🛒 WATCHES FEATURED (Affiliate Product Links) Original Tianjin Factory Seagull 1963 ➡ tidd.ly/3Geaciw 38/40mm Versions ➡ tidd.ly/3WM27bN 38/40mm (alternate seller) ➡ tidd.ly/3GBRcMq 40/42mm Versions ➡ tidd.ly/3X3KzaV Panda Version ➡ bit.ly/3fOByPW Green Version ➡ tidd.ly/3X40rKF Blue 42mm Version ➡ tidd.ly/3CngFXv NEW Grey Version ➡ seagull1963.com/product/seagull-1963-grey-panda-edition-38mm-acrylic-sapphire/?ref=IefBskk2 NEW Bronze Version ➡ seagull1963.com/product/seagull-1963-bronze-edition-40mm-sapphire-glass/?ref=IefBskk2
I got the Seagull 1963 during the 11/11 sale and it hasn't left my wrist since then. It's incredible. Only thing I'm still looking out for is a nice leather strap for it!
Sugess has it for 60 percent cheaper and they do use the seagul movement. I got mine a while back and it’s beautiful. Only downfall is that the acralyic face scratches easy and mine broke. But sugess was not able to replace it. Other than the watch is fantastic!!! Love the look and feel of it. That is a sugess though. 😊 yes go with the saphire version for scratch reaistance but I love the OG acrylic look
This movement is actually a swiss movement, to be specific it was originally made by Venus and Seagull bought the patent in the early 60's but if you get a good one it will run for years, and it's the cheapest chronograph movement on the market 😉 👍
@@damyr I realized that when I first commented but the OC had a decent number of likes so I thought I might as well clarify for potential buyers. Guess a lot of people don’t actually watch the video 🤷♂️
Have this movement on a hemel air league which is a blancpain air command homage. Love it. Just discovered that even the speedmasters don’t have vertical clutch column wheels so it’s pretty cool to be able to experience it for 300 bucks
So many hilarious comments on here with double standards and hypocrisy about politics and governments. I'm sure these same people happily wear stuff with other things on it that are no better in terms of their backgrounds being little better.
@@Pcman77 mate ...it's like all the idiots that love to say "made in China" in a condescending voice ..... usually while holding an iphone. Which is 100% made in China. In sweat shop factories with terrible working conditions where anti-suicide nets are placed on the roofs to stop the workers jumping off and killing themselves. Or wear Nike products. Products from a company that has been caught so many times making it's stuff cheaply in swear shops with child labour. Or more to your point drive a Mercedes or a BMW? Do you think any of these people don't buy products from these brands? All these people are just selective in their supposed "morality". And only apply it selectively. Usually for political purposes.
I have a "Red Star" branded one like your one: 37 mm, sapphire, transparent caseback. Great watch, I love it. Red Star is owned by the person who, when a Seagull employee, managed the production of the first "1963" replica, so in a sense I consider their version more original than the original.
I own two of these. A 40mm Chrono Heritage M1963/X - SEA-GULL ST1901 bought directly from Sugess Watch in China and a 40mm limited edition Red Star bronze Seagull 1963 that came from the official Seagull 1963 store in Belgium. The Seagull is a watch that is hard to fault and I‘m quite fond of both of mine but my customer experience with both companies was hardly satisfactory. In sum I was swindled twice. The Sugess was supposed to come with the Swan Neck movement but didn‘t and unfortunately too much time had elapsed before I found out for me to be able to do anything about it. As for the Belgian Seagull 1963, it was only after I had received it that I found out that they do not individually number their limited edition watches (instead all 300 are numbered 1/300) and that it was missing it‘s tag, manual and registration QR code. It was also shipped about two months past it‘s preassigned shipping date. The company in Belgium casually dismissed my concerns and when I asked to return it they informed me that the 14 day return policy had expired. Be very careful who you buy from. The Seagull 1963 company in Belgium seems rotten to the core. I wouldn’t deal with them again if they paid me. BEWARE.
I do not like the massive red star on the face (I come from communist family, don't judge me), and I don't like the connotation of wearing military watches of authoritarian armies. Vostok Komandirskie has different connotation today than a year ago. If you asked me 20 years ago I would think that's rad, but edgy is no longer funny to me as I am old bastard now. I also hate the Military Swiss army watches that has the flag and the word military on the front, swiss army is for swiss people. Would you wear Iranian military watch, or Saudi, or Israeli, or North Korean, or some other questionable army? I wouldn't.
My first seagul movement had a main spring malfunction. The shop I returned it to tried using there was no issue but I sent them a video of the spring skipping immensely while winding and not fully reaching maximum tension. Replaced it no problem and the new one seems to be sound so far. Lovely watch. Full skeleton fossil townsman. People always ask about it when I wear it
A great watch for an unbelievable price! I have a similar model also on a Barton leather strap. My only gripe is that the first pusher on mine sticks whenever I activate it, so it's a real pain to pull it back out to use again. The mechanical chronograph movement alone is worth the money.
I have a 40mm with Moonphase and 4 sundial layout, the quality is stunning for the price, even the canvas strap is great. the sub dial hands on mine are so thin and hard to cut, Ive only ever seen better quality on watches by JLC and Zenith.... the moon watch and Daytona have slabs for hands
I own a seagull1963 chronograph and can just say, that these are a piece of sh*#. After 2 weeks I couldn't wind it anymore and has to send it back. Came Back and got broken again. And there is the big point, there is no one who will do a reperature for ca. 600€ for a 150€ watch, with a cheap unknown movement inside, so you throw it away After 5 years. Also, they don't have quality controls before they export the watches. That's not my idea of a time piece, so I can just say, save a little bit money more and buy a seiko.
i have been wearing the sugess 40mm and sapphire version of that watch almost everyday for a year now and am very happy with it. no issues at all with it
I have the 40mm sapphire version on a champagne leather suede strap and it looks crazy elegant, it was even the watch I wore to my brothers wedding preferring it to a Tag and Panerai that I also own. This is a watch that imo every fellow watch enthusiast should own.
The st19 looks cheap though. They use chrome plated brass for the mainplate and train bridges. I assume its an inexpensive way to give the movement some flare but ironically cheapens it imo. Not to mention they are not very consistent in reliability. I have one that still works great and ive had a couple that had issues after a year or two of being in my rotation.
Probably never heard of? You do know that you have a channel about budget watches, right? :D I'm pretty confidend that many here heard of them or saw one or even own one.
I think that's the replica (it only has one line on the dial at the bottom), therefore it could be the reason it's 150 bucks. The "original" one (they're all licenced and made in China) has two lines above the 6 and costs around 450 bucks. Honestly it's not even worth the price difference but might explain a variation in price if users find it for a different price online.
It’s not even the original, it’s just the official. The Chinese government made these at multiple facilities from what I understand. As they transitioned to capitalism, these factories became independent and they gave one company the official rights. So these other factories producing them have been making them for decades as well and it’s the same movement.
There are a number of reviews available for this watch. This was the most comprehensive and helpful that I've seen, and has greatly aided me in figuring out what configuration to get. Nicely done Ben - thank you!
great review! and as a chinese person i have to say you werent far off with your pronunciation of various chinese words. well done! :) fun fact. the chinese character zuan is actually 1 half of the 2 characters that form the word diamond: zuan shi. literally translated it means "drilled stone" aka stone you get by drilling. so it's the term for "gem" or "jewel" in the sense that "diamond" colloqually became the term for "gem". no actual diamonds in the watch! 😂
Let’s be honest, if they marketed this watch is a $2000 swiss made, it would instantly be loved by everyone. But because it’s made in China and 10 times less those “watch guys” won’t have anything to do with it. The gate keeping is so silly.
The only problem I have with this watch is that it’s basically disposable. The cost to get it serviced is probably double the cost of the watch. Also the movement does not have the best track record for reliability
Not quite sure how fixing your problem 100% for a 150 bucks and ending up with a brand new watch is actually a problem. I get what you're saying, but.....that's just another check in the plus column. Read the comments, most people (including myself and those I know that own this watch), have had good luck with the movement.
Got a sugess moonphase with dark dial that has a seagull movement. For around 200€, it is one of my favorite pieces in the collection and literally looks amazing.
I've looked at these previously and now looking for a birth year watch for my upcoming birthday. Toying with the idea of one of these, obviously not 60 years old but it's going to be as reliable as an actual 60 year old watch isn't it?🤔
»It looks like a sports car on the wrist« is what my best friend said when he saw my panda dial version made by Sugess. They're generally the best producers of the ST19 movement, offering a plethora of choices - different case sizes, dial options, crystal options, and swan-neck regulator options. All of them are slightly better finished than the typical 150£ no-name seller while still below the 200£ mark. I recommend you opt for them, I'm very happy with the purchase.
I quite like this watch. I think you didn’t mention some of its less attractive features (like the painted blue screws), but that’s expected at this price. I actually think that the dial lets it down a little bit, it could be a lot prettier. This is probably the best value mechanical chronograph short of an Omega, so I think it’s a gret buy for anyone.
I always wanted to get one since the price is damn cheap, but i have a few friends who are watchmakers all of them has said that sea gull mvmts aren't really serviceable making them more lets just say disposable, however of you are considering getting one then who am i to say
I bought an Alpha speedmaster homage with this movement 2 years ago. Something in the winding mechanism broke after a few months. It's still possible to wind the watch and it will run but you can't wind it fully. I've read elsewhere of issues like the chrono hand not lining up properly, crystals popping off or the clickspring breaking which is possibly what's happened to me, or perhaps I'm just unlucky? Would love to know if anyone has had a watch with this movement and had many years without any issues. By the way the issue of crystals popping off was reported by 2 well known watch reviewers as well as other buyers. From what I can gather there are many factories in China assembling these movements so quality can vary enormously. This very model in the review seems to be produced by a number of factories so that it's difficult to know which of them are the original watch and the better quality.
For those who are afraid to wear this watch because it has the red star, just buy the HKed version. You'll pay more for better finish, though. But instead of the star you'll get a logo that looks closer to the original which I understand didn't have the star anyway. This is the version I purchased with acrylic as I wanted a replica as close to the original as possible.
"Afraid to wear because it has a red star". Really? Is there any such person out there? It's a watch, not a political statement. (and if anything sees wearing this watch as a politically statement, that seems very very odd to me).
Let me guess, you are an American, right? Don't you guys have anything else to do? USA great, Communists bad. That's childish. This watch is a piece of history, Chinese aviation one. Whether the history (as it was) was good or bad it is a different story. Can't you just appreciate this watch without all this political BS? It is a nice thing IMHO. I am not for the communism. Do not apply politics to watches, please.
@@gamblelookwarm Fair enough but the fact is weather we realise it or not, we are all supporting the Chinese economy with the purchase of most household goods, from micro waves to the computer you're using it right now. In fact I recently removed the case back of my Seiko Prospex Willard to regulate it and what did I find stamped inside? "Case made in China" 😂
I’ve got the Sugess ($200) with gooseneck and It’s easily one of my favorites. I got mine with the stainless bracelet and it was disappointing with hollow, ill fitting ends. I did some bending with pliers under a loupe and it’s now decent at a glance. Got a super nice leather strap with clasp as the main one though and it is just great.
I have had a couple of veteran watch smiths who are familiar with the original Venus movement examine a Seagull chronograph movement. Their verdict was that while the fit and finishing weren't quite up to Swiss standards, it was pretty close and fully functional to boot. One even mused that he should contact them to obtain spare parts to rehab and use in repairing the vintage originals.
What bugs me about this model is the lack of coherence from the several vendors that sell them... There are too many variants. I wish I could get the "official" one, but over USD 500 is an assault.
I think it is easy: - 38 or 40 mm diagonal - acrylic or sapphire glass - see-through or solid back-case - with or without swan-neck - a selection of add-ons, ie. straps. You buy what you like.
@@pzwolski It is not hard to find way more variables than that, but you are right, those are the most common... and sure, you can clump all of the variants under "accepted homages" and just pick the one you like best, that is fine by me. I, personally, wish Seagull could just formalize the options available from other retailers... or lower their price for the official version.
I bought both the 42" with mineral crystal and 28" sapphire version. Both are very accurate and smooth winding. Fit and finish are outstanding. The champagne gold dial and applied markers are beautiful. I love looking at the movement through the case back, it is stunning. Outrageous bargain.
that open display back is insane. I mean insane. The watchmaker bragging and flexing hard on that one lol. I mean the whole back is totally open lol. THe most open skeleton i ever seen is the angelus U20, but holy. This $250 dollar watch on the back? wow.
I got this for my wife for her anniversary. Absolutely stunning piece, its an affordable way to enjoy a beautifully decorated movement. I just wish the crown was bigger. Get some quick release leather straps for it.
Hope Jody knows you're using his video? He does seem to like these watches and makes the same valid point about the price difference and is the original worth it. Another great video Ben. 😀
What about servicing costs? I get you could just buy another but I want a relationship with this kind of watch... Lol, surely it's not too expensive in the UK
It's not true, only the Sea-Gull "Seagull 1963" are out of the stated factory (and they cost >500 USD). The cheaper ones are copies. There are a lot of videos adressing this matter. The movements fail in a noticeable number of cases. So it's a watch for enthusiasts and not for daily use.
I went to Marc’s LIW & coughed the 💰💰💰for the Sapphire Sandwich. $379.00 was super cheap when the 1st one arrived broken. Wrote Marc. He asked a few questions and I had my new (& superb) 1963 Pilot’s Chronograph. Very cool watch and mandatory for any collection. ✌🏻
Can't believe this watch is still being talked about! I got mine like 5 years ago. Was my first serious watch and i love it even more i loved it on first sight ❤️
This isn't made by seagull rather the movt is from seagull ..seagull one cost 600 dollars and the only difference is sea gull branding ..Jodi from just one more watch has a vid on it anyway he explains it in detail ...all n all its an amazing value to money watch
I have a broken one, a few months after purchase it just stopped working. Took it to a watchmaker who said it would cost more to repair than repurchase. There's no way I would ever buy again. Typical garbage.
Thanks Ben seagull make a good copy of an old movement have built 3 watches using 2130 movements big fan of what they can do to an ETA and have never built chronograph but good pod cheers mate
I had an homage of omega’s speed master with identical mechanism from this watch and I can say it was one of the beautiful and most accurate mechanical watches I have ever had.
I've been looking this watch for a long time since the first review you did of the Seagull 1963. The only thing that's holding me back to pull the trigger on it is the thought of the lack of service this watch could have in the long run. I'm no expert but for what I know, this watch cannot be serviced because of the complexity of the movement, but it also looks so beautiful to not give it a try and for my tiiiiiiiiny wrist this could fit perfectly. Any comments about it?
You don’t service the movement, you replace it. You will still get years out of it before you need to touch it anyway. If you ever needed to replace it, this is a very inexpensive procedure. Or you just buy another watch. I can’t see the issue here.
There are other styles using the same movement that look even better for pretty much the same price. It makes you realise the premium you pay on other marques.
....I wonder how the Chinese managed to sell a quality watch at such a cheap price? Great components and performance....I *wonder* what their cost cutting measures might be...😬
The tooling costs have LONG since been paid off, mate. Marketing's immaterial too from what I understand, with Sea-Gull basically leaving it up to YT reviewers to get the word out. All that's left are material and labor costs.
more like $250 on amazon. I'd hate to get a broken watch from a shady seller on aliexpress and have little recourse. And I feel that most watches in that price range rival the $20,000 watches you nuts buy in aesthetics and function lmao... But this is a real nice find for the sapphire crystal at that price and the display back really is flexing hard. wow. that's impressive. thats better then most watches in the luxury price range lol. I like the colors of the Sugess SUCHP005Z V2 the best and a lightning bolt second hand is a nice touch. Small for me though I rock 44" and up nowadays lol.
Excellent review Ben. This has been on my radar for sometime but was never bothered for it much as I considered it too small. Then I got to see and handle one and was blown away by the quality and the fit. I may at some point get the 40 but the size you went for still looks great on my 7” wrist. One for the future deffo! 😊
Jodi at JOMW did a video on Seagull vs Sea-Gull a few months ago. Basically the field is littered with official, licensed & homage 1963s that are all effectively the same watch with a different mix of herbs & spices in a multitude of price ranges. Long & short; the solid caseback is the official version that costs what you’re talking about & the display caseback is the licensed copy. Iirc.
These chronos are neat and have an amazing backstory. Mine is a 38mm with acrylic for the simple reason that that is how the originals for pilots were made
The downside of these movements are higher that average failure rates and expensive service charges, but damn it's a nice looking watch. My favorites are the Sugess tachometer pandas.
Thanks for this great review!. I bought one of these and then wondered about the prices difference between the ones on the official site. But your explanation set my mind at rest. :) Cheers! Edit: 1 month later and I now have the 38mm, 40mm and 42mm. I love these watches. They are vulnerable though. I dropped my 38mm one from a height of 1 meter onto a carpet but it got damaged. There is some play in the balance wheel and it started rubbing against the cogwheel for the minute hand, stopping the watch occasionally. Luckily, watch repair is my new hobby so I poked around a bit in the mechanism and managed to get it working again. But beware these are fragile movements because of how complicated they are.
I've seen this thing before but it's not 150 bucks but around 300 Bucks. Sometimes 270 if you're lucky. And the price depends on the mineral glass and the gooseneck. It seems like a nice watch but i doubt it has a good shock protection in its movement. Like the Buran chronographs for example.
I just discovered this the other day... The original 1963 had a steel back and acrylic crystal. It used the ST19 movement which has 19 jewels. Reproductions with steel back and acrylic crystals are marked 19 Zuan appropriately. The versions with display back and sapphire crystal count both sapphire lenses as jewels and are labeled 21 Zuan. They both use ST19 movements with 19 jewels where it matters. I own a 21 zuan model and have tested both the crystal and display back and they are both indeed sapphire. Unlike my Tissot V8 which uses a mineral glass display back and a sapphire crystal. I know it doesn't matter as much on the back but I find it funny that the Chinese bother to use sapphire front and back and Tissot cheaps out. '-(
Its a great-quality movement. Its fundamentally not a knock-off since it was built off of original Venus tooling that was sold in a completely legal deal to the Chinese government and gradually updated since then.
@@jakekaywell5972 ,i am not gonna argue here about how Chinese got the movement,but I'll say one's again this is CRAP , even Seagull factory made movements, which is the best of them all, got so much dirt and garbage inside so ......^
@@jakekaywell5972wumao alert you are a hard working wumao. I don't think you should be on here you are breaking CCP law by being on RU-vid you hypocrite. That is also 1.50 now good job maybe you can buy some kfc with that 😂
I ordered 3 different Sugess watches using this movement, expecting to use them as throwaway watches but I have to say, I really do like them. They are now part of my regular wear-cycle. Their newer models are finished incredibly well and looks and feels on par with the thousand dollar watches.
I feel the value of the movement is even higher. Just name the least expensive Swiss mechanical chronograph with a column wheel and it's in the thousands of dollars. Not even the famed Omega Speedmaster has a column wheel - to get that column wheel, you;d have yo get the super expensive Omega Speedmaster 321 Ed White model. Or a Breitling, or a Rolex Daytona. At the $150 USD, you can't even buy a wannnabe Omega Moon SWATCH that comes with a quartz movement.
I have my eye on the 40mm lumed version. My wife says if I behave, I can have it for my birthday . I'm tossing up between the original airforce style and the black bezel panda version.
Amazing watch and review Ben! I have had my Seagull for 3 years now and even after a couple of drops, still works like a charm and keeps good time (+12 spd) 😁
I bought a Seagull chrono some years ago, looked great and worked great too. Until the hands fell off and it was impossible to remove the movement from the caseback. Only option was to remove the bezel but even this was impossible without destroying it. Yes I gave the job to a good watchmaker but he had to give up, but not until the bezel was damaged. It's now a piece of junk.
