Seagull 1963 Review

The cheapest mechanical chronograph in my collection but my favorite by far at present.

In fact, this 🇨🇳 ⌚ has corrupted my ⌚ preferences in that I will only purchase column wheel chronographs from here on out.

The ST1901 is patterned after the Venus 175 from 1942: a rare instance where 🇨🇳 has paid for Western intellectual property.

Quality control has reports if variability, but the ST1901 caliber has failed to disappoint - at least for me.

That crisp clean click from the horizontal clutch column wheel chronograph mechanism is so satisfying and addictive that timing actions becomes a habit with this ⌚.

Objective shortcomings entail virtually no water resistance, a reduced power reserve, no hacking, a thick case height, and complicated servicing.

Servicing the ST1901 mechanism is not impossible but might be more cost effective to replace altogether at $139.00 directly from Seagull; one needs to find a watchmaker familiar with Seagull mechanisms to install the mechanism, which could be a challenge in the 🇺🇲

https://www.seagullwatchco.com/product-page/seagull-st1901-clock-movement

I may have to send mine to 🇨🇳 - not sure.

One other hindrance for the Seagull 1963 is that there are many licensed and potentially unlicensed manufacturers, as seen on AliExpress and 淘寶网.

The model sold directly from Seagull but at a ridiculously unnecessary premium.

If one wishes to get a more "authentic" facsimile, the dial should have two lines of text that say:

中国 (China)

天津手錶厂 (Tianjin Watch Factory).

Is my ST1901 a clone? . . .🤷🏻

I neither know nor care because I paid $154.00 (December 2021).

One aspect about the watch, albeit subjective, are the painted stamped hands that look quite cheap, but that champagne dial with the raised numerals at 36 mm create a very nice and comfortable vintage look.

I have applied many 18 mm straps and am surprised how versatile it is.

My favorite strap is a dark brown kangaroo 🦘 leather strap to give it a casual appearance with a hint of a dress ⌚.

Ultimately, one cannot go wrong with this ⌚ at less than $350.

Above that and look elsewhere.

It is a great chronograph for any collector but even more so for those beginning this sickness.

It is by no means going to be like a vertical clutch mechanism found in a Jaeger-LeCoultre or even Rolex, Omega, or Seiko (SRQ043).

The ST1901 caliber, however, is found in popular models from Baltic and Studio Underdog.

Another intrigue with this ⌚ that is absent from most is its background story where Venus sold the rights and machinery to 🇨🇳 instead of the Soviet Union to develop Project D304 or the first pilot's ⌚ for the People's Liberation Army Air Force: 🇨🇭⚙ in 🇨🇳⌚.

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