Ordered today...
... And I'm either going to be thrilled or disappointed.
I've been eyeing this particular watch on Ali Express for a couple of months. It was always out of stock (though dark blue and white dial variants were readily available) and now that it's become available I hemmed and hawed and finally just bit the bullet.
I really hope the lume is solid. I realize there's none on the chrono second hand.
The specs are promising, in so far as the hit + miss nature of made-in-China movements.
This is a variant of the Seagull ST19 mechanical chrono movements that are in many watches. Specifically, it's the ST1906, which features a power reserve @ 6, small seconds @ 9, and 30-minute chrono counter @ 3.
In some of my recent posts, I've discussed the Speedmaster 57 I got in January. It's my only high-end piece. I love it, but you can't see much of the movement through the case back. I've also discussed how I wanted to concentrate on saving for mid-tier Swiss watches (or watches of similar quality and reputation) rather than acquiring more sub-C$500 watches.
This Sugess will hopefully scratch the one itch by showing off its mechanicals, and for under C$300 I don't think there's anything comparable.
I'm trying to be positive and expect that this watch will arrive in one piece and keep reasonable time (within +- 30 seconds per day). If it's crap, lesson learned and I can absorb the loss if I have to. If it's awesome... Well, we'll know in about 3-4 weeks.
I'll post a proper review with pics not copied from the website.
I work in the Auto industry, I'm a musician for fun, and I dig watches.
I think you'll be pleased. I have their Top Time homage and it's a stunner.
I think you'll be pleased. I have their Top Time homage and it's a stunner.
Thanks for that... I'm going to pretend I'm not excited to get it (while checking everyday for updates to the shipping status).
Is yours the same movement?
I'm eyeballing more than one Sugess. I'm eager to hear your impressions.
Thanks for that... I'm going to pretend I'm not excited to get it (while checking everyday for updates to the shipping status).
Is yours the same movement?
It's the ST19 - not sure if it's the variant you're referring to, but it has the exhibition case back and it's always fun to show to people. Really pretty and complex, I find it's appreciated by even people who aren't watch enthusiasts.
The back of that watch looks awesome. Almost prefer that to the front 🤫 definitely interested in a followup review once you get it
The back of that watch looks awesome. Almost prefer that to the front 🤫 definitely interested in a followup review once you get it
I agree the dial is unique, but I dig the two-tone blue. There are a ton of watches available with this movement or one of its variants online. I'm sure you could track one down with a dial you prefer if it turns out to run nicely.
Appreciate the comment! 👍
Sorry, I didn't mean to make it sound like i was putting down the dial at all. I like more unique looking dials as well. It was just the presentation of the back of the watch was awesome. That octagon-like bezel around a great looking movement really impressed me. This looks like a fantastic watch watch and I'm truly curious to get your thoughts and pics when uou get it.
That's a good looking timepiece and I like the brown "racing" style leather strap! I have no problems with Chinese made watches and own a couple Pagani Design homages. They definitely scratch the itch when you want something on a budget. Looking forward to hearing your full review once you receive it and get through your honeymoon stage with it. Please also post actual pictures of some wrist shots. I would be great to see that blue dial outdoors in the sunlight.
Sorry, I didn't mean to make it sound like i was putting down the dial at all. I like more unique looking dials as well. It was just the presentation of the back of the watch was awesome. That octagon-like bezel around a great looking movement really impressed me. This looks like a fantastic watch watch and I'm truly curious to get your thoughts and pics when uou get it.
No apologies necessary. I didn't think you were knocking the design. And the movement / transparent case back is the main reason I'm getting this as opposed to any other inexpensive watch with an 'ice blue' dial. Pagani has a Rolex homage with a knock-off 7750 movement that is also appealing, but less 'unique'.
It's the ST19 - not sure if it's the variant you're referring to, but it has the exhibition case back and it's always fun to show to people. Really pretty and complex, I find it's appreciated by even people who aren't watch enthusiasts.
Keeps time well?
Keeps time well?
Honestly I don't track accuracy the way some watch enthusiasts do, so I wouldn't know. It's a manual wind, and it's not my daily driver, so I kind of regard it as a watch I set up for the day and then let wind down. For that kind of use, it's totally sufficient. That movement has been around a long time, and even though it falls under the currently unfashionable label of a "Chinese watch" there is a cool heritage to it that separates it from your standard AliExpress watch (no shade to those, either. I have a few!)
after some bad experiences on Ali , why not just go to the seagull site. I am going to see if it is there.That top one reminds me of Nezumi, (check out their stuff) a little more, but not much if I remember correctly
Honestly I ordered many things that never even came from Ali and I would say 50 per cent, of what I received was really cheap.
Very good looking watch
Lovely looking watch, that. Reminds me of the Hamilton American Classic Chrono, that I have my eye on (but can't afford right now). Love the two tone dial and slightly squared sub-dials. I must admit to not being aware of this brand until now.
Really love my Sugess, ST1901 in this one and it's the most beautiful movement in this price range.
Love being able to see how the Chrono works thought he back
I like it a lot!
Really love my Sugess, ST1901 in this one and it's the most beautiful movement in this price range.
Love being able to see how the Chrono works thought he back
I wish they put the swan neck on the 1906 - your watch is solid!
I have Top Time Dues homage like @Trigea and love it. I just picked up this one during aliexpress's sale
I have Top Time Dues homage like @Trigea and love it. I just picked up this one during aliexpress's sale
I have this in my wish list aha 😂 stunning
I have this in my wish list aha 😂 stunning
I just ordered a Vario Muddy Grey Bund strap for it.
So I am looking at getting this. Please tell me your thoughts now that you have had it for a while.
So I am looking at getting this. Please tell me your thoughts now that you have had it for a while.
Hey - sorry I haven't done an actual review yet.
Pros: mine has been pretty accurate. The fit and finish is quite good on the case and the glass (top / bottom). The movement is nicely detailed given the price point. Pushers have a decent feel. Dial is nicely detailed, and the lume is alright, too, though I wish they had lumed the chrono second hand (it's the only one not done!).
Cons: the included leather strap is too thick / stiff. Maybe it needed to be worked in a bunch, but I had an alternate at home which I put on. Mine has one issue which wasn't enough for me to send it back half-way around the world, and doesn't affect functionality.
Bottom line: don't expect this to rival the quality of a Breitling and enjoy it for what it is.
Hey - sorry I haven't done an actual review yet.
Pros: mine has been pretty accurate. The fit and finish is quite good on the case and the glass (top / bottom). The movement is nicely detailed given the price point. Pushers have a decent feel. Dial is nicely detailed, and the lume is alright, too, though I wish they had lumed the chrono second hand (it's the only one not done!).
Cons: the included leather strap is too thick / stiff. Maybe it needed to be worked in a bunch, but I had an alternate at home which I put on. Mine has one issue which wasn't enough for me to send it back half-way around the world, and doesn't affect functionality.
Bottom line: don't expect this to rival the quality of a Breitling and enjoy it for what it is.
Thanks for the informative reply.