Let's get it straight here on the Chinese ripping off the Swiss on the movement for the Sea-Gull 1963 Air Force chronograph. The Chinese government back in the early sixties bought the rights, design drawings and all from Venus. At that time, the beat rate of the Venus 175 caliber was leisurely 18,000 vph. The Chinese watchmakers, presumably as instructed by their government , to make the watch a little more stable for use by their air force pilots. So, they modified the movement to beat at 21,600 vph. For marketing purpose, the movement was made to look a little more prettier (blued screw and all!) and a see-through back was introduced as an option. In short, the Chinese did not steal or copy the Venus movement. Instead, they own the right to the movement. I hope this set things straight, a little!
hi. i am from germany and i got curios about sea gull. when you find out that they are one of the world‘ biggest manufakturer of mechanical movements on earth and there are quite a lot watches with a seagull movement that are assambles in swiss and therefor they are called swiss watches you would be surprised..it is not nessessary to attack or fight anything from anywhere. just do som resarch for yourself.
Yasyas Marangoz ich auch, danke! hab allerdings schon zweimal das plexiglas ab geschlagen war meine schuld..trag meine auch mit grossem vergnügen!hab auch die seagull tank commander. einklasse teil. danke fürs antworten😃
Loose Unit No, because they function flawlessly and don't need replacement. I hope you realize iPhones are made in China and are generally regarded as the best phones. If something as precise and complex as an iPhone can be hand assembled in China in the hundreds of millions and still function perfectly almost everytime then so can a watch. I also doubt you don't own any Chinese made goods. Most of your electronics were likely made there whether you realize it or not.
I just don't understand why sometime westerns don't like or hate China, China produce/export goods so everyone around the world can afford necessary amenities for their life, China don't involve any wars, terrorisms, don't send any troops overseas. As a Chinese living overseas for nearly 10 year, very rarely there are something good about China I can find in local media, in contrast, reports in Chinese about western are more positive.
@@blablabla6-k2d Chinese made products are still a POS and flooded the US with their junk the Japanese made Tech still ahead of the Chinese ,,I do not hate China I travel a lot and the last time I went through Beijing I was very disgusted,Dusty cold rude and unfriendly they cannot speak English,and take items they would want to keep for themselves that is really wrong and sick,I would never go that route again I rather pay more for a route other than Beijing and they brag about how big their Airport its useless anyway,read all the People reviews,oh China will never get ahead because they are nothing but copy cats,
The seagull is not a clone of the Venus movement. Seagull actually bought the original machinery. So the only difference is geographically where it is made. Nice movement.
@@anishabisht4213 if u are looking for a automatic movement , seagull st2130 is a much better movement than NH35, the technical indicators even better than Seiko 6R
For all the critics: First of all, Tianjin Seagull is one of the biggest watch movement producers worldwide and no chinese backyard brand. Also, the manufacturer legally bought the swiss manufacturing machines many years before so it's totally legit to produce the ST19 movement based on an old Venus calibre. I really love the watch and I do own one, too. For under 300€ here in Europe this is an absolute stunner. Sure, the watch isn't perfect at all, but you always have to keep the price in mind. For example I don't like the blue painted (not heat treated) hands, they look a bit cheap when looking closer at them. Also the machine finishing of the movement is pretty rough in detail but as I said - for the money an absolutely great watch. I do most like the look of the whole watch, it's amongst all other watches out there one of my favorites. Absolutely classy and timeless. If you want to see some high quality pictures you can check out my Flickr page: www.flickr.com/photos/callmewhatever/26321866702/in/album-72157655219095306/ www.flickr.com/photos/callmewhatever/26403347206/in/album-72157655219095306/ www.flickr.com/photos/callmewhatever/26449612475/in/album-72157655219095306/ www.flickr.com/photos/callmewhatever/26391398891/in/album-72157655219095306/ www.flickr.com/photos/callmewhatever/25871232304/in/album-72157655219095306/ www.flickr.com/photos/callmewhatever/25901074974/in/album-72157655219095306/
I remember when Japanese products used to put Western sounding names. Their goods had a bad reputation. But now Japanese products are amazing. Chinese goods are going through the same scenario.
I remember the term " jap crap" when referring to Japanese motorcycles, the copied the UK models then bettered them destroying the competition on the way.
Why Japan now is high quality producers? One name: Edward Demming. He taught quality, standardization and picking fewer reliable quality control suppliers. Japan listened to the lectures and now they are the standard. china needs to do the same. Focus o quality control and good suppliers and you will have a fierce following supporting you. China is working it.
This comment is a couple of year old now. I've read an article that went in depth with q few eta and Chinese movement and the seagull watch movement turns out didn't have any oil in the jewels or gears~ so after four years how is your watch running and did you get it serviced?
Just a quick addition, at the time the original 1963 watch was made, the tooling were bought directly from Venus, and so was the license to produce it in China, so it's a Chinese made Venus 175.
And, just for sake of information, Ginault watches, proudly "Made in USA" have an ETA 2824-2 clone inside, just copied piece by piece and "Made in USA"... I guess reality will hurt some righteous butts XD
Eh haters. The seagull is cool not my cup of tea on looks but that's my personal choice. I don't like the vostok look either but still cool. Haters gonna hate time tellers gonna tell time.
Usually, they just don't know any better... How they have the nerve to preach when they clearly don't even know half the story though, that completely baffles me.
You talk about these people playing with their Iphones, these idiots don't know their Iphones are made in China in some sweat shop factory. I've got a few Tevise Automatic watches, and I can tell you first hand you get a lot of bang for your buck, after 2 years of daily wear they're still going strong. Even if it broke down on me, I'd happily just buy another one.
Amen to that!! So many Chinese brands are using some great movements and providing some seriously awesome value for money with features like sapphire crystals and solid endlinks. Even with Seiko, you need to plunk down some serious change to get those specs. Moral of the story, if it works for you and you like it, fuck everyone else! Wearing my Parnis mechanical pilot’s watch as I type this! 😂
@@Absolutelywhack Just to let you know, I've got 2 Parnis tourbilon watches I bought from Aliexpress, and they have power reserve indicator, date and feel a lot more expensive than they are.
AthenaSaints best part they used our compass technology and gunpowder to wage wars then when out invented them, slap tariffs and trade restrictions to create unfair advantages for USA. Hypocrites at its best no doubt. Toshiba and Japan both experienced it first hand and now it’s China and Huawei. It’s my way or no way. Awesome. This is why the world is at a standstill.
I think that Seagull is a really attractive watch. Chinese industry, in general, is really coming up in the world and are quickly starting to dispel the "Made in China = Crap" myth. Your channel is blowing up, man!
Similarly, the Chinese car industry is coming into its own. Already they make pretty good copies of American and European cars and are releasing better and better models every year. It's only a matter of time until they make their way into the global market as real competition.
The majority of a lot so called swiss watches are manufactured in China. The crystals, cases, straps and even dials are all made in China. The swiss made criterion requests 60% of the product in value, not weight or volume to be swiss. In a watch that means only the movement is swiss. Basically everything else you can see is Chinese. So how can Chinese manufacture be crap in that sense?
Since i have a little money for this hobby i own 12 watches. Most of them are Seiko and Orient watches. 4 month ago i brought a vostok. I didnt expect much, but for the price this thing is awsome. Last week i ordered a sugess, chinese watch with the same movement as yours and im sure this thing is awsome too. Collecting watches opens your mind and how you think of other countries.
Man! Love your channel! Don't waist your breath on trolls! Regarding this movement, Venus (see Swiss company) sold the blue prints of this movement to Seagull. Seagull legally owns the caliber and it is now theirs. The movement was not designed by Seagull, but it is now--for all intents and purposes--an in-house movement.
Like you said; 'I just like watches' I have Omega, Hamilton, Seiko, Casio, Vostock and the Sea-Gull is certainly on my next watch list. It's, like the Vostock out of main stream. I couldn't care less if it came from Oagadugu. It's history, and reminds me of times past. Great video, Thanks Alan
Just FYI, it's spelled "Vostok" in English and "Wostok" in German. I agree with your point, though. There is really no need to hate on it just because it's Chinese, it does have a real history.
I have one of this and absolutely love it, the champagne dial is so beautiful and the colour of the hands is almost iridescent and very clear in the background. I'm also getting a Seguss Moonphase Master, model 80002. The dial pattern is mindblowing.
I have 2 Sugess watches and the finish on them is a step up. I bought the Ocean Star, a Submariner homage and the detail on it is incredible including glidelock adjustment and I have the Sugess Panda 1963 with Swan neck adjuster, again, super well made, beautiful quality stitched leather strap, a stunning watch. Better attention to detail than my ZiJuan 1963 Chrono on a not so good khaki NATO strap as featured in this video. A beauty of a watch nonetheless but the Sugess just went that extra mile. I hope you are enjoying your Sugess watch. I am going to order the Sugess Tourbillon next as I don't fancy spending £16,000 on one of the Swiss models. Cannot justify 16k until I fully understand if this feature will make any difference in life.
I own a Seagull moonphase, for US$400. With 2 years warranty. Then sometimes , after 1 year, the moonphase stuck and I send for service. I thought of throwing away if they do not service it. Surprisingly they have free service and I got it serviced. Yes the straps are poorly made. It fell off when I was going for bus in Hong Kong. The movement stuck, and I sent for service again and it was free service again no question asked. Now I change $70 Hong Kong made leather strap. I may change to $300 European leather strap next. For me service is more important than the watch. Going to service and see the dead watch live again is exciting and if it is free is more exciting. I would buy a Seagull over a Seiko with less complicated movement and limited service or some poor service Europe brand. It is something worth buying if you can not afford a genuine good Swiss automatic movement. I rather wear a Seagull than a fake Swiss watches / or battery quartz electronic & digital such as Apple or G Shock anytime.
Agreed, I wear an Alpha with a seagull movement. It comes with a two year warranty and so far runs great. It runs +.2 seconds per day. I changed the strap out for a better leather one.
Seiko last a lifetime you just need to change original batteries every 7 years My whole family owns and wear it my 4 sons me and my husband and our daughter
A European made watch with poor service? Compared to Chinese sellers at least you can go to the manufacturer and you will get service. Maybe it's because you are in China that you can find a real Seagull shop and watch and actually get service? 99% off these watches, like the 1963 Chronograph in most cases, aren't assembled by Seagull and therefore they won't have anything to do with them. European watches like Omega give a 5 year warranty and you usually don't have to worry about them stopping working. They certainly won't stop working like your watch did - twice within 2 years. Out of dozens of western watches I've had none have stopped working in such a short time. A crown came loose on a german one after around 10 years but it was fixed for free and a cheap marathon had tritium tubes come loose after over 20 years but it still worked. Over 20 years without a service before a problem surfaced with a marathon that was as cheap as a Chinese watch. No Chinese watch I've had has lasted that long and most have failed before 2 years.
@@murph8411 Not that I don't like the Omega but consider the price difference. A lot of us would love an Omega but cant justify the cost of such a luxury either to buy or to maintain properly. So what exactly should us lowers and common people in society do for a watch? I don't like the commies any more than most but cant help but remember it was the Rolex and Omega wearing takers from Wall Street that sold out American industry and our middle class to satiate their greed and provide them the means to pay for those Swiss timepieces in the first place. The irony is not lost on hearing the indifference of a Western watch snob berate the less fortunate for the simple act of purchasing an affordable time piece made by and for the very same people he despises all while shamelessly deceiving, using and exploiting both, them and us, to make himself personally wealthy. Yeah, no irony there at all. The cost to service that Omega after all, after the 5 years is up, will be greater than the total cost of a new seagull now. Now having said all of that allow me to share a rather dark rant, in regards to possibly owning a seagull as an American solider, in our present strange and troubling times. That is I do take some small bit of comfort knowing that at least if and when I'm sent back into battle at the behest of the ruling class, this next time against the Communist Chinese, I wont have worry about lowering myself to steeling a seagull off a dead communist soldier's body simply because I can afford to purchase the same watch now. In same dark vain, it also stands to reason that wont be the case if and when we finally turn our guns around to finish solving this problem and make that long over due, as Wall Street likes to say, correction. In that later case, you can be certain, we who survive might be tempted to collect some of those Rolex's and Omegas off the dead vermin that put us in this position and gave them the means to buy those watches all along. So, if you have one, you enjoy that Omega there Mr. Murph and perhaps with a bit more humility and appreciation for your good fortune, remember to have a nice day while the rest of us get through ours the best way we can with what ever lowly timepieces we can take some small pleasure in owning.
L7pusher the people who work on Wall Street and make extortionate amounts don’t buy cheaper watches like omegas, in general. They are much more likely to buy Patek philippe. As to what are people who can’t afford to spend the increasingly more expensive prices Omega et al are charging they can still afford a much more reliable and accurate quartz or even a citizen or seiko. The lower end Seiko and citizen automatic are just as cheap as a Seagull and at least you can get it repaired under guarantee easily enough. Trying to get service from Seagull or other Chinese companies and then paying to send a watch back to China is far from easy or cheap. A genuine Seagull chronograph is around 500 usd while a knock off can be had for less than 200. Even paying a few hundred dollars from an importer still gives you a fake seagull which will probably be made to a much poorer standard than a real one. If Seagull had western outlets and at reasonable prices I would buy from them. The main problem with Chinese watches are all the copies. It’s almost impossible to know what you’re getting buying from websites, eBay, grey importers or aliexpress. Look at the price of the Fiyta Chinese space chronographs like the GA880018. They are charging into the thousands of dollars for them.
I have a automatic parnis watch with sea gull movement I got for work 5 years ago for when there is a chance I may damage a nice watch. It's a damn good watch, reliable and accurate. I've hit the watch, dropped it and it's still like new. In the end it's a very good watch that is also really nice and I use it in my rotation now.
When you "drill down" into the guts of almost any watch today (and lots of other consumer products as well), it becomes apparent that most can be described as "multinationals", as components are sourced worldwide. Thank you for an interesting video.
As a watch snob and owner of 3 Rolex watches and 2 Vintage Tudors I've had the Archie Luxuary mindset that anything under 5 thousand dollars is not worth wearing. However that Chinese military watch really caught my eye. It's an interesting watch and I'm probably going to pull the trigger and buy it for a bit of fun.
James, I am fortunate enough to own a Breguet pocket watch made during Louis Breguet's lifetime, originally owned by my great great grandfather. Needless to say, it lives in the bank, not at home. If I sold that watch, I could buy, what? Twenty-five Rolexes? Should I look down my nose and consider your Rolexes not worth wearing? Pieces that I might buy "for a bit of fun"? Am I a watch snob? I absolutely am not. I'm an incredibly fortunate heir. Right this minute, I'm wearing a Seiko SKX. I'm just pointing out that three Rolexes and a couple of old Tudors are really not anything to be so bloody pretentious about.
There are a number of Chinese watches that actually keep good time as well as Vostoks. Economies of Scale often are neglected when we think about pricing and quality which has it’s own issues when it comes to fair pay/ wages particularly as it applies to those that build timepieces in any country.
Cash Money yes I know Vostoks are Russian watches, my point is that economies of scale are different for any given country and what prices are charged given what they elect to pay their workers and the number of workers producing specific pieces during any given year. Start up microbrand companies that are doing well due to cost effective out sourcing essentially are making reasonable returns based on the quality of the case, appeal and functions, not the movement. This is usually achieved by excellent marketing and PR.
I don't mind Japanese or Chinese watches they make vary affordable high quality watches. my first watch when I was 12years old was a seiko chronograph with a blue dial. and started it all since then I've had 3 more seikos two of which needed servicing. a seiko perpetual calendar $400 for a whole new movement more then what I paid for the watch. my other one was a seiko SRP318 a really nice dress watch well as few years down the road I noticed it wasn't keeping time and the power reserve wasn't there. so I take it in $300 for a hairspring. that's what I paid for the watch. my vintage sector 600 diver $280+tax for a complete overhaul on a standard grade ETA 2824-2 comes out to $300. I figured it's 15 years old I couldn't find another one anywhere so I paid for it. I still have it today. but I'll always have a place in my heart for seiko they started me on my watch addiction 😅
I don't think Seagull make one with a sapphire crystal, display back or size other than 38mm. Plenty of other versions pretending to be the same but without warranty and often poor assembly. Does yours say seagull on the case back with a seagull model no. like 819.17.1963
I sure like my 1963, which is on my wrist now. I chose the 38mm size, with sapphire crystal and swan neck regulator. Mine gains between 2-3 seconds a day, plenty good for a mechanical. Replaced the band with a good quality full grain leather. Beautiful!
Great work Time Teller, the Seagull chronograph is awesome! I own the same watch but in 42mm. Maybe a follow-up can be how many Swiss watches contain Chinese parts because they do, more than the uninformed Swiss watch consumer really knows about. Most of them have subsidiaries in China making various parts for their watches the Swiss allow 60% to be made in Switzerland so the question is where does the other 40% come from?
I just got mine today. Early birthday present. It's green with a green strap. I am so sick of seeing the generic silver and whatever colours people tend to wear. I found this watch pleasing because of the green colour I was searching for, and after my hubby researched it he was very excited about the quality. I have had it on since it arrived and I'm obsessed with it already. Just stunning!
I bought a Chinese watch in Thailand. I get more compliments on it than all my other wrist watches combined. The leather band and highlights matched my tan perfectly,,, LOL!
USE IT EVERYDAYS AND WAIT FOR THE LAST COMPLIMENT...IN A YEAR FUKIN IMBECILE... YES THEY SELL ROLEX COPIES, BUT YOUR ARE AN IMBECILE, YOU DONT KNOW YOUR WATHC IS CRAP AND YOR GONN LOOSE A LOT OF MONEY , SOON OR LATER...UNTIL YOU HAVE TO THORW IT TO GARBAGE CAN.
Received 2 Vostok watches from a Russian site today and I’m pleased with them. I’ve ordered this Seagull 1963 from a German site today. 37.5mm case with sapphire crystal. I’m sure I’ll love it.
Just shine these folks on and don't worry about it, if you are hated maybe it's a bit of envy going on, I have been called a baby killer after Vietnam, and a earth destroyer from the Sierra Club without knowing me, but by only reading an editorial I wrote once, regarding the energy industry (that I was working in at the time).
You're absolutely right !! a watch should be judged on its own merits.. not on the heritage of the manufacturer or the CEO because some of the most well know brands and CEO's (you know who..) have been responsible for the worst designed watches and oversized crap you've ever seen. 10K subs 👍🏼
It is all about self-confidence (and knowledge, too). I own several watches and like them all, "cheap" or costly. Sometimes I run around with a 16600 Seadweller, sometimes with the Seagull 1963. I have modern Seikos and vintage ones, ETA 7750 chronos, Poljot 3133, etc. And I have a timegrapher at home, so I can "see" how the movements perform. I regulate my watches, if they run slow, or much too fast (except Microstella ones of course). The movement in the Seagull 1963 / Chinese Airforce is a swiss design. The Seagull ST19 (TY2901) is based on the Venus 175, more jewels and 21600 bph. So, it is a proven chronograph-movement (column-wheel!). This movement is a winner (by design) and all depends on quality control. I trust Seagull in this regard - btw. I own 3 ST-19 chronographs. On the timegrapher they perform flawlessly, excellent in fact. Very high amplitude (over 300), beat error low (easy to adjust, btw.)... ...and the most important - the positional- error, the stability is very good. Changing the position, the amplitude does not lose much and the beat error does increase only minimally. And there is another truth...the chinese 2824 clones (by Seagull) can be as good as the ETA ones. And the Valjoux 7750 is not as great as some might think, I like it, but do not love it. The Seiko 8R28 is by far the better movement - most know this. Swiss watches are great, but some people should be more open-minded.
I own a Poljot Aviator || . And I bought a Seagull 1963. Top watches at great prices. The poljot duplicate is price, since I bought it, fifteen years ago. And works always.
Just bought a sea gull watch. I believe the type is 816.351. It's an amazing watch for the price point. I even dare to say that it has slightly smoother movement than my seiko srpb46j1 that's more expensive. I don't have any idea what kind of movement is good but i like to look at it everytime i wear it.
I have that watch with the saphire front and back. It is not my most expensive watch, but it's certainly one of my favorites. It is absolutely gorgeous!
I have 3 russinan watches, and I love them to bits: a Pobeda from the '60's with the original leather strap, a Vostok Kommandirskie with a blue dial, and a Sturmanskie Gagarin Titanium with an ivory dial. They are all great.
I saw that watch in your amazon store earlier this week... almost got me digging in my pocket... I really like that watch... also I have worked with a lot of Chinese people and they are truly kind...
I bought one when it was released, since then the watch works fine, very accurate and is still in perfect condition. This watch is a pure bargain. Quality, look and exotic.
You seem like a very reasonable guy. I enjoy your channel and have encountered some really negative people on youtube. Glad to see you aren't one of them. Best of luck and keep the good content going. Thanks
Thanks for your good judgement and good heart. Gotta be stronger facing people full of fear/ignorance deliberated, so keep on going compadre! By the way, it's a nice watch. Regards from Colombia
I fucking hate Communists.......but.......that's not to say I don't like their watches. Both Seagull and Vostok are excellent value for the money. A Vostok is the toughest automatic you'll ever buy for less than $100. And reasonably accurate for anyone that isn't anally snobbish about a few seconds lost or gained in a day. The accuracy of a Seagull is probably better than Vostok, but Vostok watches are more customizable.
I think that the Chinese are where the Japanese were in the 1930s, 40s, and even early 50s. The big question is who will be the first Chinese brand that really gets accepted in the watch enthusiast community, like Seiko did for Japan? I think Tianjin Seagull could be the brand.
I've had two Sea Gulls ( a 217.414 and a M308s) each for several years and they function flawlessly. I bought them because they had complications I wanted and attractive finishing, at a cost 1/50th of what the same type complications would have cost from elsewhere. And I agree with the point you make about the weird mindset that says "eeww..China", when, as you have observed, most of our consumer stuff has a China connection.
Iregardless of where this watch is made, it's well made and pretty cool. This style of Chronograph was used by Army Officers to time artillery placements. The original use was in WWI on both sides, primarily by French and German officers.
Hi Timeteller :-) Thanks for the cool review. As others have noted below, the ST19 is a re-issue/clone of the Venus 175, true, but it's well documented that the Chinese government *bought* the Venus 175 tooling as well as training from Venus in the early 1960s when 1) Venus was looking to finance a new movement and 2) the Chinese government wanted a chrono movement for their airforce chronographs (known in China as Project 304).
This remembers me of Back to the Future, where Marty tells Doc that all good tech comes from Japan, leaving Doc in shock. Japan used have a reputation similar to China, and look where we are now.
The Seagull pilots chrono is a beautiful, beautiful piece. I have Russian, Japanese, Swiss and German made watches in my collection, and I don't see why Chinese watches get a bad rap. They offer quite the amazing value, especially for the automatic chronograph.I'm hunting for a certain vintage Chinese automatic to add, but the 1962 re-issues are quite good looking. Might pick up a panda dial.
I have a cheap Chinese made Cadisen C1032. Its a great watch for the money. I'm not much into dress watches so I wanted a cheap versatile one. Its not exactly the compliment champion. But it certainly doesn't look out of place on the few occasions I go to a formal event and don't want to wear my date just.
Awesome video, i agree 100%... Only have one question. Does this watch really tick loud? Heard so in another video so wanted to ask you guys. I really like it and i am want to buy it, but if it ticks loud i might reconsider.
I was told by an Older Russian guy that Swiss Watches were once banned in the USA back in the early days. Something on the line that they were deemed as copies to British and US watches. I have no idea if true, but if so it would have been a long time ago. Might be similar for Chinese watches in the future...
Hi Jory, does your version of the watch have a sapphire or acrylic crystal? I'm thinking of buying this watch but I'm having a hard time deciding which version to go for. I think the acrylic version looks better with the high dome, but I really like the durability of sapphire. I've heard from some owners of the acrylic version of this model that the crystal is quite flimsy and cracks easily or just falls out for no reason. What's your opinion?
Most *Swiss* watches contain numerous Chinese sourced parts (dial, cases, bracelets, crystals, ebauches etc). Many are almost entirely made in China. They are just cased in Switzerland to get the 'Swiss Made' appellation.
The first two AK-47's I bought were Chinese for two reasons. They are the best quality ones and they are the some of the most rare ones since they were banned from import in 1989
“I can’t believe that many people want to watch my content!” Dude, don’t sell yourself short! Your content is fantastic and you’re an awesome presenter/creator! Celebrate yourself! (I understand your humbleness tho, which is also respectable 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻)
The Seagull ST 21 movement is military grade watch and in my opinion one of the best China produces, the watch you are wearing comes with 21 jewels and well worth the price.
Good work T3. When I think about where the Chinese are today I would have no qualms about buying a seagull. They produce about 25% of the watch movements around the world and just because they have just fairly recently actually started producing their own watches I wouldn't discount them. Like Long Island watch says they have models that run as much as $7,000 in Gold Course. One thing I might suggest, don't buy off of Amazon. You will probably get a copy. Check out seagull homepage.
Congrats on your success! Ignore the trolls and keep doing what you do so well. I'd love to see you review the new EMG watches. I'm looking at the DL63 chrono. I believe it uses the ST1901 movement. Same as your watch? Thoughts?
I just got one. First piece had some dust under the crystal.. Returned and replaced. Second piece has a hairline scratch on the acrylic crystal, which I can live with :) Dust under the crystal is like an itch you can't scratch (unless, of course, you open up the watch, which I didn't want to do to a brand new one!) Besides the scratch is microscopic and most would not bother unless you have OCD like me haha. Also, the dealer had earlier changed the strap to a blue leather Paros, which looks gorgeous, and I managed to coax him to give me the original Nato too...that is, after he had a glass of wine LOL..
2 thumbs up for you Jory. You are so right.Keep up a good work.This 21 Zuan sells for $299 on "Island watch" site,they also have many other good inexpensive watches.
I have been to China 4 times. The last time I was there I went looking for a Seagull watch and none of the jewelers knew anything about it. This was in 2010. I was in Beijing at the time in the center of their largest market.
Even in 2021, Seagull watches are not often sold in stores in China. They are however easily available online on Taobao or JD, the two biggest e-commerce websites in China.
I just bought one on these, got it this afternoon. It already doesn't work properly. The whole mechanism locks up randomly, but it seems to be as its changing minutes on the 30 minute chronograph. It doesn't happen every minute, but it's usually within the first 5 minutes
One thing I wonder about Chinese watch-making is if they are capable of making really high end complications like tourbilions for the purpose of making knockoff JLC's or whatever, why not just make a unique watch brand on their own? Sure, there won't be the history, but if I could get 90% of a reverso tourbilion for $1000 that is Chinese branded, I would in a heartbeat.
I'm a huge fan of the face. It definitely has its own vibe, which I'm all for. I'm looking for a cool, unique chronograph and this might be it. Cheers.
Got the 1908 for my nephews graduation who likes the moon phase complication. Can’t complain about this watch as it’s a gift for a novice. What they don’t know...
Congrats on your growing viewer base. This is the exact watch I plan on buying. I have watches that are Swiss, German, Japanese, Russian, and USA made. I want something Chinese made that has history and not Chinese made just for the cheap labor.
I like a watch for what it does and offers (looks) for its price. Because to me, a lot of names cause a really high price jump for something that does the exact same thing as a more affordable watch.
don''t have an issue with good quality products coming from where ever! I wanna add a few seagulls to my collection... oddly though I don't seem to particularly attracted to "swiss" watches... perhaps an omega (coz of mr. bond! lol)
I live in China. I love the idea of this "inexpensive" chronograph just as much, if not more than the next guy. It doesn't mean what you THINK IT MEANS though bro. Best to let this piece go. Even in China, 1950`s Military Style Red Stars don't go over very well and don't convey Chinese ideals. The movement is beautiful right? Gotta let it go.
Let's get it straight here on the Chinese ripping off the Swiss on the movement for the Sea-Gull 1963 Air Force chronograph. The Chinese government back in the early sixties bought the rights, design drawings and all from Venus. At that time, the beat rate of the Venus 175 caliber was leisurely 18,000 vph. The Chinese watchmakers, presumably as instructed by their government , to make the watch a little more stable for use by their air force pilots. So, they modified the movement to beat at 21,600 vph. For marketing purpose, the movement was made to look a little more prettier (blued screw and all!) and a see-through back was introduced as an option.
In short, the Chinese did not steal or copy the Venus movement. Instead, they own the right to the movement. I hope this set things straight, a little!
ok
hi. i am from germany and i got curios about sea gull. when you find out that they are one of the world‘ biggest manufakturer of mechanical movements on earth and there are quite a lot watches with a seagull movement that are assambles in swiss and therefor they are called swiss watches you would be surprised..it is not nessessary to attack or fight anything from anywhere. just do som resarch for yourself.
@@petermammon82 Ich habe eine, sie ist perfekt 😍
Frag mich alles!
Yasyas Marangoz ich auch, danke! hab allerdings schon zweimal das plexiglas ab geschlagen war meine schuld..trag meine auch mit grossem vergnügen!hab auch die seagull tank commander. einklasse teil. danke fürs antworten😃
@@petermammon82 they are the largest producers of automatic movements, they make around 25% of all automatic movements that are made worldwide
Sometimes I wear my Chinese made watch, while watching my Chinese made tv, sitting in my Chinese underwear! Love all watches, don’t be a watch snob💪🏼
So do you need to replace all of your Chinese products..except the underwear, after only a few weeks of use because they are broken?',
Loose Unit No, because they function flawlessly and don't need replacement. I hope you realize iPhones are made in China and are generally regarded as the best phones. If something as precise and complex as an iPhone can be hand assembled in China in the hundreds of millions and still function perfectly almost everytime then so can a watch. I also doubt you don't own any Chinese made goods. Most of your electronics were likely made there whether you realize it or not.
if you want to hate on china you better watch out for the 1.37 billion chinese people go to hell
I just don't understand why sometime westerns don't like or hate China, China produce/export goods so everyone around the world can afford necessary amenities for their life, China don't involve any wars, terrorisms, don't send any troops overseas. As a Chinese living overseas for nearly 10 year, very rarely there are something good about China I can find in local media, in contrast, reports in Chinese about western are more positive.
@@blablabla6-k2d Chinese made products are still a POS and flooded the US with their junk the Japanese made Tech still ahead of the Chinese ,,I do not hate China I travel a lot and the last time I went through Beijing I was very disgusted,Dusty cold rude and unfriendly they cannot speak English,and take items they would want to keep for themselves that is really wrong and sick,I would never go that route again I rather pay more for a route other than Beijing and they brag about how big their Airport its useless anyway,read all the People reviews,oh China will never get ahead because they are nothing but copy cats,
The seagull is not a clone of the Venus movement. Seagull actually bought the original machinery. So the only difference is geographically where it is made. Nice movement.
Materials, workers skill level and Quality control are not the same.
yep back in the 60s when Venus wanted to develop the 180, and need money.
As far as I know a lot of the products made in China are design in the US I was in the retail business
That seagull movement is better than seiko nh35?
@@anishabisht4213 if u are looking for a automatic movement , seagull st2130 is a much better movement than NH35, the technical indicators even better than Seiko 6R
For all the critics: First of all, Tianjin Seagull is one of the biggest watch movement producers worldwide and no chinese backyard brand. Also, the manufacturer legally bought the swiss manufacturing machines many years before so it's totally legit to produce the ST19 movement based on an old Venus calibre.
I really love the watch and I do own one, too. For under 300€ here in Europe this is an absolute stunner. Sure, the watch isn't perfect at all, but you always have to keep the price in mind. For example I don't like the blue painted (not heat treated) hands, they look a bit cheap when looking closer at them. Also the machine finishing of the movement is pretty rough in detail but as I said - for the money an absolutely great watch. I do most like the look of the whole watch, it's amongst all other watches out there one of my favorites. Absolutely classy and timeless.
If you want to see some high quality pictures you can check out my Flickr page:
www.flickr.com/photos/callmewhatever/26321866702/in/album-72157655219095306/
www.flickr.com/photos/callmewhatever/26403347206/in/album-72157655219095306/
www.flickr.com/photos/callmewhatever/26449612475/in/album-72157655219095306/
www.flickr.com/photos/callmewhatever/26391398891/in/album-72157655219095306/
www.flickr.com/photos/callmewhatever/25871232304/in/album-72157655219095306/
www.flickr.com/photos/callmewhatever/25901074974/in/album-72157655219095306/
I got one 2 months ago. Love it. I also own seikos and a hamilton field watch. The sea gull keeps just as good time as any watch I have.
Cool, close to buy one
How loud is it to you?
I remember when Japanese products used to put Western sounding names. Their goods had a bad reputation. But now Japanese products are amazing. Chinese goods are going through the same scenario.
I remember the term " jap crap" when referring to Japanese motorcycles, the copied the UK models then bettered them destroying the competition on the way.
Truth
Why Japan now is high quality producers? One name: Edward Demming. He taught quality, standardization and picking fewer reliable quality control suppliers. Japan listened to the lectures and now they are the standard. china needs to do the same. Focus o quality control and good suppliers and you will have a fierce following supporting you.
China is working it.
Had mine a couple of years now, still looks good runs good. I visited the region of manufacture years ago, I bought the watch BECAUSE it was Chinese
This comment is a couple of year old now. I've read an article that went in depth with q few eta and Chinese movement and the seagull watch movement turns out didn't have any oil in the jewels or gears~ so after four years how is your watch running and did you get it serviced?
came back in 2021 .Did you still like it?
Just a quick addition, at the time the original 1963 watch was made, the tooling were bought directly from Venus, and so was the license to produce it in China, so it's a Chinese made Venus 175.
And, just for sake of information, Ginault watches, proudly "Made in USA" have an ETA 2824-2 clone inside, just copied piece by piece and "Made in USA"... I guess reality will hurt some righteous butts XD
Eh haters. The seagull is cool not my cup of tea on looks but that's my personal choice. I don't like the vostok look either but still cool. Haters gonna hate time tellers gonna tell time.
These people bash Chinese watches, and yet they go to Wal-mart to buy things, or play with their iPhone all day long. Ostentatious hypocrites.
Usually, they just don't know any better... How they have the nerve to preach when they clearly don't even know half the story though, that completely baffles me.
You talk about these people playing with their Iphones, these idiots don't know their Iphones are made in China in some sweat shop factory. I've got a few Tevise Automatic watches, and I can tell you first hand you get a lot of bang for your buck, after 2 years of daily wear they're still going strong. Even if it broke down on me, I'd happily just buy another one.
Amen to that!! So many Chinese brands are using some great movements and providing some seriously awesome value for money with features like sapphire crystals and solid endlinks. Even with Seiko, you need to plunk down some serious change to get those specs.
Moral of the story, if it works for you and you like it, fuck everyone else! Wearing my Parnis mechanical pilot’s watch as I type this! 😂
@@Absolutelywhack Just to let you know, I've got 2 Parnis tourbilon watches I bought from Aliexpress, and they have power reserve indicator, date and feel a lot more expensive than they are.
AthenaSaints best part they used our compass technology and gunpowder to wage wars then when out invented them, slap tariffs and trade restrictions to create unfair advantages for USA. Hypocrites at its best no doubt. Toshiba and Japan both experienced it first hand and now it’s China and Huawei. It’s my way or no way. Awesome. This is why the world is at a standstill.
I think that Seagull is a really attractive watch. Chinese industry, in general, is really coming up in the world and are quickly starting to dispel the "Made in China = Crap" myth. Your channel is blowing up, man!
Justin Miyahara ya, just look into Kiu Tai Yu, he is one of few people that is in AHCI. Self taught, tho I actually don't like his dials.
Similarly, the Chinese car industry is coming into its own. Already they make pretty good copies of American and European cars and are releasing better and better models every year. It's only a matter of time until they make their way into the global market as real competition.
OnePlus phones are fantastic.
The majority of a lot so called swiss watches are manufactured in China. The crystals, cases, straps and even dials are all made in China. The swiss made criterion requests 60% of the product in value, not weight or volume to be swiss. In a watch that means only the movement is swiss. Basically everything else you can see is Chinese. So how can Chinese manufacture be crap in that sense?
I really like the seagull watch. Doesn’t hurt to have one in the collection.
Since i have a little money for this hobby i own 12 watches. Most of them are Seiko and Orient watches. 4 month ago i brought a vostok. I didnt expect much, but for the price this thing is awsome. Last week i ordered a sugess, chinese watch with the same movement as yours and im sure this thing is awsome too. Collecting watches opens your mind and how you think of other countries.
Man! Love your channel! Don't waist your breath on trolls! Regarding this movement, Venus (see Swiss company) sold the blue prints of this movement to Seagull. Seagull legally owns the caliber and it is now theirs. The movement was not designed by Seagull, but it is now--for all intents and purposes--an in-house movement.
Like you said; 'I just like watches' I have Omega, Hamilton, Seiko, Casio, Vostock and the Sea-Gull is certainly on my next watch list. It's, like the Vostock out of main stream. I couldn't care less if it came from Oagadugu. It's history, and reminds me of times past. Great video, Thanks
Alan
Thumbs up for the Ouagadougou reference. ;-)
Alan Vanderhaegen Sir is vostock good ? You like
Just FYI, it's spelled "Vostok" in English and "Wostok" in German. I agree with your point, though. There is really no need to hate on it just because it's Chinese, it does have a real history.
I have one of this and absolutely love it, the champagne dial is so beautiful and the colour of the hands is almost iridescent and very clear in the background. I'm also getting a Seguss Moonphase Master, model 80002. The dial pattern is mindblowing.
I have 2 Sugess watches and the finish on them is a step up. I bought the Ocean Star, a Submariner homage and the detail on it is incredible including glidelock adjustment and I have the Sugess Panda 1963 with Swan neck adjuster, again, super well made, beautiful quality stitched leather strap, a stunning watch. Better attention to detail than my ZiJuan 1963 Chrono on a not so good khaki NATO strap as featured in this video. A beauty of a watch nonetheless but the Sugess just went that extra mile.
I hope you are enjoying your Sugess watch. I am going to order the Sugess Tourbillon next as I don't fancy spending £16,000 on one of the Swiss models. Cannot justify 16k until I fully understand if this feature will make any difference in life.
I own a Seagull moonphase, for US$400. With 2 years warranty. Then sometimes , after 1 year, the moonphase stuck and I send for service. I thought of throwing away if they do not service it.
Surprisingly they have free service and I got it serviced.
Yes the straps are poorly made. It fell off when I was going for bus in Hong Kong. The movement stuck, and I sent for service again and it was free service again no question asked.
Now I change $70 Hong Kong made leather strap. I may change to $300 European leather strap next.
For me service is more important than the watch. Going to service and see the dead watch live again is exciting and if it is free is more exciting.
I would buy a Seagull over a Seiko with less complicated movement and limited service or some poor service Europe brand.
It is something worth buying if you can not afford a genuine good Swiss automatic movement. I rather wear a Seagull than a fake Swiss watches / or battery quartz electronic & digital such as Apple or G Shock anytime.
Agreed, I wear an Alpha with a seagull movement. It comes with a two year warranty and so far runs great. It runs +.2 seconds per day. I changed the strap out for a better leather one.
Seiko last a lifetime you just need to change original batteries every 7 years My whole family owns and wear it my 4 sons me and my husband and our daughter
A European made watch with poor service? Compared to Chinese sellers at least you can go to the manufacturer and you will get service. Maybe it's because you are in China that you can find a real Seagull shop and watch and actually get service?
99% off these watches, like the 1963 Chronograph in most cases, aren't assembled by Seagull and therefore they won't have anything to do with them.
European watches like Omega give a 5 year warranty and you usually don't have to worry about them stopping working. They certainly won't stop working like your watch did - twice within 2 years. Out of dozens of western watches I've had none have stopped working in such a short time. A crown came loose on a german one after around 10 years but it was fixed for free and a cheap marathon had tritium tubes come loose after over 20 years but it still worked. Over 20 years without a service before a problem surfaced with a marathon that was as cheap as a Chinese watch. No Chinese watch I've had has lasted that long and most have failed before 2 years.
@@murph8411 Not that I don't like the Omega but consider the price difference. A lot of us would love an Omega but cant justify the cost of such a luxury either to buy or to maintain properly. So what exactly should us lowers and common people in society do for a watch?
I don't like the commies any more than most but cant help but remember it was the Rolex and Omega wearing takers from Wall Street that sold out American industry and our middle class to satiate their greed and provide them the means to pay for those Swiss timepieces in the first place. The irony is not lost on hearing the indifference of a Western watch snob berate the less fortunate for the simple act of purchasing an affordable time piece made by and for the very same people he despises all while shamelessly deceiving, using and exploiting both, them and us, to make himself personally wealthy. Yeah, no irony there at all.
The cost to service that Omega after all, after the 5 years is up, will be greater than the total cost of a new seagull now.
Now having said all of that allow me to share a rather dark rant, in regards to possibly owning a seagull as an American solider, in our present strange and troubling times. That is I do take some small bit of comfort knowing that at least if and when I'm sent back into battle at the behest of the ruling class, this next time against the Communist Chinese, I wont have worry about lowering myself to steeling a seagull off a dead communist soldier's body simply because I can afford to purchase the same watch now. In same dark vain, it also stands to reason that wont be the case if and when we finally turn our guns around to finish solving this problem and make that long over due, as Wall Street likes to say, correction. In that later case, you can be certain, we who survive might be tempted to collect some of those Rolex's and Omegas off the dead vermin that put us in this position and gave them the means to buy those watches all along.
So, if you have one, you enjoy that Omega there Mr. Murph and perhaps with a bit more humility and appreciation for your good fortune, remember to have a nice day while the rest of us get through ours the best way we can with what ever lowly timepieces we can take some small pleasure in owning.
L7pusher the people who work on Wall Street and make extortionate amounts don’t buy cheaper watches like omegas, in general. They are much more likely to buy Patek philippe.
As to what are people who can’t afford to spend the increasingly more expensive prices Omega et al are charging they can still afford a much more reliable and accurate quartz or even a citizen or seiko. The lower end Seiko and citizen automatic are just as cheap as a Seagull and at least you can get it repaired under guarantee easily enough.
Trying to get service from Seagull or other Chinese companies and then paying to send a watch back to China is far from easy or cheap.
A genuine Seagull chronograph is around 500 usd while a knock off can be had for less than 200. Even paying a few hundred dollars from an importer still gives you a fake seagull which will probably be made to a much poorer standard than a real one. If Seagull had western outlets and at reasonable prices I would buy from them.
The main problem with Chinese watches are all the copies. It’s almost impossible to know what you’re getting buying from websites, eBay, grey importers or aliexpress.
Look at the price of the Fiyta Chinese space chronographs like the GA880018. They are charging into the thousands of dollars for them.
Keep going!. You really have talent.
I have a automatic parnis watch with sea gull movement I got for work 5 years ago for when there is a chance I may damage a nice watch. It's a damn good watch, reliable and accurate. I've hit the watch, dropped it and it's still like new.
In the end it's a very good watch that is also really nice and I use it in my rotation now.
When you "drill down" into the guts of almost any watch today (and lots of other consumer products as well), it becomes apparent that most can be described as "multinationals", as components are sourced worldwide. Thank you for an interesting video.
Many people forget or do not even know where their smartphones were produced.
As a watch snob and owner of 3 Rolex watches and 2 Vintage Tudors I've had the Archie Luxuary mindset that anything under 5 thousand dollars is not worth wearing. However that Chinese military watch really caught my eye. It's an interesting watch and I'm probably going to pull the trigger and buy it for a bit of fun.
James Wong archie i thought was cool but then he made those sex tourism videos..
Alien Hatz 😂
James, I am fortunate enough to own a Breguet pocket watch made during Louis Breguet's lifetime, originally owned by my great great grandfather. Needless to say, it lives in the bank, not at home. If I sold that watch, I could buy, what? Twenty-five Rolexes? Should I look down my nose and consider your Rolexes not worth wearing? Pieces that I might buy "for a bit of fun"?
Am I a watch snob? I absolutely am not. I'm an incredibly fortunate heir. Right this minute, I'm wearing a Seiko SKX. I'm just pointing out that three Rolexes and a couple of old Tudors are really not anything to be so bloody pretentious about.
Wow three Rolex watches look at you
The Chinese invented the first mechanical clock, so it's the swiss copying the Chinese hahaha.
The watch back then had nothing to do with the watch you have today...
nameless well the watch I have today is also made in China so there’s one similarity
There are a number of Chinese watches that actually keep good time as well as Vostoks. Economies of Scale often are neglected when we think about pricing and quality which has it’s own issues when it comes to fair pay/ wages particularly as it applies to those that build timepieces in any country.
Cash Money yes I know Vostoks are Russian watches, my point is that economies of scale are different for any given country and what prices are charged given what they elect to pay their workers and the number of workers producing specific pieces during any given year. Start up microbrand companies that are doing well due to cost effective out sourcing essentially are making reasonable returns based on the quality of the case, appeal and functions, not the movement. This is usually achieved by excellent marketing and PR.
I don't mind Japanese or Chinese watches they make vary affordable high quality watches. my first watch when I was 12years old was a seiko chronograph with a blue dial. and started it all since then I've had 3 more seikos two of which needed servicing. a seiko perpetual calendar $400 for a whole new movement more then what I paid for the watch. my other one was a seiko SRP318 a really nice dress watch well as few years down the road I noticed it wasn't keeping time and the power reserve wasn't there. so I take it in $300 for a hairspring. that's what I paid for the watch. my vintage sector 600 diver $280+tax for a complete overhaul on a standard grade ETA 2824-2 comes out to $300. I figured it's 15 years old I couldn't find another one anywhere so I paid for it. I still have it today. but I'll always have a place in my heart for seiko they started me on my watch addiction 😅
I own this Seagull 1963, sapphire crystal version, it's a sweet little watch. Looks good on a white nato strap with thin red and blue stripes.
USE IT EVERYDAYS,
I WANT TO SEE THAT CRAP IN THE GARBAGE CAN, AND IT WILLL.
I don't think Seagull make one with a sapphire crystal, display back or size other than 38mm. Plenty of other versions pretending to be the same but without warranty and often poor assembly.
Does yours say seagull on the case back with a seagull model no. like 819.17.1963
@@murph8411 it doesn't say seagull, I assumed it was seagull from this video. Seems well done though, decorated movement, sapphire, keeps good time.
I sure like my 1963, which is on my wrist now. I chose the 38mm size, with sapphire crystal and swan neck regulator. Mine gains between 2-3 seconds a day, plenty good for a mechanical. Replaced the band with a good quality full grain leather. Beautiful!
Great work Time Teller, the Seagull chronograph is awesome! I own the same watch but in 42mm. Maybe a follow-up can be how many Swiss watches contain Chinese parts because they do, more than the uninformed Swiss watch consumer really knows about. Most of them have subsidiaries in China making various parts for their watches the Swiss allow 60% to be made in Switzerland so the question is where does the other 40% come from?
I just got mine today. Early birthday present. It's green with a green strap. I am so sick of seeing the generic silver and whatever colours people tend to wear. I found this watch pleasing because of the green colour I was searching for, and after my hubby researched it he was very excited about the quality. I have had it on since it arrived and I'm obsessed with it already. Just stunning!
Excellent watch. Quality can be easily recognized where it exists, unless someone doesn't want to see it.
..you are really a cool guy! As a Swiss, I totally agree with you... greetingsfrom Zürich
Not too long ago Swiss watches were known as cheap knock-offs of French or Dutch watches.
I bought a Chinese watch in Thailand.
I get more compliments on it than all my other wrist watches combined.
The leather band and highlights matched my tan perfectly,,, LOL!
USE IT EVERYDAYS AND WAIT FOR THE LAST COMPLIMENT...IN A YEAR FUKIN IMBECILE...
YES THEY SELL ROLEX COPIES, BUT YOUR ARE AN IMBECILE, YOU DONT KNOW YOUR WATHC IS CRAP AND YOR GONN LOOSE A LOT OF MONEY , SOON OR LATER...UNTIL YOU HAVE TO THORW IT TO GARBAGE CAN.
Received 2 Vostok watches from a Russian site today and I’m pleased with them. I’ve ordered this Seagull 1963 from a German site today. 37.5mm case with sapphire crystal. I’m sure I’ll love it.
I absolutely love how many watches use the ST19 movement such as the Alpha Chronograph! That Seagull is gorgeous!!
Just shine these folks on and don't worry about it, if you are hated maybe it's a bit of envy going on, I have been called a baby killer after Vietnam, and a earth destroyer from the Sierra Club without knowing me, but by only reading an editorial I wrote once, regarding the energy industry (that I was working in at the time).
Everyone acts like Chinese things are bad when everything Literally EVERYTHING is Chinese made at some point or using Chinese sourced parts
You're absolutely right !! a watch should be judged on its own merits.. not on the heritage of the manufacturer or the CEO because some of the most well know brands and CEO's (you know who..) have been responsible for the worst designed watches and oversized crap you've ever seen. 10K subs 👍🏼
you have convinced me. I gonna buy it
It is all about self-confidence (and knowledge, too).
I own several watches and like them all, "cheap" or costly.
Sometimes I run around with a 16600 Seadweller, sometimes with the Seagull 1963.
I have modern Seikos and vintage ones, ETA 7750 chronos, Poljot 3133, etc.
And I have a timegrapher at home, so I can "see" how the movements perform.
I regulate my watches, if they run slow, or much too fast (except Microstella ones of course).
The movement in the Seagull 1963 / Chinese Airforce is a swiss design.
The Seagull ST19 (TY2901) is based on the Venus 175, more jewels and 21600 bph.
So, it is a proven chronograph-movement (column-wheel!).
This movement is a winner (by design) and all depends on quality control.
I trust Seagull in this regard - btw. I own 3 ST-19 chronographs.
On the timegrapher they perform flawlessly, excellent in fact.
Very high amplitude (over 300), beat error low (easy to adjust, btw.)...
...and the most important - the positional- error, the stability is very good.
Changing the position, the amplitude does not lose much and the beat error does increase only minimally.
And there is another truth...the chinese 2824 clones (by Seagull) can be as good as the ETA ones.
And the Valjoux 7750 is not as great as some might think, I like it, but do not love it.
The Seiko 8R28 is by far the better movement - most know this.
Swiss watches are great, but some people should be more open-minded.
I own a Poljot Aviator || . And I bought a Seagull 1963. Top watches at great prices. The poljot duplicate is price, since I bought it, fifteen years ago. And works always.
This video has sold me on your channel. Witty, insight and interesting. Keep up the good work!
Just bought a sea gull watch. I believe the type is 816.351. It's an amazing watch for the price point. I even dare to say that it has slightly smoother movement than my seiko srpb46j1 that's more expensive. I don't have any idea what kind of movement is good but i like to look at it everytime i wear it.
I have that watch with the saphire front and back. It is not my most expensive watch, but it's certainly one of my favorites. It is absolutely gorgeous!
It's so awesome to see the way your channel is growing... I've been subbed since before 1k. Incredible stuff. Congratulations, Jory!
I have 3 russinan watches, and I love them to bits: a Pobeda from the '60's with the original leather strap, a Vostok Kommandirskie with a blue dial, and a Sturmanskie Gagarin Titanium with an ivory dial. They are all great.
I love it! Beautiful litle movement, nice dial and good price. I like my seagull
I saw that watch in your amazon store earlier this week... almost got me digging in my pocket... I really like that watch... also I have worked with a lot of Chinese people and they are truly kind...
Agree w u. Baltic watches use a Chinese movement and people seem to view the brand w kinder eyes
I bought one when it was released, since then the watch works fine, very accurate and is still in perfect condition. This watch is a pure bargain. Quality, look and exotic.
You seem like a very reasonable guy. I enjoy your channel and have encountered some really negative people on youtube. Glad to see you aren't one of them. Best of luck and keep the good content going. Thanks
Swiss taking an ETA and putting their name on it and nobody bats an eye.❤
Seagull taking a Venus and everybody loses their minds 💪
Ahahaha fr never taught about it that way. This is the same as the sellit
Thanks for your good judgement and good heart. Gotta be stronger facing people full of fear/ignorance deliberated, so keep on going compadre! By the way, it's a nice watch. Regards from Colombia
I recently bought one in 41mm and sapphire crystal. At $379 from an ad. I love it. Works good even the chrongrapy feature bb
I have one, it is an excellent watch that keeps really accurate time, it is hard to beat for the price.
I fucking hate Communists.......but.......that's not to say I don't like their watches. Both Seagull and Vostok are excellent value for the money. A Vostok is the toughest automatic you'll ever buy for less than $100. And reasonably accurate for anyone that isn't anally snobbish about a few seconds lost or gained in a day. The accuracy of a Seagull is probably better than Vostok, but Vostok watches are more customizable.
Long Island watch sells them. Marc is great to deal with as well.
WAIT there are still people alive that never got over the red scare? That's absolutely hilarious.
These movements are very interesting, thanks for exploring these
Just ordered one :)
I think that the Chinese are where the Japanese were in the 1930s, 40s, and even early 50s. The big question is who will be the first Chinese brand that really gets accepted in the watch enthusiast community, like Seiko did for Japan? I think Tianjin Seagull could be the brand.
I've had two Sea Gulls ( a 217.414 and a M308s) each for several years and they function flawlessly. I bought them because they had complications I wanted and attractive finishing, at a cost 1/50th of what the same type complications would have cost from elsewhere.
And I agree with the point you make about the weird mindset that says "eeww..China", when, as you have observed, most of our consumer stuff has a China connection.
Iregardless of where this watch is made, it's well made and pretty cool. This style of Chronograph was used by Army Officers to time artillery placements. The original use was in WWI on both sides, primarily by French and German officers.
Hi Timeteller :-)
Thanks for the cool review. As others have noted below, the ST19 is a re-issue/clone of the Venus 175, true, but it's well documented that the Chinese government *bought* the Venus 175 tooling as well as training from Venus in the early 1960s when 1) Venus was looking to finance a new movement and 2) the Chinese government wanted a chrono movement for their airforce chronographs (known in China as Project 304).
Interesting watch..! I love watches in general.! Always open to learn about every single piece of time tellers..!
This remembers me of Back to the Future, where Marty tells Doc that all good tech comes from Japan, leaving Doc in shock. Japan used have a reputation similar to China, and look where we are now.
The Seagull pilots chrono is a beautiful, beautiful piece. I have Russian, Japanese, Swiss and German made watches in my collection, and I don't see why Chinese watches get a bad rap. They offer quite the amazing value, especially for the automatic chronograph.I'm hunting for a certain vintage Chinese automatic to add, but the 1962 re-issues are quite good looking. Might pick up a panda dial.
It is a great watch. I love wearing it.
I have a cheap Chinese made Cadisen C1032. Its a great watch for the money. I'm not much into dress watches so I wanted a cheap versatile one. Its not exactly the compliment champion. But it certainly doesn't look out of place on the few occasions I go to a formal event and don't want to wear my date just.
And thanks a lot for your professional perspective and attitude towards Chinese Watch.Thank you！
Awesome video, i agree 100%... Only have one question. Does this watch really tick loud? Heard so in another video so wanted to ask you guys. I really like it and i am want to buy it, but if it ticks loud i might reconsider.
Poljot strela ,Undone watch, Dan Henry, Dreyfuss Mens Watch ,Braun Men's Watch Chronograph, they are all great watches.
I was told by an Older Russian guy that Swiss Watches were once banned in the USA back in the early days. Something on the line that they were deemed as copies to British and US watches. I have no idea if true, but if so it would have been a long time ago. Might be similar for Chinese watches in the future...
Hi Jory, does your version of the watch have a sapphire or acrylic crystal? I'm thinking of buying this watch but I'm having a hard time deciding which version to go for. I think the acrylic version looks better with the high dome, but I really like the durability of sapphire. I've heard from some owners of the acrylic version of this model that the crystal is quite flimsy and cracks easily or just falls out for no reason. What's your opinion?
I wear Swiss, English, German, Japanese, American and Canadian watches...Oh Borealis...Spanish. All good. Bravo time teller!
Love your objective attitude!! Keep up the good work!!
Good stuff man and congrats on reaching the 9k sub milestone
Most *Swiss* watches contain numerous Chinese sourced parts (dial, cases, bracelets, crystals, ebauches etc). Many are almost entirely made in China. They are just cased in Switzerland to get the 'Swiss Made' appellation.
The first two AK-47's I bought were Chinese for two reasons. They are the best quality ones and they are the some of the most rare ones since they were banned from import in 1989
It's a good solid movement, I have Swiss, Japanese and German watches. No problem with this one at all, in fact I wear it a lot
“I can’t believe that many people want to watch my content!” Dude, don’t sell yourself short! Your content is fantastic and you’re an awesome presenter/creator! Celebrate yourself! (I understand your humbleness tho, which is also respectable 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻)
I agree with you I have an Alpha chronograph hand wind from China. Love it. For those haters of Asian watches.
Looks well put together appropriately-sized and it's not Invicta. Checks all the boxes for me.
Is it true that Seagull 1963 official authentic watch does not have a transparent back cover?
The Seagull ST 21 movement is military grade watch and in my opinion one of the best China produces, the watch you are wearing comes with 21 jewels and well worth the price.
Good work T3. When I think about where the Chinese are today I would have no qualms about buying a seagull. They produce about 25% of the watch movements around the world and just because they have just fairly recently actually started producing their own watches I wouldn't discount them. Like Long Island watch says they have models that run as much as $7,000 in Gold Course. One thing I might suggest, don't buy off of Amazon. You will probably get a copy. Check out seagull homepage.
It's actually up to usd500k watch they're selling. Just saying. 😁
Congrats on your success! Ignore the trolls and keep doing what you do so well. I'd love to see you review the new EMG watches. I'm looking at the DL63 chrono. I believe it uses the ST1901 movement. Same as your watch? Thoughts?
I just got one. First piece had some dust under the crystal.. Returned and replaced. Second piece has a hairline scratch on the acrylic crystal, which I can live with :) Dust under the crystal is like an itch you can't scratch (unless, of course, you open up the watch, which I didn't want to do to a brand new one!) Besides the scratch is microscopic and most would not bother unless you have OCD like me haha. Also, the dealer had earlier changed the strap to a blue leather Paros, which looks gorgeous, and I managed to coax him to give me the original Nato too...that is, after he had a glass of wine LOL..
Another great watch from China. Much better than U.S. junk.
2 thumbs up for you Jory. You are so right.Keep up a good work.This 21 Zuan sells for $299 on "Island watch" site,they also have many other good inexpensive watches.
I purchased one of these just to take a cool picture in Disney's Animal Kingdom and fell in love with it.
I have been to China 4 times. The last time I was there I went looking for a Seagull watch and none of the jewelers knew anything about it. This was in 2010. I was in Beijing at the time in the center of their largest market.
Even in 2021, Seagull watches are not often sold in stores in China. They are however easily available online on Taobao or JD, the two biggest e-commerce websites in China.
I just bought one on these, got it this afternoon. It already doesn't work properly. The whole mechanism locks up randomly, but it seems to be as its changing minutes on the 30 minute chronograph. It doesn't happen every minute, but it's usually within the first 5 minutes
One thing I wonder about Chinese watch-making is if they are capable of making really high end complications like tourbilions for the purpose of making knockoff JLC's or whatever, why not just make a unique watch brand on their own? Sure, there won't be the history, but if I could get 90% of a reverso tourbilion for $1000 that is Chinese branded, I would in a heartbeat.
I'm a huge fan of the face. It definitely has its own vibe, which I'm all for. I'm looking for a cool, unique chronograph and this might be it. Cheers.
A grest looking watch and very individual , unlike so many designs today.
Got the 1908 for my nephews graduation who likes the moon phase complication. Can’t complain about this watch as it’s a gift for a novice. What they don’t know...
Mine is on its way, 38mm with saphire crystal 🤗 nice video, and yes this is Chinese crafmanship at its best.
Congrats on your growing viewer base. This is the exact watch I plan on buying. I have watches that are Swiss, German, Japanese, Russian, and USA made. I want something Chinese made that has history and not Chinese made just for the cheap labor.
Neuro what brand is from Greece? I know I still want England, Italy, and China.
I like a watch for what it does and offers (looks) for its price. Because to me, a lot of names cause a really high price jump for something that does the exact same thing as a more affordable watch.
don''t have an issue with good quality products coming from where ever! I wanna add a few seagulls to my collection... oddly though I don't seem to particularly attracted to "swiss" watches... perhaps an omega (coz of mr. bond! lol)
I live in China. I love the idea of this "inexpensive" chronograph just as much, if not more than the next guy. It doesn't mean what you THINK IT MEANS though bro. Best to let this piece go. Even in China, 1950`s Military Style Red Stars don't go over very well and don't convey Chinese ideals. The movement is beautiful right? Gotta let it go.