1970s Tianjin ST5
My understanding is that Tianjin Watch Factory's Tianjin branded watches were state-graded as 2nd or 3rd grade watches. Still, the build is solid, and the ST5 is a generally very dependable calibre.
I'm happy about the Tianjin caseback. Some legitimate Tianjin branded watches have a ground out circle, instead. And, I like the metal movement spacer.
And Tianjin is a nice city.
4 comments
Sort by
Ron
Curator: Alberta Museum of Chinese Horology in Peace River; Member: China Horologe Association; Chief Expert: China Watch Overseas Working Committee (CWOWC); Sino-Canadian Horological Cultural Affairs...
Peace River, Alberta
Member since
Last active: 8 min ago
6.50” / 16.51 cm
On basics, technically, they're very similar.
They all have the same movement and they all have stainless cases and backs. And it's not so much that the history diverged--they're just differing brands from the same company, and like the also contemporary Dongfeng watches, they all share a cosmetic similarity as well.
The difference between the Antarctic and this (besides the striping of the movement instead of the plainer finish) is one of QC. My understanding is the Antarctic watches had more stringent QC and used differing movement oils than normal, to operate in Antarctic conditions, while like I noted, the Tianjin were held to lower standards than even line standard Sea-Gulls (which were Grade 1).
So far as I know, ST5 Tianjin watches left the factory across similar years of 1970s/1980s ST5 Sea-Gull production.
I'm always fascinated by these watches! Do you have a good place where to find them? It's sometimes tricky
Purchasing vintage Chinese mechanical watches can be tricky, and it is very difficult to have certainty that all parts are original. If you want recommendations, I will happily do so (with a caveat), but by PM.