3
[Seagull 1963] My cheapest watch, and also the one that has been receiving the most compliments.
(i.imgur.com)
It's definitely got character.
this post was submitted on 15 Nov 2023
3 points (100.0% liked)
Watches
0 readers
1 users here now
A community for watch & horology discussion.
founded 11 months ago
MODERATORS
They're great!
I paid $100 for what turned out to be a fake version, they refunded the $100 - so I guess free watch that still looks nice. Aliexpress was a mistake though.
Just did this on the AliExpress 11/11 sale. Picked a big store with lots of previous sold examples, but we'll see how I do. How did you know yours was fake? Did it have an ST1901 or no?
I don’t remember all the details, but the gist of it is that several different “factories” make very similar watches using mostly the same movement and sell it under the same name.
The tldr of the situation is that Chinese manufacturing doesn’t necessarily follow the same ethical standards as western manufacturing. From teams that make reps, to some brand names essentially being public domain and used by different unrelated, to teams using or reusing OEM parts/CAD models and calling it their own work, etc. It’s kind of a shit show and western bargain hunters who care more about feeling like they purchased something that has more bang for the buck than about actual quality or business ethics enable this behavior.
FWIW, I’m generally a proponent of Chinese watches and have owned many, see my post history. But, at the same time, the business side of that world is a mess.
Also fwiw… I’ve done a lot of professional engineering work with Chinese factories. These problems are not limited to watches. Generally, unless your company is on the S&P 500, it’s considered good practice to have a shell company (or several) for placing orders with Chinese suppliers, and to use multiple suppliers in different regions, if you’re concerned about intellectual property theft and don’t want to pay for a legal team in China.
I'm so thankful the ST1901 became popular enough to spawn all of these new microbrands and sub variants of cheap-ish mechanical chronos. It's such unobtanium at these prices on the swiss mkt even second hand. This is a really fun watch, I keep saying I'm gonna get one.
Seagull movements can make beautiful watches, I just have a hard time with the idea that being what it is, a true Chinese chronograph for under $300.. The day it inevitably needs a service, It's basically been totalled. Even buying a new movement and swapping it yourself is high risk and low reward compared to.just replacing it
To be fair we are learning that a lot of movements are just swapped out during service, Tudor included.
I’ve had the same experience with the 1963s. I wear a natural, Color #8, or amaretto shell cordovan nato with a couple of them that is the bomb. Plus, I like to let people listen to the killer tick-tock of the watch that is not common now with most mechanical watches. Enjoy!
It looks like something for a child
Funny how that works, isn't it?
I've been going back and forth on getting one myself and you may have just tipped me over the edge!
Yours looks awesome on that strap too
I own it as well, only watch non watch people notice. Something about it!
Just got this one in Beijing
Seagull Han Warrior. 500 bucks. Awesome watch brand !!
I'm in Beijing. Been looking at getting a Seagull. Where did you pick it up?
The mall inside the grand hyatt beijing hotel. They have a seagull boutique.
And they have a beijing watch company boutique. And a mido.
this watch cost more to repair than it is to buy new, but man the movement looks amazing
Eh just replacing the movement ie pretty cheap
I don’t understand the criticism from some people, if the movement cost is less than what they have to pay to service their watches, thats a good thing right?
Same. Then it boke last week after 1 year :'(
Where did you buy it?
ST1901 based on the Venus 175 fitted to my 1965 Breitling Navitimer, it’s a beautiful thing. they bought the machine tools and modified the movement slightly but basically it’s a world class movement so should be serviceable by any competent watch repairer.
same here. everyone who's a bit interested about watches compliments my seagull 1963 when they see it.
I get the most compliments on my sub $10 watch from Temu
I love mine as well!!
Do you have the one with open case back?
Could anyone point me in the direction to how I’d buy the “right” one on AliExpress. Thanks