My Seagull (Sea-Gull) 1963 Conundrum
So, like many beginner collectors and enthusiasts out there, I own a Seagull 1963 watch. The one I have is the Red Star made one, which I purchased from www.seagull1963.com. When I purchased from that site I was under the impression that I was ordering an authentic re-issue of the iconic watch. But apparently it's just a licensed copy of the re-issue using an actual ST-19 movement.
Not to be mistaken for the clones that are being sold on Alixpress or Amazon or even Ebay. At the very least, Red Star is a sister brand to Sea-Gull who have been authorized to use the actual movement and to reproduce the watch. And the cost of the Red Star variants are closer in price as the Sea-Gull ones.
But I've come to realize that the most authentic reissue to the iconic mechanical chronograph has to come from Sea-Gull itself. These versions of the 1963 are more expensive and features a closed caseback.
So again, I own a Red Star variant that I do love alot, but the issue that I have with it and have been having with it, is how accessible the watch is. Everybody and their momma has a 1963. Some people have clones that they purchased for $50. I feel like this cheatens the wearing and owning experience of a 1963. I may be alone in saying this, but buying the official 1963 from Sea-Gull, is the only way I think you are safe guarded by the clones. Sea-Gull versions are often sold-out, but as of right now they have a 60th anniversary variant out that is currently in stock and will soon sell out fast. I am very tempted.
So I said all of this to ask you, my fellow Crunchers. If you were me and you already had a Red Star Sea-Gull 1963, that I purchased for about $430usd, would you then go back and purchase a Sea-Gull variant for even more money? If I had an Alixpress variant that costed me, say $80, then the answer would easily be yes, but for already being in the hole for $420, is it worth it or should I enjoy the variant I already have?
Started collecting a year ago, eventhough I've been into watches since a teenager. The first I remember purchasing was a black and gold gshock back in the mid to early 2000s. Island boy living in Flor...
Obviously, you have to do what brings you peace of mind, but since you asked, it seems to me that you’re getting yourself all sorts of twisted up for nothing. Enjoy your watch and Crunch on, fellow Cruncher.
Me? I'd stick with the Red Star and use the money for something else.
Please, stick with the Red Star. I don't think you'll gain enough of what you want by getting a Sea-Gull. It's not like getting a Railmaster homage from AliExpress (one of which I have) versus the original from Omega (which I hope to have some day). I have a Red Star 1963 and have been very satisfied with it and don't plan on getting anything else. I do have plans to get that Omega to replace my Corgeut (which is happily seving its purpose for now).
The difference is in your head alone. No one else cares as they both look great. Keep what you have, enjoy it and use the money on another great watch. 😉
Sometimes ignorance is bliss. Wear it as a reminder for yourself, whatever lessons there are to learn
Chalk it up to experience, enjoy what you have and move on pal 👌 that would be my advice
I have the most basic version of the seagull 1963( with sapphire crystal) and I have very much been enjoying it. I have never seen, worn, or owned any other variant so I can’t really give advice about those. But if you did buy the basic version you won’t be disappointed. The dial is beautiful, the watch feels sturdy, and the open back really is stunning to look at. Ultimately, pick whatever you like and wear a watch because YOU like it 👍🏻
You got it from a better brand than most and it is probably put together and serviced better than most all the Ali brands. That money savings is the labour they leave out of the watch for a quick buck. Alternatively getting a cheap Ali ST19 serviced would end up at the higher price in the end to make a good watch
If it was me I'd be pretty darn happy to have a Red Star. Red Star is a brand that does get some respect. But me being me I'd most likely get one of the AliExpress versions and be pretty darn satisfied with it. You gotta be you and do what sets your mind at ease. Surely Red Star has devoted fans and collectors who would be happy to help you recoup some of your money to go toward a Sea-Gull if that's what would help settle your mind.
Trying to understand the seagull watches was painful, because there's so many different versions and sources claiming to be the authentic one. I got an AliExpress version since the only reason I bought it in the first place was because of its pretty exhibition caseback, so I wasn't gonna shell out that much money for it. I've got other watches that I know better and I feel more comfortable spending more money on them. All that matters to me is that my seagull looks good and is still ticking. If you're that dedicated to the watch that you're willing to spend 600 on a watch, go ahead. But if you've also got other watches in mind, the seagull you currently have should probably do.
I have one and I didnt really care for the closed back. Reason being I wanted this watch specifically for the movement. So I want to see it, and having a red star one (not Seagull) with sapphire crystal and open case back makes me happy
Enjoy the variant you have and move on to other watches 👍🏻
A Seagull 1963 with closed caseback is a big NO to me. One of the ultimate pleasure of having a Seagull 1963 is to be able to see its unique movement at work. So personally for me the Red Star is enough & i'll use the money to get other watch i wanted.
I'm going to buy the one for $180from AliExpress. It houses the same movement and is an exact replica. If you buy the Sea Gull what you're paying extra for is a ???/??? Limited run number. At the end of the day none of them have good customer service. On the other hand Red Star and Sea-Gull offer bronze cases and they are beautiful. I prefer the Red Star or AliExpress dial over the Sea-Gull dial that use more of a plain white and for me has less character.
I just got my bronze seagull and I love it!
They’re all licensed re-issues at this point. Enjoy your watch
My question is, would you buy and wear a Steinhart, they are homages of Rolex, the red star is not even a homage, they are licensed producer that has the original schematic from the original manufacturer. I owned both the original 1963 from Sea-Gull and red star in reverse panda and saphire, guess which one I wear the most?
My question is, would you buy and wear a Steinhart, they are homages of Rolex, the red star is not even a homage, they are licensed producer that has the original schematic from the original manufacturer. I owned both the original 1963 from Sea-Gull and red star in reverse panda and saphire, guess which one I wear the most?
Not sure if it's a fare comparison because you may just like the look of the panda more. If you had both of the cream dial then it would be an easier comparison.
I would only do this if I was able to sell the Red Star, I wouldn't buy the two. I just feel the Sea-gull is more collectible.
I just got my bronze seagull and I love it!
The Bronze is Def collectable. I would be satisfied with that one.
I'm going to buy the one for $180from AliExpress. It houses the same movement and is an exact replica. If you buy the Sea Gull what you're paying extra for is a ???/??? Limited run number. At the end of the day none of them have good customer service. On the other hand Red Star and Sea-Gull offer bronze cases and they are beautiful. I prefer the Red Star or AliExpress dial over the Sea-Gull dial that use more of a plain white and for me has less character.
The alixpress ones get really cheap, I wouldn't pay $180 for one of those. Either wait for a sale or add a little more and get you a red star. Or buy mines lol
Great. I bought 1963 Original and Times Edition from their official website https://seagullwatches.com/pages/seagull1963
I had the exact same itch. I got it scratched by getting the real mccoy.
And it was worth it. I'll probably write a review about the comparison of both later.
I had the exact same itch. I got it scratched by getting the real mccoy.
And it was worth it. I'll probably write a review about the comparison of both later.
I'm glad someone is as nuts as I am. Quickly, can you tell me why the Sea-gull is better?
I'm glad someone is as nuts as I am. Quickly, can you tell me why the Sea-gull is better?
There are three reasons.
1) I like the genuine Sea-Gull's recessed subdials.
That is a preference thing. You be your own judge.
2) The case back design is important to me. Also that it has a model number and a serial number.
3) I collect vintage and new Sea-Gull watches. I have eleven and counting. The genuine 1963's has"China Tianjin Watch Factory" on the dial. Therefore adding this genuine copy to my collection feels right, if that makes sense.
I have not decided if I will keep the Seakoss yet. I am on the fence.
I want to add that the original air force D304 watch is slightly different.
There are three reasons.
1) I like the genuine Sea-Gull's recessed subdials.
That is a preference thing. You be your own judge.
2) The case back design is important to me. Also that it has a model number and a serial number.
3) I collect vintage and new Sea-Gull watches. I have eleven and counting. The genuine 1963's has"China Tianjin Watch Factory" on the dial. Therefore adding this genuine copy to my collection feels right, if that makes sense.
I have not decided if I will keep the Seakoss yet. I am on the fence.
I want to add that the original air force D304 watch is slightly different.
How different is the dial texture!
This "Era Edition" (the literal translation usually says Times Edition, which is wrong) genuine 1963 has a slightly smoother surface, while the Seakoss has a faint grainy feel.