HKED ED63 Panda
After falling in love with the 1963 I purchased one thinking I got my hands on a great watch with great history. Only upon It’s arrival that I noticed that the proportions were off. It set me off on a long and windy road of the behind the scenes of the seagull 1963, it’s manufacturing chains, and the prolific number of variants. I learned that not every manufacturer can get their hands on high grade seagull ST1901 movements which leads to the majority of complaints thata the average Aliexpress/eBay buyer of a 1963 encounters. I returned that that watch and promptly purchased this, the ED63 from HKEd, Ed is a very well known guy in the Chinese watch circle on watchuseek. He has great customer service, amazing finishing quality and most importantly, he’s got a good connection with seagull, securing him high grade ST1901 movements. His watches are more expensive but I think the right price for a good quality watch.
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Nice looking watch! I just took a look at his site, and there are some great variants of the 1963 there. I will have to keep HKEd in mind when the time comes to decide on my next watch purchases. They are a bit higher than other versions I have seen, but still less than some of the versions in the official Sea Gull store on AliExpress. I have seen some of those listed for over $500.
As I noted in another post, the Sea Gull 1963 is one of those watches I am interested in adding to my collection, and I have looked at them numerous times from a few different sources, but when the time comes to purchase a new watch, I never seem to add one of these. I have made my list of watches I am interested in for 2022, but I may have to reconsider those choices. I have three watches on my list with Miyota 9000 series movements. Perhaps I should drop one of those and add one of these. 😀
That is no doubt a historical piece for sure 💪! Great looking chronograph 🤩.
I'm sure Ron, 'Alberta Time' forum member will love your post and give you his expert advice on the matter👍👌💯. He is a distinguished member of the CHA, Chinese Horologe Association⌚🕰️.
Nice looking watch! I just took a look at his site, and there are some great variants of the 1963 there. I will have to keep HKEd in mind when the time comes to decide on my next watch purchases. They are a bit higher than other versions I have seen, but still less than some of the versions in the official Sea Gull store on AliExpress. I have seen some of those listed for over $500.
As I noted in another post, the Sea Gull 1963 is one of those watches I am interested in adding to my collection, and I have looked at them numerous times from a few different sources, but when the time comes to purchase a new watch, I never seem to add one of these. I have made my list of watches I am interested in for 2022, but I may have to reconsider those choices. I have three watches on my list with Miyota 9000 series movements. Perhaps I should drop one of those and add one of these. 😀
I totally recommend it! Be careful as there are fakes of the ED63 so I would wait until Ed restocks some on his site. The official Sea-gull is also a great choice albeit more expensive. personally the dial quality and overall finishing is superb on the HKEd and I’m hoping to pick up one of the blue dial variant with the brushed case next.
That is no doubt a historical piece for sure 💪! Great looking chronograph 🤩.
I'm sure Ron, 'Alberta Time' forum member will love your post and give you his expert advice on the matter👍👌💯. He is a distinguished member of the CHA, Chinese Horologe Association⌚🕰️.
Oh wow, yeah I’ve looked into the background of this watch’s revival stemming back to Thomas from Redstar. It’s quite the story and adds even more depth to this watch’s history. Truly a collector‘s piece through and through
Cracking looking watch.
I'll add this Watchlords post I made in 2020...
https://watchlords.com/viewtopic.php?style=5&t=48585#p480470
...and this thread from Watchuseek to the discussion:
https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/authentic-tianjin-seagull-factory-seagull-1963-304-watches.4867821/ .
My opinion is simply: when choosing a 1963, purchase a version that is 1) within your budget, and 2) from a seller with a good reputation for customer support.
Regardless of source, the 1963/304 is a mechanical chrono and, given the complication of the movement, might have issues down the road.
That's not because it's a Chinese movement (Google "7750 problem" to see what I mean), but because it's a mechanical chrono. If you want a chrono for constant and dependable chrono use, my suggestion is to go quartz.
(Yes, there are "HKED" variants that are not authorized by Ed Tse of HKED. If you want a 304 with the more historically correct 304 "star trek" logo rather than the red star logo, buy from Ed's HKED website.
Ed's designs did not exist until designed by Ed. Even the earlier Sea-Gull "D304" version with the 304 logo looked very different than Ed's design, and very different from the other common 1963 variants.)
Yeah, I got one. From one of the many makers out their.
Regardless of the many (some dubious) makers, they are amazing watches. The history is great. I do believe it should be considered in every collection..... props to you:)
You cannot go wrong with HKEd watches and CS.
@AlbertaTime posts he linked on the subject are well worth the read
I’m looking for this Version such a shame that this company has gone bust as they used to assemble and regulate the movements personally in USA New Jersey would love to find one of these as it was done really well in my opinion