Hongqi 3101 (1991?) From Liaoning Peacock
Found on Taobao late 2010, this is a much more modern design than most of my vintage Chinese mechanicals from the 1960s and 70s.
The numbers under the balance wheel are 03791, so I'll assume March 7 of '91 or 3rd of July. I think 1991 is accurate just from the dial design.
Signed crown, domed acrylic, short-term serviceable lume, 17 jewel Peacock signed in house 3101 Tongji movement.
Moderator Emeritus Zhang/Soviet, no longer active on WUS F71/VCMs, noted:
"That tag is a QC passport. It says: This Hongqi 3101 model is the latest design with a standard movement. It keeps time within 30 seconds/24 hours, and with a power reserve of no less than 36 hours. Its bph is 21,600, and it runs smoothly.On the front side, it says: HONGQI, all steel, shock proof, 17 jewels, quick beat, and Liaoning Watch Factory."
A recent shot on a different strap:
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...
How far they have come. The styling on that watch is 20 years out of date. What an interesting snapshot of an industry in transition.
Oh wow...that is a very nice watch. Looks very 70s. I guess the Chinese are into retro looking watches earlier than the rest of the world?
That case is pretty cool, and the dial screams like a combo mid-60s Seiko and Tissot to me
Love that dial
Love that dial
Thanks, and me too. It's not outlandish at all, just sorta one-step bolder than usual, and it's imaginative. It puts the sometimes small Chinese hands into nice proportions.