It’s nice but I can’t with that Red Star. I would say it’s like having a swastika on your dial, but Mao’s revolution killed 10x the amount of people as the Nazi regime did. So technically, it’s worse.
It’s a throwaway movement as well. It would cost many time the cost of a new movement to service it. Sad reality but the reality. Mine has been running nicely for about 3 years though. I wind it up every day. I love it.
More like under 200...They are all coming from the same place. I got mine for 170 on the usual chinese websites, the 38mm acrylic version with the gooseneck movement. It arrived in perfect condition and it is still going strong after around 6 months. Lovely piece!
I greatly enjoy my Seagull 1963 despite owning a Bulgari Velocissimo chronograph and an Omega Mark II chronograph. The historical importance of the Seagull 1963 to the horological history of China cannot be overemphasized.
Well summed up Bruce. I think this is an ideal addition to a collection not only for those on a tighter budget but for someone who wants to see the workings and function of that old Venus movement. OK a service would cost more than the watch but as an occasional wear it should last quite a while. Not only that but if it starts to have movement issues it would be ideal for a budding watchmaker to learn from. I do not have one but I'd certainly not rule it out.
Looking through the exhibition back on mine - I wouldn't even consider even altering the gooseneck setting without a microscope the chronograph movement is HUGELY complex and tiny.
I own quite a few seagull movements. 3 to 4 years ago, it was a shot in the dark when buying this movement. Over the last year or so, all of the watches coming from the china region have seen a significant improvements in quality. They are now much better value than most U.S. companies > islander watches, etc, and a lot of european watches > baltic is a nightmare. I just shipped back to france, a baltic that was running 9 MINUTES fast per hour.
Absolutely stunning watch. Just got it today, can’t take it off my wrist. Wish I had known about it earlier. It’s also very unique and different and yet classy.
Not only the patent, but the whole tooling. Now comparing patents between China and Switzerland is about like the proverbial pot calling the kettle black. Switzerland built itself in the XIXth century on a lack of patent system, which they finally had to create about 50 years after everyone else in 1888 under threat from other European countries. But while they obliged for mechanical innovations (where they had an edge), they refused to grant patents on chemical process until 1907 (meanwhile they were robbing the German pharmaceutical industry high and low). Wonder no more why many of the top world pharmaceutical companies are homed in Switzerland. Switzerland in the early XXth century was doing what Japan did after WW II and what China is doing now.
Ali express - July 2024 - Seagull 1963 (clone) 40mm with the original movement, exhibition back, gooseneck, sapphire and 2 straps in a hard 'peli'case for £84 (£104 including duties and taxes) ABSOLUTELY NOT $400.
Nice video, but this see-through back version was actually a fake… the authentic version from the seagull was sadly not with see through back and cost around 800 dollars by retail.
I own a number of these movements and so far they are all working properly but I wear them very rarely. My concern has always been the durability of this movement. How well made are they, how long will they last. You hear people say they have been wearing theirs every day for years and have had no problems whatsoever and other people say their watch stopped working after a few months. That seems to be the problem, the reliability is very inconsistent. Obviously the problem with buying a Chinese made watch. For the price though, under $200 USD for most watches, this movement cannot be beat!
This was the first watch I bought after 20 years. It's my go-to watch when I'm on the motorbike. The dial is stunning. Shame there is no lume though. Runs fine, no problems after two months.
There is a 'with lume' version available nowadays (I bought mine in 2024) in the seagull 1963 clone market - but I bought mine with the traditional thin blue and red hands.
I love your channel, but I don't see how anyone would want to celebrate anything to do with the People's Liberation China, Mao's guard for the Cultural Revolution in which 80m people died.
I've got the 38mm / acrylic crystal version. That's as close to the original as it gets, aside from the "Sea-Gull" made model, which goes for roughly twice the price.
@@valengreymoon5623 the more accurate version has a two liner "China" and "Tianjin Watch Factory" as the second line. The one liner that says "China Tianjin" are the copies
It can be really great if you get a good movement. QC can be an issue and is complained about online often. But this movement gets good use by Baltic (loved my Chrono while I had it) and most recently by Studio Underd0g.
I picked up one of these a couple of years ago because of the history. The straps it came with were garbage. The dial is hard to read in bright outdoor lightning. I rarely wear it even with better aftermarket straps.
This is the best dress watch you can get under 200. I got one for my wife and she wears it at formal events. This is the easiest way to get into a stunning movement.
@@BruceWilliams thanks sir, I appreciate you showing some of these more affordable pieces! I can only dream of getting a Seamaster or Marine Master for now.
I've tried on Pateks, JLCs, VCs, IWCs and so on and I honestly the Seagull movement looked better than most. Yes I did not have a microscope and if I did I am sure the Swiss heavyweights would look much better at 20x magnification but in reality we don't look at watches with 20x macro lens. The Swiss cover most of their movements in decorated plates but I am not after a piece of metal with nice finishing, I want to see the cogs of the movement.
It’s nice but I can’t with that Red Star. I would say it’s like having a swastika on your dial, but Mao’s revolution killed 10x the amount of people as the Nazi regime did. So technically, it’s worse.
100% - why Stalin and Mao get a pass where Hitler doesn't is baffling.
You really can't beat this watch on a dark brown leather strap. Stunning!
Yeah, I got the original spec for about £100, its fantastic, theres no point in paying for the Seagull when they're all the same movement.
It’s a throwaway movement as well. It would cost many time the cost of a new movement to service it. Sad reality but the reality. Mine has been running nicely for about 3 years though. I wind it up every day. I love it.
More like under 200...They are all coming from the same place. I got mine for 170 on the usual chinese websites, the 38mm acrylic version with the gooseneck movement. It arrived in perfect condition and it is still going strong after around 6 months. Lovely piece!
There are more attractive watches out there that use that movement.. This one would make me like I'm on guard duty in Outer Mongolia.
W comment
What other brands is this movement ? And are they around the same price with the exhibition case back?
I greatly enjoy my Seagull 1963 despite owning a Bulgari Velocissimo chronograph and an Omega Mark II chronograph. The historical importance of the Seagull 1963 to the horological history of China cannot be overemphasized.
Well summed up Bruce. I think this is an ideal addition to a collection not only for those on a tighter budget but for someone who wants to see the workings and function of that old Venus movement. OK a service would cost more than the watch but as an occasional wear it should last quite a while. Not only that but if it starts to have movement issues it would be ideal for a budding watchmaker to learn from. I do not have one but I'd certainly not rule it out.
Looking through the exhibition back on mine - I wouldn't even consider even altering the gooseneck setting without a microscope the chronograph movement is HUGELY complex and tiny.
Which mesh bracelet do you wear at 0:46?
I own quite a few seagull movements. 3 to 4 years ago, it was a shot in the dark when buying this movement. Over the last year or so, all of the watches coming from the china region have seen a significant improvements in quality. They are now much better value than most U.S. companies > islander watches, etc, and a lot of european watches > baltic is a nightmare. I just shipped back to france, a baltic that was running 9 MINUTES fast per hour.
Oh yikes thats no good
Absolutely stunning watch. Just got it today, can’t take it off my wrist. Wish I had known about it earlier. It’s also very unique and different and yet classy.
The most impressive thing from the story is that China actually purchased a patent. 🤯
Not only the patent, but the whole tooling.
Now comparing patents between China and Switzerland is about like the proverbial pot calling the kettle black. Switzerland built itself in the XIXth century on a lack of patent system, which they finally had to create about 50 years after everyone else in 1888 under threat from other European countries. But while they obliged for mechanical innovations (where they had an edge), they refused to grant patents on chemical process until 1907 (meanwhile they were robbing the German pharmaceutical industry high and low). Wonder no more why many of the top world pharmaceutical companies are homed in Switzerland.
Switzerland in the early XXth century was doing what Japan did after WW II and what China is doing now.
Ali express - July 2024 - Seagull 1963 (clone) 40mm with the original movement, exhibition back, gooseneck, sapphire and 2 straps in a hard 'peli'case for £84 (£104 including duties and taxes) ABSOLUTELY NOT $400.
Just got the 40mm sapphire for $150.00. I'm excited for it to show up!
Nice video, but this see-through back version was actually a fake… the authentic version from the seagull was sadly not with see through back and cost around 800 dollars by retail.
The thing about this watch is it is an absolute strap monster. The dial is clean and the proportions are even better.
I agree with this
Not bad. I have one too (40mm/sapphire/swan-neck/ss) but I think the movement looks fantastic!
Age with all the rest. Unbeatable value.
I wanna buy the sugess moonphase chronograph also uses parts from seagull
Sugess are nicer to look at and better seagull mechanics
I own a number of these movements and so far they are all working properly but I wear them very rarely. My concern has always been the durability of this movement. How well made are they, how long will they last. You hear people say they have been wearing theirs every day for years and have had no problems whatsoever and other people say their watch stopped working after a few months. That seems to be the problem, the reliability is very inconsistent. Obviously the problem with buying a Chinese made watch. For the price though, under $200 USD for most watches, this movement cannot be beat!
Agreed, at the price you can't complain
This was the first watch I bought after 20 years. It's my go-to watch when I'm on the motorbike. The dial is stunning. Shame there is no lume though. Runs fine, no problems after two months.
There is a 'with lume' version available nowadays (I bought mine in 2024) in the seagull 1963 clone market - but I bought mine with the traditional thin blue and red hands.
I love your channel, but I don't see how anyone would want to celebrate anything to do with the People's Liberation China, Mao's guard for the Cultural Revolution in which 80m people died.
I've got the 38mm / acrylic crystal version. That's as close to the original as it gets, aside from the "Sea-Gull" made model, which goes for roughly twice the price.
Exactly the same here, I figured the expensive one wasn't worth the retail price.
Considering so many are making this model, it's difficult, if not impossible to know which are "real".
Acrylic is absolutely the way to go imo, especially without any ar coating
Me too. The acrylic version doesn't have the high steel bezel found on the sapphire version, so I prefer the acrylic.
@@valengreymoon5623 the more accurate version has a two liner "China" and "Tianjin Watch Factory" as the second line. The one liner that says "China Tianjin" are the copies
Nice review Bruce👍🏻 would you mind to tell where did you get the mash bracelet for your this watch. Thank you.
It can be really great if you get a good movement. QC can be an issue and is complained about online often. But this movement gets good use by Baltic (loved my Chrono while I had it) and most recently by Studio Underd0g.
These are under $200.oo. If you paid more you got screwed.
I want this watch. I have other usual suspect chronographs. This is a bargain gem.
talks for 9mins and never says how it is at keeping time.
Help me find this mesh bracelet its perfect. Please :3
Hello, where did you buy your butterfly bracelet? :O
I picked up one of these a couple of years ago because of the history. The straps it came with were garbage. The dial is hard to read in bright outdoor lightning. I rarely wear it even with better aftermarket straps.
I've read it really depends on where you get yours, got mine at the same place Bruce got it from and that one actually is decent....
Thought about it, but it just doesn't seem like money well spent.
but over priced rolexs and omegas are
This is the best dress watch you can get under 200. I got one for my wife and she wears it at formal events. This is the easiest way to get into a stunning movement.
Nice!
@@BruceWilliams thanks sir, I appreciate you showing some of these more affordable pieces! I can only dream of getting a Seamaster or Marine Master for now.
where did you buy your mesh bracelet?
holbensfinewatchbands.com I use the polished version from the brand Staib
Which Milanese bracelet is he using? Anyone know
Staib.
Staib (German brand)
I've tried on Pateks, JLCs, VCs, IWCs and so on and I honestly the Seagull movement looked better than most. Yes I did not have a microscope and if I did I am sure the Swiss heavyweights would look much better at 20x magnification but in reality we don't look at watches with 20x macro lens. The Swiss cover most of their movements in decorated plates but I am not after a piece of metal with nice finishing, I want to see the cogs of the movement.
Tried on* key words that say a lot to the validity of your statement
Thats what we needed, the 1000th review of that watch 😉
Bringing you exactly what you want!
You'd better check it out with a solid caseback. You do not get these funny Chinese signs 🈷️🈶️🈚️🈸️🉑️ on the caseback, but beautiful red star. ⭐