanks for a good review.
I just got this watch and I can tell everyone that it’s a beautiful watch. I am constantly asked by people about it. Beautiful movement and I can say it goes with anything you wear.
love mine, they are an absolute perfection as far as the vintage vibe and value goes
I have been wanting one of these for years and finally got one in a Black Friday sale.
It looks terrific on my wrist and its fit and finish exceeds my expectations.
I’m over the moon and hope it will be reliable. If I can get three years or so out of it, I’ll feel as though I’ve gotten value as well.