Updated info on this black dial Tianjin
In my recent post about a white dial Tianjin watch, I noted that "my understanding is that Tianjin Watch Factory's Tianjin branded watches were state-graded as 2nd or 3rd grade watches." and I noted that some Tianjin watches come with hollowed out case backs.
I was doing some reading trying to recall what I'd read about the "J" in the lower printing on this one, and came upon this 2011 statement that explains both made by a knowledgeable past regular (xingfenzhen) at Watchuseek .
He wrote:
"[A]fter searching on the Chinese forums, I found a definitive answer. Tianjin is basically a brand for recycled factory rejects and low grade parts...There is actually several grades of this as well (No letter, J and B), with Dial letter and case back as differentiators.
"No letter, with Tianjin case is made by Tianjin Watch factory itself, while J with grind out case back are make in 津盐组装厂 (Jinyan Assembly factory), and B grade with a different Tianjin case back are made by 津南装配厂 (Jinnan Assembly factory).
"No letter is very common, J grade less, while B grade is very rare."
Even given the "recycled factory rejects and low grade parts," this one runs dependably within acceptable garden variety mechanical parameters, as do my other Tianjin branded watches--but I'm not hard on watches.
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...
This is great info, Ron!
I just bought one myself. I can't wait to receive it.
The dial is identical to yours, but the case back is not blank.
It is in rough shape so it will require a small restoration effort. I do not expect it to be a big job.
I will post pics when it is ready. I am looking forward to seeing your comments.
I just bought one myself. I can't wait to receive it.
The dial is identical to yours, but the case back is not blank.
It is in rough shape so it will require a small restoration effort. I do not expect it to be a big job.
I will post pics when it is ready. I am looking forward to seeing your comments.
I'm looking forward to seeing your new-to-you watch!
I'm looking forward to seeing your new-to-you watch!
When you buy an old ST2/ST5 watch from China, do you overhaul or oil it?
No, I don't. If I have issues with a VCM, I generally hold it till I can get back to China and have it repaired there.