Seagull 1963
Last week I ordered a Seagull 1963 from AliExpress. I’d seen a few videos about the watch, most, if not all, were very positive about the watch and I really liked the look of it. Since ordering I have received numerous emails from AliExpress advertising other watches, some in the £250-£500+ range and some very much lower. Some incredibly cheap (below £50) yet, judging solely by the photos, looking quite good. Are cheap Chinese watches worth bothering with? Most reviewers say the Seagull is good and I’m looking forward to seeing it for myself and maybe seeing what it’s like long term. I don’t mind the Chinese connection, I actually like the story of the watch’s origin and I think it will be fun owning one. Field watches tend to be my favourite style of watch but I do find the aviator style chronograph appealing too. What do you all think?
Retired university lecturer now living by the ocean, enjoying the joy of nice watches and fountain pens.
Yes, the watch is worth it, mine is the 39mm one and sapphire crystal.
Basic rule in watch buying and servicing-You get what you pay for.
I've heard these can be very hit and miss on the low end of the price category. Not just the fit and finish of the watch, but the longevity of the movement. I think my buddy burned through 3 or 4 very budget watches before moving up the price tier.
The Lorier Gemini, for example (which is probably top of the price range for an ST1901 watch) is inspected and tested prior to sale and have excellent customer service - this example stands out in my mind as it on a short-list of Chronos I'm considering.
Somethng you're not likely to get from AliX from my experience.
The Seagull ST19 is like the Kalashnikov of watch movements. Agricultural but robust enough and can be replaced cheaply. Personally I go for Chinese watches with Seiko movements as this is the best balance IMO. Although choice is limited with chronographs.
I guess I got lucky, but my Seagull keeps great time at about -3 spd. I want to think that the factory/company producing these movements are ramping up their quality now that their movements are finding their way into brands like Studio Underd0g or Baltic.
I love the fact that it looks so dressy despite being a watch for the military. It looks great on the included leather strap. It’s not the best strap you’ll ever put on your wrist, but it complements it so well:
I have explored the low end of Chinese watches a bit and found these two, at least, to be quite impressive for the price point.
Militado 36mm Khaki Field (currently $59 usd!)
Merkur 38mm Vintage
I also have a $50 Tandorio whose NH35 movement is quite accurate, but its overall fit and finish is not on par with these.
My $0.02
I've heard good things about the red star store which carries the seagull. I've been looking at getting a 1963 also. Seems to me that around $120 is a good range
I have several ali express watches, all with Seiko movements. Great watches for the money No need to worry about servicing, stick a replacement movement in it for just over 20$.
Bought some with other movements, no problems.
But, do ask me in several years time😂
I paid 44€ delivered for this thing: Threaded and signed crown, solid links, milled clasp, detailled dial, 100m WR
Basic rule in watch buying and servicing-You get what you pay for.
Although that's generally true whatever the genre, I have to say there's a great deal of overpriced trash and also a growing number of manufacturers who provide enormous value for money.. if not a great deal of originality. Spending more doesn't necessarily guarantee better
If you want to experience a lot different watch types and colors in a short term without spending a fortune, these watches are like a school for it. I was on this path and left it after the experience. As my next journey trip was also about brands with history, with soul so to say.
Although that's generally true whatever the genre, I have to say there's a great deal of overpriced trash and also a growing number of manufacturers who provide enormous value for money.. if not a great deal of originality. Spending more doesn't necessarily guarantee better
Spot on there. Some people assume that the more spent, the better the watch. Not always the case.
I just ordered a Proxima last night with the new PT5000 movement and I can't wait to receive it. That movement can be tuned to +2/-2 seconds per day which is fantastic. Chinese made watches are only getting better and I am excited to see it. I really hope you like the 1963. SeaGull ST1902 is a nice movement and not too expensive to replace. SeaGull bought the tooling for that movement from Venus years ago. If you get watches from The Official Sea-Gull Store the movements are actually decorated by SeaGull aswell which I like. I have it on my list although my next purchase will be a Zelos bronze Swordfish which is also made in China. Enjoy you're new 1963!
I just ordered a Proxima last night with the new PT5000 movement and I can't wait to receive it. That movement can be tuned to +2/-2 seconds per day which is fantastic. Chinese made watches are only getting better and I am excited to see it. I really hope you like the 1963. SeaGull ST1902 is a nice movement and not too expensive to replace. SeaGull bought the tooling for that movement from Venus years ago. If you get watches from The Official Sea-Gull Store the movements are actually decorated by SeaGull aswell which I like. I have it on my list although my next purchase will be a Zelos bronze Swordfish which is also made in China. Enjoy you're new 1963!
Thanks Oneway238, I’m looking forward to getting the Seagull. I hope you enjoy the Proxima too, it sounds great. I’ll have to look at that too. I think China watches are very underrated or over criticised.