🛒 WATCHES FEATURED (Affiliate Product Links) Original Tianjin Factory Seagull 1963 ➡ tidd.ly/3Geaciw 38/40mm Versions ➡ tidd.ly/3WM27bN 38/40mm (alternate seller) ➡ tidd.ly/3GBRcMq 40/42mm Versions ➡ tidd.ly/3X3KzaV Panda Version ➡ bit.ly/3fOByPW Green Version ➡ tidd.ly/3X40rKF Blue 42mm Version ➡ tidd.ly/3CngFXv NEW Grey Version ➡ seagull1963.com/product/seagull-1963-grey-panda-edition-38mm-acrylic-sapphire/?ref=IefBskk2 NEW Bronze Version ➡ seagull1963.com/product/seagull-1963-bronze-edition-40mm-sapphire-glass/?ref=IefBskk2
There are a number of reviews available for this watch. This was the most comprehensive and helpful that I've seen, and has greatly aided me in figuring out what configuration to get. Nicely done Ben - thank you!
This movement is actually a swiss movement, to be specific it was originally made by Venus and Seagull bought the patent in the early 60's but if you get a good one it will run for years, and it's the cheapest chronograph movement on the market 😉 👍
@@damyr I realized that when I first commented but the OC had a decent number of likes so I thought I might as well clarify for potential buyers. Guess a lot of people don’t actually watch the video 🤷♂️
I own two of these. A 40mm Chrono Heritage M1963/X - SEA-GULL ST1901 bought directly from Sugess Watch in China and a 40mm limited edition Red Star bronze Seagull 1963 that came from the official Seagull 1963 store in Belgium. The Seagull is a watch that is hard to fault and I‘m quite fond of both of mine but my customer experience with both companies was hardly satisfactory. In sum I was swindled twice. The Sugess was supposed to come with the Swan Neck movement but didn‘t and unfortunately too much time had elapsed before I found out for me to be able to do anything about it. As for the Belgian Seagull 1963, it was only after I had received it that I found out that they do not individually number their limited edition watches (instead all 300 are numbered 1/300) and that it was missing it‘s tag, manual and registration QR code. It was also shipped about two months past it‘s preassigned shipping date. The company in Belgium casually dismissed my concerns and when I asked to return it they informed me that the 14 day return policy had expired. Be very careful who you buy from. The Seagull 1963 company in Belgium seems rotten to the core. I wouldn’t deal with them again if they paid me. BEWARE.
I have a "Red Star" branded one like your one: 37 mm, sapphire, transparent caseback. Great watch, I love it. Red Star is owned by the person who, when a Seagull employee, managed the production of the first "1963" replica, so in a sense I consider their version more original than the original.
I have the 40mm sapphire version on a champagne leather suede strap and it looks crazy elegant, it was even the watch I wore to my brothers wedding preferring it to a Tag and Panerai that I also own. This is a watch that imo every fellow watch enthusiast should own.
Can't believe this watch is still being talked about! I got mine like 5 years ago. Was my first serious watch and i love it even more i loved it on first sight ❤️
»It looks like a sports car on the wrist« is what my best friend said when he saw my panda dial version made by Sugess. They're generally the best producers of the ST19 movement, offering a plethora of choices - different case sizes, dial options, crystal options, and swan-neck regulator options. All of them are slightly better finished than the typical 150£ no-name seller while still below the 200£ mark. I recommend you opt for them, I'm very happy with the purchase.
I got the Seagull 1963 during the 11/11 sale and it hasn't left my wrist since then. It's incredible. Only thing I'm still looking out for is a nice leather strap for it!
Got a sugess moonphase with dark dial that has a seagull movement. For around 200€, it is one of my favorite pieces in the collection and literally looks amazing.
I bought both the 42" with mineral crystal and 28" sapphire version. Both are very accurate and smooth winding. Fit and finish are outstanding. The champagne gold dial and applied markers are beautiful. I love looking at the movement through the case back, it is stunning. Outrageous bargain.
that open display back is insane. I mean insane. The watchmaker bragging and flexing hard on that one lol. I mean the whole back is totally open lol. THe most open skeleton i ever seen is the angelus U20, but holy. This $250 dollar watch on the back? wow.
I have had a couple of veteran watch smiths who are familiar with the original Venus movement examine a Seagull chronograph movement. Their verdict was that while the fit and finishing weren't quite up to Swiss standards, it was pretty close and fully functional to boot. One even mused that he should contact them to obtain spare parts to rehab and use in repairing the vintage originals.
I went to Marc’s LIW & coughed the 💰💰💰for the Sapphire Sandwich. $379.00 was super cheap when the 1st one arrived broken. Wrote Marc. He asked a few questions and I had my new (& superb) 1963 Pilot’s Chronograph. Very cool watch and mandatory for any collection. ✌🏻
I got this for my wife for her anniversary. Absolutely stunning piece, its an affordable way to enjoy a beautifully decorated movement. I just wish the crown was bigger. Get some quick release leather straps for it.
I had an homage of omega’s speed master with identical mechanism from this watch and I can say it was one of the beautiful and most accurate mechanical watches I have ever had.
These chronos are neat and have an amazing backstory. Mine is a 38mm with acrylic for the simple reason that that is how the originals for pilots were made
I have had my 1963 for 4 years now. I wear it on a Rios light brown strap. I also have a 25 jewel Seagull automatic day date from 1985 still running perfectly. I just bought a beautiful new Sea-gull Automatic Bi Disk watch which is very beautiful and only 10..8 mm thick on a soft leather suede strap. £130 well spent. Sapphire crystal and an exhibition caseback
I ordered 3 different Sugess watches using this movement, expecting to use them as throwaway watches but I have to say, I really do like them. They are now part of my regular wear-cycle. Their newer models are finished incredibly well and looks and feels on par with the thousand dollar watches.
I feel the value of the movement is even higher. Just name the least expensive Swiss mechanical chronograph with a column wheel and it's in the thousands of dollars. Not even the famed Omega Speedmaster has a column wheel - to get that column wheel, you;d have yo get the super expensive Omega Speedmaster 321 Ed White model. Or a Breitling, or a Rolex Daytona. At the $150 USD, you can't even buy a wannnabe Omega Moon SWATCH that comes with a quartz movement.
great review! and as a chinese person i have to say you werent far off with your pronunciation of various chinese words. well done! :) fun fact. the chinese character zuan is actually 1 half of the 2 characters that form the word diamond: zuan shi. literally translated it means "drilled stone" aka stone you get by drilling. so it's the term for "gem" or "jewel" in the sense that "diamond" colloqually became the term for "gem". no actual diamonds in the watch! 😂
I’ve got the Sugess ($200) with gooseneck and It’s easily one of my favorites. I got mine with the stainless bracelet and it was disappointing with hollow, ill fitting ends. I did some bending with pliers under a loupe and it’s now decent at a glance. Got a super nice leather strap with clasp as the main one though and it is just great.
Thanks for this great review!. I bought one of these and then wondered about the prices difference between the ones on the official site. But your explanation set my mind at rest. :) Cheers! Edit: 1 month later and I now have the 38mm, 40mm and 42mm. I love these watches. They are vulnerable though. I dropped my 38mm one from a height of 1 meter onto a carpet but it got damaged. There is some play in the balance wheel and it started rubbing against the cogwheel for the minute hand, stopping the watch occasionally. Luckily, watch repair is my new hobby so I poked around a bit in the mechanism and managed to get it working again. But beware these are fragile movements because of how complicated they are.
Amazing watch and review Ben! I have had my Seagull for 3 years now and even after a couple of drops, still works like a charm and keeps good time (+12 spd) 😁
Sugess has it for 60 percent cheaper and they do use the seagul movement. I got mine a while back and it’s beautiful. Only downfall is that the acralyic face scratches easy and mine broke. But sugess was not able to replace it. Other than the watch is fantastic!!! Love the look and feel of it. That is a sugess though. 😊 yes go with the saphire version for scratch reaistance but I love the OG acrylic look
Excellent review Ben. This has been on my radar for sometime but was never bothered for it much as I considered it too small. Then I got to see and handle one and was blown away by the quality and the fit. I may at some point get the 40 but the size you went for still looks great on my 7” wrist. One for the future deffo! 😊
Have this movement on a hemel air league which is a blancpain air command homage. Love it. Just discovered that even the speedmasters don’t have vertical clutch column wheels so it’s pretty cool to be able to experience it for 300 bucks
I quite like this watch. I think you didn’t mention some of its less attractive features (like the painted blue screws), but that’s expected at this price. I actually think that the dial lets it down a little bit, it could be a lot prettier. This is probably the best value mechanical chronograph short of an Omega, so I think it’s a gret buy for anyone.
Hope Jody knows you're using his video? He does seem to like these watches and makes the same valid point about the price difference and is the original worth it. Another great video Ben. 😀
Great ! I do have one, Panda version and it's absolutely gorgeous. I do spend a lot of time watching the case back with a magnified glass and it's beautifull
Good review Ben. I've had mine for a couple of years now and have never even thought of getting rid of it. Like you I went with a "38mm" sapphire crystal option and I'm really pleased with it on a leather strap.
I love the movement, so I bought three variants of the 40mm Sugess branded chronographs (Panda, Top Time Homage and Rallye). Great mechanical watches for the price.
@@NathanChisholm041 is that right? I thought that Sugess and Seagull were the same company with different translation from Chinese! :D that's explain the cheaper price of Sugess...
@@marcos2606 They are different companies, Seagull manufactures this ST19 chronograph movement and Sugess/Seakoss/RedStar and others buy the ST19 and variants movements from Seagull and market their own watches with different dials and other components. But the movement is exactly the same.
The st19 looks cheap though. They use chrome plated brass for the mainplate and train bridges. I assume its an inexpensive way to give the movement some flare but ironically cheapens it imo. Not to mention they are not very consistent in reliability. I have one that still works great and ive had a couple that had issues after a year or two of being in my rotation.
The only problem I have with this watch is that it’s basically disposable. The cost to get it serviced is probably double the cost of the watch. Also the movement does not have the best track record for reliability
Not quite sure how fixing your problem 100% for a 150 bucks and ending up with a brand new watch is actually a problem. I get what you're saying, but.....that's just another check in the plus column. Read the comments, most people (including myself and those I know that own this watch), have had good luck with the movement.
A great watch for an unbelievable price! I have a similar model also on a Barton leather strap. My only gripe is that the first pusher on mine sticks whenever I activate it, so it's a real pain to pull it back out to use again. The mechanical chronograph movement alone is worth the money.
My first seagul movement had a main spring malfunction. The shop I returned it to tried using there was no issue but I sent them a video of the spring skipping immensely while winding and not fully reaching maximum tension. Replaced it no problem and the new one seems to be sound so far. Lovely watch. Full skeleton fossil townsman. People always ask about it when I wear it
I have a 40mm with Moonphase and 4 sundial layout, the quality is stunning for the price, even the canvas strap is great. the sub dial hands on mine are so thin and hard to cut, Ive only ever seen better quality on watches by JLC and Zenith.... the moon watch and Daytona have slabs for hands
I own quite a few watches with this movement in them and haven't a problem with any of them, yet. For the price of this chronograph movement, it is an incredible value plus it is a very attractive movement to look at.
I got one 4 years ago, and it's still going strong. Big sales, small margins = big profits. Look at Bremont, small sales, massive margin = a loss making company.
The two more jewels of the 21 zuan are not in the movement, but they consider the two sapphire crystal (the one in the front and the one under) as two more saphire jewels.
The downside of these movements are higher that average failure rates and expensive service charges, but damn it's a nice looking watch. My favorites are the Sugess tachometer pandas.
I just discovered this the other day... The original 1963 had a steel back and acrylic crystal. It used the ST19 movement which has 19 jewels. Reproductions with steel back and acrylic crystals are marked 19 Zuan appropriately. The versions with display back and sapphire crystal count both sapphire lenses as jewels and are labeled 21 Zuan. They both use ST19 movements with 19 jewels where it matters. I own a 21 zuan model and have tested both the crystal and display back and they are both indeed sapphire. Unlike my Tissot V8 which uses a mineral glass display back and a sapphire crystal. I know it doesn't matter as much on the back but I find it funny that the Chinese bother to use sapphire front and back and Tissot cheaps out. '-(
I've got a 40mm sapphire version, great watch. I love looking at the movement. Forbwhatbyoubgetbfor $160, it really makes you rethink that $5k price on the Speedmaster....
@@igormarinkovic1531 That's most of it. The Omega is much better, and has some cool history behind it, but that price difference is HUGE. Maybe go with the Buluva Lunar Pilot for the same history and sane price.
I have my eye on the 40mm lumed version. My wife says if I behave, I can have it for my birthday . I'm tossing up between the original airforce style and the black bezel panda version.
Just got mine and love it! Did not expect the two straps, immediately removed the NATO which I have never cared for. Mine has the star on the crown and the sapphire crystal. I hope it lasts a long time with no issues, but for $175 shipped, if I get 3-5 years out of it... honestly I'll be pretty happy. (and probably buy another haha)
Seagull is the go-to first mechanical watch (or first chronograph) which i'd recommend to anyone, i have mine for years now and it's timeless, it's still accurate and you can match it with so many straps to have it never being boring
I bought one years ago and it has held up well! The problem now is theres to many cheap clones out there using knock off ST19 and you dont know what crap you could be buying.
For those who are afraid to wear this watch because it has the red star, just buy the HKed version. You'll pay more for better finish, though. But instead of the star you'll get a logo that looks closer to the original which I understand didn't have the star anyway. This is the version I purchased with acrylic as I wanted a replica as close to the original as possible.
"Afraid to wear because it has a red star". Really? Is there any such person out there? It's a watch, not a political statement. (and if anything sees wearing this watch as a politically statement, that seems very very odd to me).
I bought a Seagull chrono some years ago, looked great and worked great too. Until the hands fell off and it was impossible to remove the movement from the caseback. Only option was to remove the bezel but even this was impossible without destroying it. Yes I gave the job to a good watchmaker but he had to give up, but not until the bezel was damaged. It's now a piece of junk.
By the way I love the content Ben, I noticed to my displeasure, that I was not yet subscribed, which I swiftly corrected. Keep it up! Much love from the French Alps, Raphael
Hey, I am new to the whole watch collection thing but I do love it already. There is a german Watch-Brand that uses mainly wood and other natural components. They build them with seiko clockwork, so the watches work very good and last long. I do own an automatic watch and I`m totally in love with it. Their name is "Holzkern" (translated to as much as "wooden Core") and they`re a rather small manufacturer. I don`t have any relations to their workers or the company, I just really love the watch I have and would love to know what you think of it! It would be lovely to see an expert like you tell his opinion about it. Most watches are in a price-range between 150 and 500 euro and offer normal quartz, automatic and solar watches (as far as I know). I hope you take interest and thank you for being a great and sympathetic helper for others (like me) to get into watches!
I have one. It’s a good watch and gets noticed. You can wear it with casual/leisure wear or smart wear. Got mine for £120 and no 20% tax or import/transport costs un an alie express sale. Even at 40 mm it wears bigger on wrist as there is only a thin bezel. It’s all watch face this. What’s not to like? Nothing at this price. The supplied nato is a bit crappy so throw that out but literally loads of colours suit it.
What bugs me about this model is the lack of coherence from the several vendors that sell them... There are too many variants. I wish I could get the "official" one, but over USD 500 is an assault.
I think it is easy: - 38 or 40 mm diagonal - acrylic or sapphire glass - see-through or solid back-case - with or without swan-neck - a selection of add-ons, ie. straps. You buy what you like.
@@pzwolski It is not hard to find way more variables than that, but you are right, those are the most common... and sure, you can clump all of the variants under "accepted homages" and just pick the one you like best, that is fine by me. I, personally, wish Seagull could just formalize the options available from other retailers... or lower their price for the official version.
I have exactly the same as yours and for a year it has been going back and forth on my wrist without problems and with an accuracy of + 3 sec/day A very beautiful and good watch and which shows that, contrary to popular belief, China is capable of producing quality objects.
Got one, and the Sugees Zenith homage version with the swan neck regulator......they're both great but it take a while to wear them in, the power reserve is a clownshow until youve gone through a coupla cycles, well a coupla weeks of cycles. Dunno why, they both did it.
I've been looking this watch for a long time since the first review you did of the Seagull 1963. The only thing that's holding me back to pull the trigger on it is the thought of the lack of service this watch could have in the long run. I'm no expert but for what I know, this watch cannot be serviced because of the complexity of the movement, but it also looks so beautiful to not give it a try and for my tiiiiiiiiny wrist this could fit perfectly. Any comments about it?
You don’t service the movement, you replace it. You will still get years out of it before you need to touch it anyway. If you ever needed to replace it, this is a very inexpensive procedure. Or you just buy another watch. I can’t see the issue here.
🛒 WATCHES FEATURED (Affiliate Product Links)
Original Tianjin Factory Seagull 1963 ➡ tidd.ly/3Geaciw
38/40mm Versions ➡ tidd.ly/3WM27bN
38/40mm (alternate seller) ➡ tidd.ly/3GBRcMq
40/42mm Versions ➡ tidd.ly/3X3KzaV
Panda Version ➡ bit.ly/3fOByPW
Green Version ➡ tidd.ly/3X40rKF
Blue 42mm Version ➡ tidd.ly/3CngFXv
NEW Grey Version ➡ seagull1963.com/product/seagull-1963-grey-panda-edition-38mm-acrylic-sapphire/?ref=IefBskk2
NEW Bronze Version ➡ seagull1963.com/product/seagull-1963-bronze-edition-40mm-sapphire-glass/?ref=IefBskk2
I was born in 1963 and I can vouch for the quality of all things manufactured that year.
I see what you did there ;-) (me too btw ...happy 60th!)
@@BaddaBigBoom Same to you my friend
FREAKING FINALLY. You've been showing the chrono for a while now but never did a review. It's finally here!
There are a number of reviews available for this watch. This was the most comprehensive and helpful that I've seen, and has greatly aided me in figuring out what configuration to get. Nicely done Ben - thank you!
This movement is actually a swiss movement, to be specific it was originally made by Venus and Seagull bought the patent in the early 60's but if you get a good one it will run for years, and it's the cheapest chronograph movement on the market 😉 👍
Thanks for the tip! Makes it even more enticing
I believe Seagull even bought the equipment to make it from Venus themselves!
@@gdwiggy they bought the patents and the equipment to save development costs to make their own movement.
Fun fact: Everything written here Ben already mentioned in the video.
@@damyr I realized that when I first commented but the OC had a decent number of likes so I thought I might as well clarify for potential buyers. Guess a lot of people don’t actually watch the video 🤷♂️
I own two of these. A 40mm Chrono Heritage M1963/X - SEA-GULL ST1901 bought directly from Sugess Watch in China and a 40mm limited edition Red Star bronze Seagull 1963 that came from the official Seagull 1963 store in Belgium. The Seagull is a watch that is hard to fault and I‘m quite fond of both of mine but my customer experience with both companies was hardly satisfactory. In sum I was swindled twice. The Sugess was supposed to come with the Swan Neck movement but didn‘t and unfortunately too much time had elapsed before I found out for me to be able to do anything about it. As for the Belgian Seagull 1963, it was only after I had received it that I found out that they do not individually number their limited edition watches (instead all 300 are numbered 1/300) and that it was missing it‘s tag, manual and registration QR code. It was also shipped about two months past it‘s preassigned shipping date. The company in Belgium casually dismissed my concerns and when I asked to return it they informed me that the 14 day return policy had expired. Be very careful who you buy from. The Seagull 1963 company in Belgium seems rotten to the core. I wouldn’t deal with them again if they paid me. BEWARE.
I have a "Red Star" branded one like your one: 37 mm, sapphire, transparent caseback. Great watch, I love it. Red Star is owned by the person who, when a Seagull employee, managed the production of the first "1963" replica, so in a sense I consider their version more original than the original.
Guys where did you buy this watch in ail express or official website
@@Yogesh_war I just get my on amazon
I have the 40mm sapphire version on a champagne leather suede strap and it looks crazy elegant, it was even the watch I wore to my brothers wedding preferring it to a Tag and Panerai that I also own. This is a watch that imo every fellow watch enthusiast should own.
my wrist is 17 centimeters which of the two options it's for this size 38 or 40 mm?
@@bking82 Mine is also 17 cm (hello fellow small wrist) and the 40 mm fits great.
Can't believe this watch is still being talked about! I got mine like 5 years ago. Was my first serious watch and i love it even more i loved it on first sight ❤️
How it is doing now ?
How it is doing now ?
»It looks like a sports car on the wrist« is what my best friend said when he saw my panda dial version made by Sugess. They're generally the best producers of the ST19 movement, offering a plethora of choices - different case sizes, dial options, crystal options, and swan-neck regulator options. All of them are slightly better finished than the typical 150£ no-name seller while still below the 200£ mark. I recommend you opt for them, I'm very happy with the purchase.
Where did you buy yours?
@@josuareestevez3037 I bought it used. Otherwise, I'd opt for Aliexpress.
had this on my wrist last weekend, and could not stop smiling, and couldn't keep my eyes of it, what a watch.
I got the Seagull 1963 during the 11/11 sale and it hasn't left my wrist since then. It's incredible. Only thing I'm still looking out for is a nice leather strap for it!
how much you Pay?
@@IMIkar $130! It was a total steal at that price.
Which website did you buy ? Pls let me know
Got a sugess moonphase with dark dial that has a seagull movement. For around 200€, it is one of my favorite pieces in the collection and literally looks amazing.
I bought both the 42" with mineral crystal and 28" sapphire version. Both are very accurate and smooth winding. Fit and finish are outstanding. The champagne gold dial and applied markers are beautiful. I love looking at the movement through the case back, it is stunning. Outrageous bargain.
that open display back is insane. I mean insane. The watchmaker bragging and flexing hard on that one lol. I mean the whole back is totally open lol. THe most open skeleton i ever seen is the angelus U20, but holy. This $250 dollar watch on the back? wow.
Bro which website did you brought ? Pls let me know
I have had a couple of veteran watch smiths who are familiar with the original Venus movement examine a Seagull chronograph movement. Their verdict was that while the fit and finishing weren't quite up to Swiss standards, it was pretty close and fully functional to boot. One even mused that he should contact them to obtain spare parts to rehab and use in repairing the vintage originals.
Serious effort in the video description. So much info. Your videos are great for this. Top job!
Yet he fills the video with footage from other reviewers
I went to Marc’s LIW & coughed the 💰💰💰for the Sapphire Sandwich. $379.00 was super cheap when the 1st one arrived broken. Wrote Marc. He asked a few questions and I had my new (& superb) 1963 Pilot’s Chronograph. Very cool watch and mandatory for any collection. ✌🏻
Ben, I feel like I might be speaking for more people than just myself when I say that we need a link to that stunning toolkit of yours!
I have one, and I honestly wear it more than my Tissot PRX Automatic (which is Swiss Watch!) the 1963 movement is an amazing movement!!
I have my Seagull 1963 since 2013 and running very well in 01.2023! ( no service)
Hi Ben! I’m Chinese and your pronunciation of Zuan is spot on! And thanks for covering this watch, I’ve never heard of the brand before!
I got this for my wife for her anniversary. Absolutely stunning piece, its an affordable way to enjoy a beautifully decorated movement. I just wish the crown was bigger. Get some quick release leather straps for it.
I had an homage of omega’s speed master with identical mechanism from this watch and I can say it was one of the beautiful and most accurate mechanical watches I have ever had.
This watch is just awesome. Well priced, tactile with a classic look. Many CZcams reviewers have a soft spot for the 1963.
Great video Ben 🙂👍🇬🇧⌚
One day one of these will find it’s way into my collection, that movement is a must have for any enthusiast surely.
Amazing. My brother in law says there’s no such bird as a seagull so it’s nice to know there is a watch.
These chronos are neat and have an amazing backstory. Mine is a 38mm with acrylic for the simple reason that that is how the originals for pilots were made
Have you bought a see-thru case-back or a solid metal one?
@@pzwolski see-through
I have the same version, it has a beautiful vintage look
@@alanmckinnon6791 Then it is not fully 'original for pilots'. 😉
I have the larger version of this, and a Red Star Bullhead using the same movement. Probably my two most worn watches of last year!
It is a great watch. I am really excited about the large volume of other watches now coming out with this movement.
I have had my 1963 for 4 years now.
I wear it on a Rios light brown strap.
I also have a 25 jewel Seagull automatic day date from 1985 still running perfectly.
I just bought a beautiful new Sea-gull Automatic Bi Disk watch which is very beautiful and only 10..8 mm thick on a soft leather suede strap.
£130 well spent. Sapphire crystal and an exhibition caseback
I enjoy the tick of a watch/clock, adding a sound to the passage of time is somehow soothing
I ordered 3 different Sugess watches using this movement, expecting to use them as throwaway watches but I have to say, I really do like them. They are now part of my regular wear-cycle.
Their newer models are finished incredibly well and looks and feels on par with the thousand dollar watches.
I feel the value of the movement is even higher. Just name the least expensive Swiss mechanical chronograph with a column wheel and it's in the thousands of dollars. Not even the famed Omega Speedmaster has a column wheel - to get that column wheel, you;d have yo get the super expensive Omega Speedmaster 321 Ed White model. Or a Breitling, or a Rolex Daytona.
At the $150 USD, you can't even buy a wannnabe Omega Moon SWATCH that comes with a quartz movement.
great review! and as a chinese person i have to say you werent far off with your pronunciation of various chinese words. well done! :)
fun fact. the chinese character zuan is actually 1 half of the 2 characters that form the word diamond: zuan shi. literally translated it means "drilled stone" aka stone you get by drilling. so it's the term for "gem" or "jewel" in the sense that "diamond" colloqually became the term for "gem". no actual diamonds in the watch! 😂
I’ve got the Sugess ($200) with gooseneck and It’s easily one of my favorites. I got mine with the stainless bracelet and it was disappointing with hollow, ill fitting ends. I did some bending with pliers under a loupe and it’s now decent at a glance. Got a super nice leather strap with clasp as the main one though and it is just great.
Thanks for this great review!. I bought one of these and then wondered about the prices difference between the ones on the official site. But your explanation set my mind at rest. :) Cheers! Edit: 1 month later and I now have the 38mm, 40mm and 42mm. I love these watches. They are vulnerable though. I dropped my 38mm one from a height of 1 meter onto a carpet but it got damaged. There is some play in the balance wheel and it started rubbing against the cogwheel for the minute hand, stopping the watch occasionally. Luckily, watch repair is my new hobby so I poked around a bit in the mechanism and managed to get it working again. But beware these are fragile movements because of how complicated they are.
Amazing watch and review Ben! I have had my Seagull for 3 years now and even after a couple of drops, still works like a charm and keeps good time (+12 spd) 😁
I've had a few of these! Incredible watches for the price and definitely a fan favourite! Would definitely advise it to anyone
Sugess has it for 60 percent cheaper and they do use the seagul movement. I got mine a while back and it’s beautiful. Only downfall is that the acralyic face scratches easy and mine broke. But sugess was not able to replace it. Other than the watch is fantastic!!! Love the look and feel of it. That is a sugess though. 😊 yes go with the saphire version for scratch reaistance but I love the OG acrylic look
Got a link? Preferably in GBP.
Excellent review Ben. This has been on my radar for sometime but was never bothered for it much as I considered it too small. Then I got to see and handle one and was blown away by the quality and the fit. I may at some point get the 40 but the size you went for still looks great on my 7” wrist. One for the future deffo! 😊
I have a 7" wrist and the 40 mm version it's perfect.
Have this movement on a hemel air league which is a blancpain air command homage. Love it. Just discovered that even the speedmasters don’t have vertical clutch column wheels so it’s pretty cool to be able to experience it for 300 bucks
whats a vertical clutch?
Thank you, Ben for this review. I recently got a Seagull 1963 variant of my own and then bought a second one.
I just watched Teddy's compilation video last night and I was wondering today when you were gonna drop this gem. Love your vids!
I quite like this watch. I think you didn’t mention some of its less attractive features (like the painted blue screws), but that’s expected at this price. I actually think that the dial lets it down a little bit, it could be a lot prettier.
This is probably the best value mechanical chronograph short of an Omega, so I think it’s a gret buy for anyone.
The blue screws and hands are allegedly annodized, which is in between paint and heat treatment for desirability.
I have a quartz version from Ali Express. Doesn't cost as much and looks just as good. I like it - one of my favorite watches. 👍
Hope Jody knows you're using his video? He does seem to like these watches and makes the same valid point about the price difference and is the original worth it. Another great video Ben. 😀
I own a Sea Gull. Different model... Incredible time counting machine. Flawless. Automatic, sapphire, rose gold coat...
Great ! I do have one, Panda version and it's absolutely gorgeous. I do spend a lot of time watching the case back with a magnified glass and it's beautifull
Me too! Lol
Long Island Watch sells the 38mm 1963 hand wind version with Swan Neck Regulator and Sapphire crystal for $325.
Good review Ben. I've had mine for a couple of years now and have never even thought of getting rid of it. Like you I went with a "38mm" sapphire crystal option and I'm really pleased with it on a leather strap.
Yes, Ben. I found the ticking in a mechanical watch somehow therapeutic...
I love my seagull 1963. I've had it for a couple years now and it's my weekend watch along with my Hamilton Khaki Field mechanical Hand Wind.
@xchisholmhunter0-cv2ch no thank you, you Nigerian scammer. Te te ten naira bus
I love the movement, so I bought three variants of the 40mm Sugess branded chronographs (Panda, Top Time Homage and Rallye). Great mechanical watches for the price.
I think Sugess is the way to go if you like this movement and don't want something that looks like an old army watch
Suguess like other ali watches isn't using a real Seagull movement but a clone of the ST19! Only Seagull watches use genuine movements.
@@NathanChisholm041 is that right? I thought that Sugess and Seagull were the same company with different translation from Chinese! :D that's explain the cheaper price of Sugess...
@@marcos2606 They are different companies, Seagull manufactures this ST19 chronograph movement and Sugess/Seakoss/RedStar and others buy the ST19 and variants movements from Seagull and market their own watches with different dials and other components. But the movement is exactly the same.
@@fark69 Exactly. I myself wouldn't buy the RedStar Chinese Army version because I consider the dial aesthetics outdated.
I love mine! 38mm with sapphire. It's a strap monster!
I've never had an issue with a seagull movement excellent pieces
The st19 looks cheap though. They use chrome plated brass for the mainplate and train bridges. I assume its an inexpensive way to give the movement some flare but ironically cheapens it imo. Not to mention they are not very consistent in reliability. I have one that still works great and ive had a couple that had issues after a year or two of being in my rotation.
The only problem I have with this watch is that it’s basically disposable. The cost to get it serviced is probably double the cost of the watch. Also the movement does not have the best track record for reliability
Not quite sure how fixing your problem 100% for a 150 bucks and ending up with a brand new watch is actually a problem. I get what you're saying, but.....that's just another check in the plus column. Read the comments, most people (including myself and those I know that own this watch), have had good luck with the movement.
Just picked one up and am loving it.
A great watch for an unbelievable price! I have a similar model also on a Barton leather strap. My only gripe is that the first pusher on mine sticks whenever I activate it, so it's a real pain to pull it back out to use again. The mechanical chronograph movement alone is worth the money.
My first seagul movement had a main spring malfunction. The shop I returned it to tried using there was no issue but I sent them a video of the spring skipping immensely while winding and not fully reaching maximum tension.
Replaced it no problem and the new one seems to be sound so far. Lovely watch. Full skeleton fossil townsman. People always ask about it when I wear it
Also check out the Sugess variants that use this same movements. Those seem much better looking than this one.
I have one and I love it. Thanks Ben.
I have a 40mm with Moonphase and 4 sundial layout, the quality is stunning for the price, even the canvas strap is great. the sub dial hands on mine are so thin and hard to cut, Ive only ever seen better quality on watches by JLC and Zenith.... the moon watch and Daytona have slabs for hands
I own quite a few watches with this movement in them and haven't a problem with any of them, yet. For the price of this chronograph movement, it is an incredible value plus it is a very attractive movement to look at.
The Sapphire has more jewels because the sapphire itself is a jewel.
😀
Love mine. very impressive looking watch and surprisingly accurate
Have a look at Titan brand from India. Have a good variety of collections both quartz and mechanical
I got one 4 years ago, and it's still going strong. Big sales, small margins = big profits. Look at Bremont, small sales, massive margin = a loss making company.
The two more jewels of the 21 zuan are not in the movement, but they consider the two sapphire crystal (the one in the front and the one under) as two more saphire jewels.
The comparison with The Zenith El Primero movement was a bit of a stretch 😅
The downside of these movements are higher that average failure rates and expensive service charges, but damn it's a nice looking watch. My favorites are the Sugess tachometer pandas.
I just discovered this the other day...
The original 1963 had a steel back and acrylic crystal. It used the ST19 movement which has 19 jewels.
Reproductions with steel back and acrylic crystals are marked 19 Zuan appropriately.
The versions with display back and sapphire crystal count both sapphire lenses as jewels and are labeled 21 Zuan.
They both use ST19 movements with 19 jewels where it matters.
I own a 21 zuan model and have tested both the crystal and display back and they are both indeed sapphire.
Unlike my Tissot V8 which uses a mineral glass display back and a sapphire crystal.
I know it doesn't matter as much on the back but I find it funny that the Chinese bother to use sapphire front and back and Tissot cheaps out. '-(
Tissot has swiss movement ; ) good stuffff
@@henkdeklapsteen6787Sea-Gull mouvement is a reissue of a Venus, they pay the Pattent, so still a Swiss mouvement.
I've got a 40mm sapphire version, great watch. I love looking at the movement. Forbwhatbyoubgetbfor $160, it really makes you rethink that $5k price on the Speedmaster....
Status...
@@igormarinkovic1531 That's most of it. The Omega is much better, and has some cool history behind it, but that price difference is HUGE. Maybe go with the Buluva Lunar Pilot for the same history and sane price.
I have my eye on the 40mm lumed version. My wife says if I behave, I can have it for my birthday .
I'm tossing up between the original airforce style and the black bezel panda version.
Just got mine and love it! Did not expect the two straps, immediately removed the NATO which I have never cared for. Mine has the star on the crown and the sapphire crystal. I hope it lasts a long time with no issues, but for $175 shipped, if I get 3-5 years out of it... honestly I'll be pretty happy. (and probably buy another haha)
I think it’s a beautiful watch, red star and all. Many thanks for bringing this to our attention Ben.
I remember these sold at my local army surplus store back in the day along with some Russian military watches.
Love the unbiased, objective look at a Chinese watch! You earned a sub
Seagull is the go-to first mechanical watch (or first chronograph) which i'd recommend to anyone, i have mine for years now and it's timeless, it's still accurate and you can match it with so many straps to have it never being boring
I have a Sugess watch with the seagull movement on the way. I have high hopes, it’s probably the only mechanical chronograph I will ever purchase.
I would have liked him to talk about service costs for this watch.
For that price, it’s quite elegant, interesting and different.
If it lasts a few years, it’s a win win for me.
Have you done a review on the Glycine Combat Sub? If not I’m sure we all would want to hear one!
I bought one years ago and it has held up well! The problem now is theres to many cheap clones out there using knock off ST19 and you dont know what crap you could be buying.
For those who are afraid to wear this watch because it has the red star, just buy the HKed version. You'll pay more for better finish, though. But instead of the star you'll get a logo that looks closer to the original which I understand didn't have the star anyway. This is the version I purchased with acrylic as I wanted a replica as close to the original as possible.
"Afraid to wear because it has a red star". Really? Is there any such person out there? It's a watch, not a political statement. (and if anything sees wearing this watch as a politically statement, that seems very very odd to me).
@@mrpoopoo888 just look at the top comment of this video and all its likes. People just have to make it political.
Great review, Ben!
Amazing video! Just what I wanted to see in a review of my next watch! With links to them! Awesome
they have some good manual winds
Fantastic review, thanks Ben. That watch is an absolute cracker and I really should just get one next time I've got some discretionary watch budget.
I have a Sugess one. Love it. Where else can you get a real mechanical chronograph with genuine provenance for less than €300? Fantastic
I bought a Seagull chrono some years ago, looked great and worked great too. Until the hands fell off and it was impossible to remove the movement from the caseback. Only option was to remove the bezel but even this was impossible without destroying it. Yes I gave the job to a good watchmaker but he had to give up, but not until the bezel was damaged. It's now a piece of junk.
Love, got. Great having a true Chinese made Chinese watch. Red star all the way.
By the way I love the content Ben, I noticed to my displeasure, that I was not yet subscribed, which I swiftly corrected.
Keep it up!
Much love from the French Alps,
Raphael
Hey, I am new to the whole watch collection thing but I do love it already. There is a german Watch-Brand that uses mainly wood and other natural components. They build them with seiko clockwork, so the watches work very good and last long. I do own an automatic watch and I`m totally in love with it. Their name is "Holzkern" (translated to as much as "wooden Core") and they`re a rather small manufacturer. I don`t have any relations to their workers or the company, I just really love the watch I have and would love to know what you think of it! It would be lovely to see an expert like you tell his opinion about it. Most watches are in a price-range between 150 and 500 euro and offer normal quartz, automatic and solar watches (as far as I know). I hope you take interest and thank you for being a great and sympathetic helper for others (like me) to get into watches!
The wooden watch look like bobobird from aliexpress
I got this watch 3 years ago, still wear it often.
I have this watch, and I recommend it with an unknown number of people that purchased it. Choice of size and
crystal, and mechanical chronograph.
I have one. It’s a good watch and gets noticed. You can wear it with casual/leisure wear or smart wear. Got mine for £120 and no 20% tax or import/transport costs un an alie express sale.
Even at 40 mm it wears bigger on wrist as there is only a thin bezel. It’s all watch face this.
What’s not to like? Nothing at this price. The supplied nato is a bit crappy so throw that out but literally loads of colours suit it.
What bugs me about this model is the lack of coherence from the several vendors that sell them... There are too many variants. I wish I could get the "official" one, but over USD 500 is an assault.
I think it is easy:
- 38 or 40 mm diagonal
- acrylic or sapphire glass
- see-through or solid back-case
- with or without swan-neck
- a selection of add-ons, ie. straps.
You buy what you like.
@@pzwolski It is not hard to find way more variables than that, but you are right, those are the most common... and sure, you can clump all of the variants under "accepted homages" and just pick the one you like best, that is fine by me. I, personally, wish Seagull could just formalize the options available from other retailers... or lower their price for the official version.
I have exactly the same as yours and for a year it has been going back and forth on my wrist without problems and with an accuracy of + 3 sec/day
A very beautiful and good watch and which shows that, contrary to popular belief, China is capable of producing quality objects.
Got one, and the Sugees Zenith homage version with the swan neck regulator......they're both great but it take a while to wear them in, the power reserve is a clownshow until youve gone through a coupla cycles, well a coupla weeks of cycles. Dunno why, they both did it.
I've been looking this watch for a long time since the first review you did of the Seagull 1963. The only thing that's holding me back to pull the trigger on it is the thought of the lack of service this watch could have in the long run. I'm no expert but for what I know, this watch cannot be serviced because of the complexity of the movement, but it also looks so beautiful to not give it a try and for my tiiiiiiiiny wrist this could fit perfectly. Any comments about it?
You don’t service the movement, you replace it. You will still get years out of it before you need to touch it anyway.
If you ever needed to replace it, this is a very inexpensive procedure. Or you just buy another watch. I can’t see the issue here.