A mechanical chronograph for only $190,- incl. shipment, is that possible?? Yes! It obviously won't be a Valjoux 7750, but I found this interesting alternative: the Seagull 1963. It is a Chinese watch. I know there are lots of 'watch-snobs' who refuse to take a Chinese manufacture seriously, but I am willing to try. I like the looks of this Seagull, and I am very curious what you can expect from a $190 mechanical chronograph. In the future I'll post a review after having used the watch for some time.

Some details:

- The design is a reissue of a Chinese Air Force (PLAAF) chronograph from the early 1960's
- size: 37.3mm without crown, 39.7 with crown, 13mm high
- domed crystal
- glass caseback optional

Some pictures (click picture for full size):


(c) cnmark

(c) cnmark

(c) cnmark

(c) Paul K

(c) cnmark

(c) cnmark

All I can say is look out Switzerland! A few years back Chinese quality was poor, these days its very different. The only (off the wall ) comparison I have is my model Locos that used to be made in Margate by Hornby(Rovex). These are now made in China and the quality has to be seen to be believed so far ahead of anything we ever produced here (sad but very true)

If that watch lives up to the same standard the Chinese will become a major force - If I was CW I would be talking to the Chinese about mechanical movements - and I mean that in all seriousness.

Look forward to your in depth review Hans. I think the appearance leaves much to be desired but the Chinese will get that right, perhaps the movement could be a base for a CW mechanical chrono - now theres a thought!!!

Interesting Hans, where did you find it?


David

Has a great old school look. Can't wait for the review.

David James Payne wrote:Interesting Hans, where did you find it?

On a Dutch watch-forum, a member is arranging a collective-buy in which I am participating....

I like the movement Hans,will be interesting to see what your reviews like.
Maybe some competition for the swiss wouldn't be a bad thing for us all

Rick wrote:I like the movement Hans,will be interesting to see what your reviews like.

I too will look forward to the review. It would almost seem you are trying to lend some credibility to the likes of Stauer and Steinhausen. I have 2 Steinhausens that were gifts, ( I would never have bought them myself) and I have always said I really like their design work. Maybe it is time to take them out of the box,wear them, and give a review myself. It might be fun to compare the results.

Although I don't own one, I've only heard bad things about Stauer and Steinhausen. Alpha uses Chinese movements (mostly) and gets good reviews. - http://www.alpha-watch.com

nice watch

I saw him for a few months and if it had the caseback glass, I would have already bought.

There are caseback glass version, but at € 380 !

Http://www.efx24.de/kundenbereiche/watc ... om_371.jpg

Otherwise, there is the "Seagull 0446 (1963)" which has the caseback glass:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1132/755 ... be.jpg?v=0

I will soon buy one of the two, with a Russian 24hrs ...

Looking forward to the review Hans. Odd though that the dial and case markings are Chinese (I assume) but the movement has English on it.

I have heard about that brand on a german watch forum.

The quality should be O.K. I think, I will by one in future, but very oft the dial style is not my cup of tea.

Nico

casimir wrote:nice watch

I saw him for a few months and if it had the caseback glass, I would have already bought.

There are caseback glass version, but at € 380 !

Http://www.efx24.de/kundenbereiche/watc ... om_371.jpg

Otherwise, there is the "Seagull 0446 (1963)" which has the caseback glass:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1132/755 ... be.jpg?v=0

I will soon buy one of the two, with a Russian 24hrs ...

I have owned that watch at the bottom of these two, and I can tell you that you're going to be pleasantly surprised, but only if you pick it up for $100 or so. Mineral crystal front and back, but it winds smoothly, and mine kept pretty good time.

I do not know where you found it for $ 100, but you have been lucky or good relations in the world watch or import / export or during a trip to china !

Perhaps also the European craze for the Chinese military is up prices !

I can see that for sale by people selling on specialized forums (such as Hans), and it applies to the cheapest I could find $ 195 + shipping: $ 220 (one or the other versions ).

There were communication-problems with the seller, so I bailed out, and will skip this Seagull 1963. But because I am so interested in this Chinese chronograph-movement I decided to buy another watch with the same movement.

How many watches do you buy a month Hans? You must be a millionaire!!!