Sometimes you've got to go with your gut

Is there a quality difference?

There is a subtle difference in the amount of detail it gives.

The indented subdials certainly give it more dimension.

You be the judge.

Is there one extra jewel?

Apparently.

The pushers on the genuine one are better proportioned.

Good eye!

Congrats comrade

Maybe they had to? The real one is a slightly larger diameter, bet it's not as much as it appears. Maybe an optical illusion caused by the different dial colour?

Wait. I’m confused. Is one of these genuine and the other not so?

There is a 2mm difference.

The one on the left is a Seakoss. It has a genuine ST19 movement, but the rest is not made by the Tianjin Watch Factory.

Also that the pusher to crown ratio is better on the real mccoy.

The question now of course is..... Will you wear the cheaper one any more😱 Go on, be a two wrister. 😁

That had never crossed my mind until you mentioned it.

Do you have a link for this watch?

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/4000252492975.html

Been heavily contemplating getting the moonphase version. Everyone seems to like them

Just a reminder that there are only two official models from the Tianjin Watch Factory for sale currently.

1. Re-issue version. Model# 819.17.1963, 37.5mm case, limited edition (5500 total), 22 jewel (even though the dial says 21, I think for resemblance sake of the original), ST1901 movement. Ref https://www.seagullwatch.com/goods/233.html

2. Era version. Model# 819.87.1963, 40mm case, unlimited release, 22 jewel. ST19 movement (I have no idea why there is a difference, but it says so on the product page ). Ref https://www.seagullwatch.com/goods/1263.html

The above pages are in Chinese. I know, it sucks. But this is the real Tianjin Watch Factory page.

The rest of the English websites with the Seagull and trademark are NOT official. I am not going to explain it here. It is another discussion.

The other 1963 products I believe are using genuine Seagull movements. They usually have a see through case back, so you cannot fake them. But the rest of the watch is NOT from the Tianjin factory.

congrats,they are both nice watches. The real deal has a substantially higher msrp.Is it worth the price difference?

I did struggle for a bit before I said "f#*k it, I am pressing the buy button".

It is a logical decision for me after all. I have a collection (about a dozen and counting) of Sea-Gull watches and those of its predecessors' (WuYi "51", DongFeng "East Wind) from the late 50's to the 80s. It makes sense for me to add to the collection a genuine 1963.

They must be good then.I bought “cheapy “one.Like the one on the left.Stopped working within a week of ownership,company exchanged it.New one has been fine,wear it occasionally,really enjoy it.

I’ve been looking really hard at one of these seagull movement watches. Really debating between a traditional 1963 or a panda Chronograph. Looks great bud.

Can't really go wrong with either.

Just purchased a Red Star 1963. Went with exhibition back, sapphire crystal, swan neck version. Not Tianjin factory made, and some anachronistic features, but I wanted to be able to see that colorful intricate manual wind chronograph movement. Can’t wait for it to get here several weeks from now, hope it’s not a lemon.

The movement really is beautiful to look at.

Saw this clip a while back. Dude discusses the difference between the 2. Might be an interesting video for some.

https://youtu.be/YbdZGxpX2Mk?si=prAxruDYhRth9T8u

Thanks for posting. I watched it before also. The last 30 seconds of the video explained my decision well.

There is somethin else to consider.

On the one hand, there seems to be a certain level of distrust of Seagull movements in watches not made by Seagull. I have seen people complained about their 1963's failing, and also that of other brand names and models.

On the other hand, from my own experience, I own over a dozen Tianjin Watch Factory's watches, that include vintage WuYi "51", DongFeng "East Wind" and Sea-Gull watches from the late 50s to the late 70s, and also many modern day Sea-Gull watches of different styles and movements. Every single one of them is still running and keeping good time. Although, this is merely my own experience.

The durability of a watch is not only about the quality of the movement, but also the casing process. If the environment is dusty, or the workers do not wear a hair net, anything that falls into the case could pose a problem. My own anecdotal experience gives me confidence in the manufacturing process at the Tianjin factory. However I cannot say about the other brands'.

Here's mine, purchased it in Dec 2019. No issues so far. I wear it about once a week. Having a bronze case is a bit of pain in hot humid weather, sorta stains your wrist 🙄

That looks amazing!

Thanks. Woooh it is pricey! 💸