Category: Style

Are you a fan of luxury watches, but the price and waiting lists of getting them simply makes your head hurt? If so, then this article is just for you. You don’t want knock-off Chinese goods, nor do you want to spend a fortune on the original brand: then homage watches are here to the rescue. 

What are homage watches? Here’s the short version: homage watches are the exact duplicates of the original high-end timepieces in terms of design and are oftenly even equipped with improved modifications, all at a budget-friendly price. Homage watches are the ideal substitutes for expensive luxury watches as they are easily accessible, have the same slick design and are very affordable. 

A homage watch is by no means a fake or a replica watch. It is simply an affordable alternative to the original timepieces, oftenly with a slight twist to it. A good homage watch always comes from a manufacturer that is trying to build a brand with consistent quality and service. If they’re merely trying to copy a design, put a cheap movement in the watch and don’t care about customer service, quality control or a good reputation in general, you’re simply dealing with an unprofessional knockoff ‘brand’. That is why you need to understand the distinction between good and bad homage brands. 

Almost all homage watch brands will have their manufacturing done in China, since this plays a big role in being able to create very affordable timepieces. Although they don’t always have the most reliable reputation when it comes to watch production, there are some Chinese manufacturers that have proved themselves when it comes to delivering a consistent quality. 

These Chinese manufactured watches we are referring to not only exhibit the highest quality standards as we know them from manufacturers in the Western countries, but they are also extremely inexpensive in comparison. 

In this article, we will take a look at the 10 best-valued homage watches that are adored by watch enthusiasts worldwide.

1. Aviation Watch Homage of Seagull 1963:

The Seagull 1963 watches have a reputable status in the community of watch enthusiasts. The Aviation watch homage of the original Seagull 1963, the way it originally was made back in the second world war, is one of the greatest homage watches ever made. With the backstory, the unique design and the ST1901 movement inside, this is a total no-brainer for every watch enthusiast. This homage watch is available in all sorts of dials, but all with an iconic red star that pays tribute to the original aviation timepiece. Other features which resemble the original classic design include the golden watch hands, the red seconds hand, and a retro texture. Thus, the Aviation watch homage of the Seagull 1963 chronograph watch provides all the aspects of the original aviation series, at a much more reasonable price, making it a must-have homage watch for collectors. We love these homage watches so much that we actually started to offer them in our webstore a while ago. Feel free to read more about the Seagull 1963 watches or to check out our collection of Seagull 1963 watches we offer.

2. Corgeut Black Bay:

This extravagant homage watch is based on the design of the Tudor Heritage Black Bay. Obviously, the original Tudor watches are expensive and not all can afford them, hence the introduction of its homage version. It comes with a Sapphire crystal glass and a reliable Japanese movement. It also offers 100M of water resistance and the design of this watch is inspired by the original sensational Tudor model. All the design specs, such as the snowflake hands of the watch, the black dial with gold accents, no crown guards, and the 41mm watch case resemble the original Tudor. The Japanese Automatic movement and the water resistance features are an additional plus for this homage watch, all at an affordable price! 

3. San Martin Water Ghost:

The San Martin Water Ghost watch is the homage watch that was inspired by the classical Rolex Submariner. The Rolex Submariner is one of the models of Rolex that got famous due to the fact that Sean Connery used to wear it in the early James Bond films. This Hollywood affiliation itself adds to the price tag of the watch. Fortunately, the San Martin homage watch covers all the design features and specs of the original iconic Rolex Submariner, such as the standout crown, the Mercedes hands, the aged lume, and the 38mm watch case. Moreover, this homage timepiece is equipped with a sapphire crystal and a Seiko automatic movement which makes this homage even more unique. 

4. Pagani Design Seamaster 007:

This watch is another one of the James Bond classics and is a duplicate of the Omega seamaster. We all know how costly Omega watches can be so the Pagani homage watch serves to be the most perfect substitute. This homage watch resembles the original Omega in many design aspects but the only notable difference between this homage watch and the original Omega is in the watch case. The original Omega has a titanium case whereas the Pagani homage has a stainless steel case along with 100M of water resistance, sapphire crystal, and a Seiko movement. 

5. Seagull 1963 Red Army Wuxing Homage:

This epic homage watch reflects the design of the first-ever Chinese watches manufactured back in 1955. This homage watch is a reflection of the vintage style in ancient Chinese watches. The mineral glass top, the retro spring steel strap, the off-white or champagne color dial, and the symbolic red star, all resemble the design of the original classic. This homage watch is a must-have for watch lovers who are passionate about vintage watches. It falls a bit in the same space as the Seagull 1963 and you can check more about the Red army wuxing homage watch on our website!

6. Parnis Datejust:

This epic watch is a homage to the classical model of Rolex, the Datejust. The original Rolex Datejust is one of the vintage staples in the world of watchmaking and it also has a historic affiliation with Winston Churchill. The Parnis Datejust perfectly copies the original design of the Rolex classic. It maintains the simplicity and authenticity of the design by using a plain bezel. The feature which makes this homage affordable is the fact that it is equipped with a Chinese automatic movement. This watch is a great companion for those Rolex fans who are in the search of an affordable vintage watch. 

7. Alpha Explorer:

Alpha Explorer is the copy of the iconic Rolex Explorer 1. The original Rolex has a very sleek vintage design and some would argue that it has a good ‘value for money’ ratio. Needless to say, the Rolex brand stamp on it comes with a price tag. The Alpha Explorer homage watch is the optimal alternative to the original Rolex. It resembles the original Rolex in terms of the 36mm watchcase design, the Mercedes hands, and the bold numerics. The difference is in the movement of this watch as this homage watch uses a Chinese Seagull automatic movement. Moreover, it is equipped with a sapphire crystal and can be purchased at a very budget-friendly price. 

8. Steeldive Ploprof:

This timepiece is a homage to the Omega Ploprof watch. The Steeldive Ploprof resembles the original Omega Ploprof in many aspects such as the locking bezel, the 9 o’clock crown, the watch hands, and the watch case. Moreover, this homage watch has a 1200M of water resistance, a mesh bracelet, and a sapphire crystal which makes it a must-have for watch enthusiasts. The Steeldive Polprof has a great and reliable Seiko automatic movement, resulting in an affordable price tag. 

9. Benyar Milgauss:

The Benyar Milgauss is the copy of the Rolex Milgauss, which is the only Rolex watch with a tinted crystal. The Benyar Milgauss is a really fun homage watch as it resembles the original Rolex in many design aspects, especially the color factor. For many people even with hefty budgets for their watches, this would be a very ‘fun and playful’ watch to get, but the price tag is just something that would keep them from getting this, since this wouldn’t be a ‘daily wear’ watch for most people. The homage version has the green crystal, colorful markers, and a lightning bolt hand which makes this homage watch seem fairly identical to the original Rolex Milgauss, all at an inexpensive price.

10. Heimdallr 62MAS:

This watch is a homage to the first-ever dive watch by Seiko. The original watch is no doubt very expensive which is why the Heimdallr 62MAS homage watch is the ideal alternative. This homage watch also has a vintage style and all the diver style specs. Moreover, this homage watch has a Japanese automatic movement and a domed sapphire crystal, all at a low-cost price. 

This concludes our list of the top 10 best-valued homage watches. We hope you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with friends or to drop us a follow on social media if you did!

If you are a watch enthusiast then you must be very passionate about adding a Rolex or an Omega to your watch collection. But let’s get real for a second, having a Rolex and Omega sure sounds fancy, but it also screams expensive. Not everybody, especially the new members in the community of watch lovers, can afford it. But does that mean that you simply have to give up your love for high-end watches? Absolutely not! There is a solution to this pricey problem and two words have the answer – homage watch. 

Homage watches are an excellent replacement for pricey high-end watches. In fact, they even come with a few updates that make them stand out even more than the original. Diving into the watch enthusiast community, not everyone is a fan of these watches, since some categorize it as a ‘rip off’. But that should never stop you from getting one. Homage watches have certainly made it easier for watch enthusiasts to expand their collections, in a budget-friendly way. So, by now you must be wondering: “What exactly is an homage watch?”

In this article, we will walk you through the meaning and the idea of a homage watch and why homage watches are an exceptional choice when it comes to luxury timepieces. So, let’s dive right in! 

What is the Meaning of an Homage Watch?

The meaning of an homage watch is reflected by its name. The word ‘homage’ means to pay respect or show honor to, which is exactly what homage watches are all about. They pay homage, or pay respect, or are in the honor of a pre-existing luxurious watch design. These watches gain inspiration from any famous existing design but are not exact replicas. They are somehow different from the original design, and the features owing to this difference make these homage watches even more unique! 

Think of it this way, you see a Rolex watch, the Rolex Submariner for example, and you instantly fall in love with its exclusive design. You want to buy it at the spot and make it a part of your timepiece collection but there is something holding you back – the price tag. An easy way out of this pricey dilemma is to purchase a homage watch instead. The homage of the Rolex Submariner will be its twin in design and will outshine the original one by incorporating some core factors that were missing in the original Rolex Submariner, all at a low cost as well! Sure sounds like a dream come true for many watch lovers!

We selected the best valued homage watches according to our knowledge!

Why You Should Get a Homage Watch

If you are still being dicey about the authenticity of these homage watches, then allow us to tell you a secret; these homage watches are perfectly legal! The whole idea of homage watches is to pay tribute to the existing design with some small modifications. These watches are not a replica, rather they are an improved and affordable version of the original watches. Below are some of the reasons why you should definitely get some homage watches:

1. Replacement for Expensive High-End Watches:

High-end luxury watches are no doubt the sweethearts in the realm of watches, but they are extremely expensive. Not all can afford to make them a part of their dream collection. These watches are pricey due to a number of factors such as their material, complex movements, finishing, etc. Homage watches serve as an excellent substitute for these luxury watches. They are basically the economical version of the high-end watches. On the outside, they look the same as the original watch, but to reduce the cost, homage watches use inexpensive replacements when it comes to the material, finishing, and the watch movement. For example, instead of using a sapphire watch glass crystal, these watches use a mineral or quartz crystal. Similarly, instead of having a complex swan neck regulator in the mechanical movement, homage watches usually use a quartz movement instead. These factors help to bring down the cost of the timepiece, making it a budget friendly high-end watch. 

2. Accessibility to Limited Pieces:

The best thing about homage watches is that through these timepieces, you can easily access the limited edition pieces or the ones which have been discontinued. Watches vary with trends. Sometimes the weather calls for small watches while sometimes, the trend shifts towards big dial watches. In order to keep up with the latest trends and styles, many brands often discontinue some ancient designs that get out of fashion. The watch community is a small place and getting these vintage pieces seems impossible, but thanks to homage watches, any watch lover can easily access these limited editions or discontinued designs in the form of homage watches. A prime example is the Red Army ‘Wuxing Homage’ Handwinding watch which is an improved and inexpensive version of the original. 

3. Affordability:

Expensive luxury watches are not everyone’s cup of tea. So, in order to quench your thirst for high-end watches, homage timepieces are the optimal substitute. Instead of spending your entire paycheck on a single watch, you can get a similar watch design and much more at an extremely modest budget. This cost friendly aspect of homage watches keeps on attracting watch lovers to get their hands on some homages.

That’s all about homage watches. These valuable inexpensive timepieces are surely bound to expand your precious watch collection. Hope you found this article enlightening and helpful! 

The Seagull 1963 is the most fascinating watches to come out, or rather, be re-released, in a short period. It experiened a lot of attention from watch forums and fashion blogs because, simply put, it’s a great-looking and affordable watch with authentic vintage styling that pays homage to non-Swiss watchmaking history. Sure, if you’re a watch enthusiast, you’re very likely aware of the Seagull brand as a utmost manufacturer of movements and watches (including tourbillons), but you probably don’t own one. Your watch’s movement is most likely made by ETA, Ronda, Miyota, or Seiko (yes, making big generalizations, but wait for the point). Nonetheless, Seagull, or Tianjin Seagull, is one of the four (or three, depending on who you ask) largest watch manufacturers in the world today.

There are bargain brands, such as Android, Stuhrling, and Aeromatic 1912, and “homage” brands that use Seagull mechanical movements because they are less expensive and more accessible than their Swiss counterparts, but true Seagull brand watches are rare. It’s difficult to say whether this is by the stigma of Chinese manufacturing being cheap and unreliable, traditionalism in watchmaking that says “if it isn’t Swiss, it isn’t good,” a lack of brand recognition, or poor product positioning (or a combination thereof) without extensive market research… We all know how important “Swiss Made” is for a watch brand, and that “made in China” does not always inspire trust.

For relatively cheap watches, they appear to be primarily designed to compete in the luxury market. So, the Seagull 1963 has made waves as an affordable and sexy watch that should teach the brand how to bring a watch to the US market.

Overall, the Seagull 1963 is a fantastic watch that appeals to both novice and experienced watch enthusiasts. This watch is affordable, making it suitable for those on a tight budget. Furthermore, the Seagull 1963 is a breath of fresh air in the watchmaking industry, as Chinese watches are rare. Sampling a variety of watchmakers worldwide allows us to immerse ourselves in their cultures for a short time, which adds to the appeal of the Seagull 1963.

Specifications

When you first look at the Seagull 1963, you might think it’s just a simple quartz watch with a few features. In reality, it is a fantastic tool watch with robust functionalities. This is to be expected given the Chinese air force’s trust in the Seagull in 1963, to the point where strict confidentiality was imposed during its development. Let’s take a closer look at the Seagull 1963’s detailed specifications.

The 38mm stainless steel case of the original Seagull 1963 (Prototype 304) has an 11mm or 14mm thickness depending on the crystal used. To provide greater comfort to the pilots, the case was made smaller and lighter. The NATO or leather straps that come along the Seagull 1963 may be a little too thin for some, but they add to its comfort. The 38mm diameter and 11mm thickness provides a proportionate design scheme suitable for any wrist size.

The case back is screwed down to protect the watch’s inner mechanisms from water. The case back on the newer variations now has a see-through crystal, allowing wearers to look inside and see how the watch’s movement works. This is a now-common design that can be found in a variety of modern luxury watches. The Seagull 1963 is also water-resistant to 30 meters. Remember that this watch has a very thin case, so 30m of water resistance is already an incredible feat. The scratch-resistant crystal adds to the watch’s protection. Throughout the production of the Seagull 1963, there are numerous crystal variations. Because some models come with a domed crystal and others with a flat crystal, these crystals can change the watch’s dimensions. The domed crystal adds 3mm to the watch’s thickness, giving it a total thickness of 14mm. This variation is the original crystal that was used during the initial production of the Seagull in 1963. The flat crystal, which has a more uniform surface than the domed crystal, is only 1mm thick.

The dial of the Seagull 1963 is most likely its most distinguishing characteristic. The lean profile of the stainless steel case complements the clean off-white color of the dial perfectly, with no unnecessary styles or embellishments that impede the watch’s legibility. Each numeric character on the dial is visible due to the off-white dial. The applied indices on the Seagull 1963 are gold-plated. It has numeral markers for all of its even numerals but triangle markers for its odd numerals. The gold-toned hour markers look great against the off-white dial and are a popular color combination in the watch industry. The minute and second hands are located on the dial’s outer rim. Although these markers are small, they are visible and easy to read.

The two chronograph subdials are located at 3 and 9 o’clock. The size of these subdials is just right, not too small to be unreadable and not too large to make the dial appear cluttered. The dial features a red star with a gold outline below the 12th-hour marker, as well as the words “21 Zuan,” which translates to “21 Jewels.” This is about the embedded jewels on the caliber movement used in the watch. Chinese writing can also be found on the dial’s bottom, which is only natural given the country of origin. These characters spell out “China,” and beneath them is written “Tianjin Watch Factory.”

Caliber Movement

The Venus 175 caliber movement was used in the original Seagull 1963, which was released in 1961. This movement was commonly found in watches manufactured from the 1940s to the 1950s. The Venus 175 caliber is quite outdated in the modern era, so Tianjin Watch Factory has switched to the new ST19 caliber movement. The Seagull ST19 caliber is a hand-wound mechanical movement used in the reissued Seagull 1963 watch. The functions and features haven’t changed much, but the reliability and accuracy of the ST19 caliber movement allow the Seagull 1963 to compete with its modern contemporaries.

Surprisingly, the Seagull 1963 emphasizes the number of jewels on the dial rather than the caliber movement. The reason for this design is still unknown. Furthermore, when wound to its maximum capacity, the Seagull 1963 can last up to 45 hours. Winding a watch isn’t a particularly time-consuming activity, but it can be inconvenient if you forget about it, so the relatively long 45-hour power reserve comes in handy. In terms of dependability and utility, the ST19 caliber movement outperforms the Venus 175 caliber.

Conclusion

The Seagull 1963 is unquestionably a classic timepiece that deserves more recognition and respect. There are two main reasons why many people may be conflicted about purchasing this watch. The first is many counterfeits and knockoffs that have infiltrated the market because the Seagull 1963 is not manufactured by a single company. The second issue is the scarcity of official information about the Seagull 1963 on the Internet.

It is being said, there is no doubt that the Seagull 1963 is a fantastic timepiece with an intriguing history. The Seagull 1963 soared the skies with glory thanks to its noble purpose as an official aviation watch for the Chinese military. True, the original Tianjin Watch Factory Seagull 1963 is no longer available or extremely difficult to find.

Today we are gonna take a look at the Seagull 1963 ST19 chronograph movement. I have witnessed a rise in interest in Seagull 1963 watches among connoisseurs, which really made me really want to write an article about this movement.

As you might know, the Seagull 1963 wristwatch was one of the first watches which resulted from the ST19 movement. But how did this come together? The original story tells that, in 1960s Switzerland, there were three competing chronograph movement manufacturers: Lemania, Valjoux, and Venus. Venus made the popular Calibre 175 column (or pillar) wheel chronograph movement that was used in several watches in the 1940s and 50s.

Competition in this space was fierce and Venus needed new capital to keep developing and improving their products, so they first tried to sell their existing Cal.175 machinery and designs to the Soviet Union. The Soviets, however, already had the Strela chronograph movement (a copy of Venus’ Cal.150) which meant they weren’t interested. But the Chinese were.

This resulted in the Chinese watch distributors only importing their chronographs from Switzerland, Venus to be specific. Obviously, this increased dependency on the Swiss, didn’t sit easily with the Chinese, especially with world war II going on. This war hindered global trade and on top of that, caused a rise in demand for timepieces which suited military needs. Therefore, the Chinese army decided to test, develop and source Chinese-made wrist watches for air force personnel, known as Project 304.

In 1961 Project 304 assigned the task of developing and producing this air force chronograph to the Tianjin Watch Factory, which had already made a name for itself in China. Tianjin bought the Cal.175 machinery and designs from Venus and then upgraded the original 17-jewel movement to their own 19-jewel ST19 movement. The second round of prototypes was completed in 1963, hence non-Chinese watch enthusiasts refer to this year in the name they gave the watch later on (Seagull 1963). However, in China, the watch remains known as the 304 Airforce Chronograph, named after the project.

By 1965 these watches had met all the requirements and passed all the Ministry’s tests, so an order was placed. 1 year later, 1400 watches were delivered to the Airforce.

Fast forward to 1990 and the Tianjin Watch Factory was promoted to a national level enterprise, which led to the creation of the Tianjin Seagull Corporation in 1992.

In 2003 Seagull resurrected Project 304’s movements and, by 2005, had reissued the first batch of commemorative aviation watches.

Now that we’ve discussed Seagull 1963’s history, it’s time to look at the maturation of the Seagull 1963 chrono. Since the 1963 watch reissue, the movement has been gaining some popularity and following in the watch community. However, some people still argue that Chinese-made watches are unreliable and/or of poor quality. However, this can be taken as an ill-considered statement, as China is one of the best modern watch case makers and in general manufacturers of watches. 

Although many still fall for these unjustified prejudices, more and more watch enthusiasts have come to the conclusion that Chinese manufacturers are in fact capable of producing more than decent timepieces. Due to this rise in recognition, the SeaGull 1963 is one of the most sought-after vintage watches in the industry. It’s a cult classic that remains important yet affordable to this day and an absolute must-have for every (vintage) watch collector. 

Its popularity isn’t surprising, given its design that dates back to the mid-century, authentic roots to the military, and, of course, the fact it’s the best bang for your buck you can get. Despite the high demand by lovers of true vintage timepieces, its price remains reasonable. This is partly due to the watch’s Chinese roots and the stigma around products ‘made in China.

The Seagull 1963 is a military chronograph that aligns itself with the likes of Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, Vostok Amphibian, as well as the Rolex Submariner, and Omega Speedmaster. Just like the SeaGull 1963 watch, these watches have affiliations to the military. But unlike these brands, not everyone trusts SeaGull 1963 chronographs due to the stereotypical ideas attached to practically anything that’s made in China. The stigma, however, should be set aside for this watch, given how many people still believe in the timepiece’s appeal and function. A lot of people might reason with the typical “it’s not Swiss” excuse, but this watch certainly deserves to be treated differently.

Given the popularity of this watch, it should be no surprise that several reissued versions have been produced. All reissues inspired by the Seagull 1963 Chrono, are unique in their own ways. So let’s take a look at some of the many reissues, and hopefully make up your mind on which of them would suit your style best.

1. SeaGull 1963 Original reissue

What better reissue is there to kick off with, other than the one that’s often referred to as ‘the original reissue’? Watch enthusiasts have given this watch this name as it’s the timepiece responsible for sparking up the hype around SeaGull 1963. Overall, this watch can be seen as an exceedingly well-balanced watch. This includes quite a quirky design with color combinations which are not particularly the first that would come to mind when creating a timepiece. However, despite the exceptional choice of colors, the overall design of the watch is magnificent. This timepiece references the Seagull 1963 chronograph prototype in a unique way. 

Technically speaking, this watch is not sold by the Tianjin Seagull 1963 itself, as the rights to produce and sell it have been given to 3rd parties. Because of this, plenty of different variations of the Seagull 1963 original reissue have been sold, one of the most common versions of the watch being the “Red Star” 1963. 

The version that’s closest to the original version, is the 38mm version of the seagull 1963 with an acrylic glass. The indexes are also applied, while the sub-dials of the watch are painted, as well as the inscriptions on it. The watch can have either a cream or silver dial. 

This watch, in particular, has a red star outlined in the color yellow, hence the name Red Star. The movement of this watch has either 21 or 19 jewels. The modern version, as you might guess, is the one with 21 jewels. The 19-jeweled version, however, refers to the historical ST19 movement. The words “China – Tianjin Watch Factory” or “Made in China” can be seen underneath, the first inscription being the more accurate one.

2. SeaGull 1963 42mm Reissue

Fueled by the success of the original reissue of the SeaGull 1963 Chrono, a 42mm version of the timepiece was launched. This expanded size came with a few changes on the watch that made it another popular choice among watch enthusiasts. Firstly, the 42mm gives a lot of space and balance on the watch’s dial. This model is also available in panda dial version, as well as the reverse panda dial version, where the dial is black and the sub-dials are white.

There’s no particular reason for this, as this is not something that’s rooted in the history of the watch. However, It seems to simply be a way to give the timepiece a more modern look, as the trend right now is to produce watches with slightly bigger dials, instead of the renowned vintage aesthetic Seagull 1963 watches come with. If you’re into more modern designs and find most Seagull 1963 timepieces too vintage-looking, this could be the perfect reissue for you.

3. Seagull D304

This timepiece features dauphine hands instead of thin ones, which means that the hands are triangular in shape. On the dial, the numbers at 12 and 6 are very boxy, as if imitating a more modern design. This is a huge deviation from its reference with chunky applied markers with the numerals applied evenly every other hour and with different inset sub-dial registers. It has a sapphire crystal and a solid case back with the red star symbol applied to it. 

4. Lume Version

This lume dial Seagull 1963 Chronograph is a reissued version of the Chinese Air force Mechanical Chronograph with a slight twist, a unique and classic masterpiece now searched for by collectors nearly as much as the original. Available with retro acrylic glass and sapphire on front and an exhibition case back. The Movement is an upgraded Seagull st19 movement with Swan Neck Regulator for better regulation. The movement is a Seagull ST19 mechanical (hand-winding) chronograph with 21,600 BPH. The power reserve is about 42 hours on full wind without the chronograph running.

As for the physical characteristics of the watch, the original acrylic glass is changed to arched mineral glass. The button is measured by 5 merkurs test, the flexibility and strength are accurately adjusted, and the pusher feels better. The diamond knife in the middle draws the rough san to shape so that while maintaining the sense of history, it reflects the new level of existing watchmaking technology. All-steel spring straps with close chain. This makes it the standard configuration of global antique watches in the 70s Retro style 10-sided slot. The corroded texture says  ‘Made in China’ in Three large characters, using ring and five-star at the same time, traditional characters and pinyin and other retroelements

Final Thoughts

The history and the sheer amount of reissues made of the Seagull 1963 make this watch into more than just an aesthetic item; these timepieces have a story to tell. More and more watch enthusiasts from all over the world are gaining interest in these Seagull 1963 chrono’s, not only because of the story behind them but also because of the extremely decent quality and affordability these watches come with. However, versions that come with this original seagull 1963 ST19 movement are relatively scarce, as Seagull only makes a limited number available for sale. Due to high demand, there are some watch manufacturers who’re producing imitations of the versions that come with the ST19 Movement, so beware! At Seagull1963.com we have over 7 years of experience with these timepieces, so we are certainly able to distinguish the fake versions of the ST19 Movement from the real ones.

Whether you’re into watches that could be placed in the more vintage part of the watch spectrum or the more modern ones that are perfect for everyday wear, I can guarantee you that there is a SeaGull 1963 reissue that will suit your style. 

Want to learn more about these watches and their specifics? Seagull 1963 watches are what we live and breathe, so feel free to browse our site to learn more about the compelling stories behind some of these timepieces and eventually, how you can become the proud owner of one of these timepieces yourself!

Today we’re looking into, arguably, the most admirable parts of the Seagull 1963. Obviously, we’re talking about the dial. The first thing that comes to mind when taking a closer look at the dials of the Seagull 1963 Chrono are the very unique colour combinations. On top of that, you may know these watches because of their elegance and the ease of reading the time on them. There’s no-nonsense that could distract the wearer of the watch being displayed on the dial. This makes perfect sense if you take into consideration that this timepiece was originally produced for air force personnel and not purely for aesthetics. However, a broad range of colour variations of the dial has been issued, each having its own unique specifics and backstory to its original production. In this blog, we’ll outline our 3 most favourite versions of the seagull 1963 dials.

#1. Original Seagull 1963 Air Force Watch Dial

Before we get into any of the unique dials which have been applied to reissued versions of the original Seagull 1963 Air Force Watch, let’s talk about the dial of the reissued versions of the original Project 304 Air Force Watch. The dial itself gives off somewhat of a champagne hue, which is complimented by the gold applied hour markers. This makes the red and blue painted hands, which are completely different shades, really catch your attention. The red second hand looks somewhat like a sore thumb, completely capturing your attention as it sweeps while using the chronograph function. The blue subdials act as somewhat of a buffer for the otherwise unruly red hands, balancing the overall aesthetics of the timepiece.

Overall, with the red and blue seconds hands, champagne tinted dial, and gold applied indices, the dial is very unique in its kind and stands apart from every other watch in many watch enthusiast’s collections. I would recommend this dial for those who fell in love with the colour combinations it comes with and who admire the story behind Seagull 1963 watches and want a timepiece that’s as close to the original Project 304 Air Force Watch as possible.

#2. Green Dial (Swan Neck Movement)

The first unique dial we’re going to look into is that of the Green Seagull 1963 Chronograph with its characteristic acrylic green dial. This watch is one of the more popular reissued versions of the original Chinese Air Force Chronograph, also known as Project 304, carried out by the Tianjin Watch Factory. This Seagull 1963 dial also comes with the ‘upgraded’ Swan Neck Movement, meaning it’s able to regulate the pace by adjusting the length of spring – the shorter length of spring, the faster harmonic motion of balance wheel, thus speeding up the pace; the longer length of spring makes the balance wheel’s motion slower, thus slowing down the pace. 

Overall, I would recommend this type of dial design to those who have a keen interest in vintage-looking and incomparable timepieces. It’s a  timepiece that really stands out. The acrylic green colour it comes with makes this watch give off a very calm vibe and is a perfect addition to every vintage watch collection!

#3. Panda Dial (White Panda Edition)

Now, let’s take a look at one of the most renowned types of Seagull 1963 Dials: the panda dial. But what makes a panda dial into a panda dial? Basically, every version of the Seagull 1963 that comes with subdials in a different colour than the main dials, is called a panda dial. If you’re an attentive reader, you have probably noticed that, according to this definition, the Seagull 1963 Chrono with acrylic green dials is technically also a ‘panda’. However, due to its other salient features, it’s not often referred to as one. 

Okay, so now you know there’s a wide variety of Seagull 1963 Panda’s available. For now, we just want to focus on one of these versions; the version of which the dial actually looks like a panda! It’s not only the literal Panda look that makes this watch, with its white dials and black subdials, stand out. The producers of this Seagull 1963 Panda not only strived towards creating a Panda- and more modern-looking watch but also towards adding additional features in terms of functionality. But how did they manage to do so? Well, for starters, they’ve added luminescence to the applied indices, as well as an outer ring of tachymeter markers. This addition to the timepiece gives you the ability to tell the time in an exceedingly accurate way, as compared to the Seagull 1963 Air Force Watch.

On top of that, It has also received a black-white face-lift for a modern look. But don’t worry! The original characteristics of the Seagull 1963 have not been omitted by the producers of this timepiece. The iconic Communist Red Star and, the 21 Zuan writing (Mandarin Pinyin for 21 jewels) and of course, the Tianjin Watch Factory signature in Mandarin Characters are all there. If you’re looking for a timepiece that’s somewhat more modern than the original or reissued versions of the Seagull 1963 Air Force Watch, but don’t want to miss out on the true vintage aesthetics and characteristics, I would highly recommend adding the Seagull 1963 Panda to your collection!

Final Thoughts

I hope this article has given you a broader view as to which versions of Seagull 1963 dials there are available and which versions would suit what you’re looking for in a timepiece best. Have you enjoyed reading this article, but not found your perfect dial yet? Don’t worry! Feel free to browse around our site for a little longer. We have written articles about and broadcasted almost all of the versions of Seagull 1963 Chrono dials on the market. Do you still have any questions regarding Seagull 1963 or watches in general? Feel free to contact us at contact@seagull1963.com

It can easily be said that the seagull ST19 is enjoying its time in the spotlight, thanks to amazing features coupled with a competitive price range and a signature chronograph movement. 

With its superior quality and eye-catching design, it truly is a standout timepiece.

Let’s take a closer look at some of its key features.

The Captivating Design

The interior of this pocket-friendly watch is beautifully designed, and the chronograph movement is integrated into the time mechanism. If we look into this methodology, it is a more complicated way of making a watch, but it sure is the original way.  This placement allows the time mechanism and chronograph movement to function as a single unit. Additionally, this placement makes it easier to maintain and do the service of chronograph caliber. If we look at the market, watches with great movements such as the ETA 2849 and SII NE88 are good examples, although both of them are modular and are expensive to make. 

A Column Wheel

The Seagull ST1901’s column-wheel provides a smooth chronograph action with seamless transitions. Although this feature is more labor-intensive when compared to other products such as the expensive Valjoux/ETA 7750, it provides a high-performing pusher action that makes the extra production time worth it.

The Intriguing History

The ST19’s heritage goes back to 1961 when Venus, a Swiss Manufacturer sold all of his equipment. including machinery and blue footprints for the watch 175 calibers, to the Tianjin Watch Factory. Today, this modern watch has a higher beat rate of 21,600 BPH and an increase of 17 to 19 jewels.

A High-Performance Watch Designed With Modern Features

Although chronograph technology requires more robust maintenance and service, it is still a leading technology compared to Swiss, Quartz, or Chinese.

Furthermore, what gives the ST19 its competitive edge is its detailed production that ensures reliability and durability. Special Gemini cases are used for the casing of the watches, and they undergo a 72-hour test in different positions to ensure that each watch has proper movement. Lastly, each piece is inspected separately in the U.S before shipping commences.

Ultimately, the Seagull ST19 comes at an economical price and with exceptional durability. It has a sleek design and an integrated chronograph moment that makes it easier to repair and maintain. The watch is fully mechanical, giving it an on-trend look that people love to wear.

Seagull 1963 has achieved popularity amongst younger clients for many reasons. Initially, this watch appealed to me because of its mechanical, affordability, chronograph movement, design, and size.  A few years ago, before many micro-brands entered this market, the 1963 watch was one of the few subs $400 mechanical chronograph watches that you could buy new, at least with a non-homage design that uses the same movement.  

There weren’t many affordable mechanical chronographs, apart from vintage Seikos and other older pieces, that didn’t come with poor service parts.  

Let’s take a closer look at the 1963’s features:

An impressive design

The 1963 is perfectly sized to fit average wrist circumferences..

The specs include the following:

·  Diameter: 38mm

·  Thickness: 14mm

·  Lug width: 18mm

·  Movement: Seagull ST19 (Handwound)

·  Caseback: Exhibition

·  Crystal: Acrylic or Sapphire

The 1963 has an incredible visual impact.  The gold, red and blue color scheme is perfectly executed to create an eye-catching design.  

Looking at placement, the watch sits somewhat high on the wrist because of its “dumpy and chubby” factor (small diameter to thick ratio). However, its robust size is similar to many popular vintage pieces.  The exhibition back of the watch displays the fantastic mechanical movement and adds to the impact of the design.

Over and above the signature specifications and aesthetics of this watch, it carries some historical relevance too. The hand-wound movement is similar to the Project 304 movement, developed by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force in the 1960s.  For those who are interested in military watches (there are many of us out there), this watch is a must-own, as few watches with such a direct link to history are being produced today.  

The 1963’s design also inspired many variants of this watch over the years, including dial, case back, size, and crystal variants.  However, the 1963 has faced some issues with quality control.  While I have not experienced any problems with mine, there have been enough quality control issues reported that it deserves to be mentioned. Having said that, I have not experienced these issues for myself.  

When mechanical chronographs are developed well below most counterpart alternatives’ standards, corners would have been cut to lower expenses -something that some customers have noticed.. 

This quality-control issue certainly will impact purchasing decisions.

Conclusion

The 1963 is an attractive, affordable collectors’ piece and offers many features that make it stand out from others. It truly is a pocket-friendly classic that will likely remain popular for years to come.

From its inception, the Seagull 1963 Pilot’s Chronograph was a sophisticated design that predated the modern watch designs of today.

The iconic Seagull 1963 Pilot’s Chronograph has been discussed at length in several articles and media. However, even with all that coverage, much of its history can still be expanded on. But then again, we are talking about communist China almost 60 years ago. The type of communism back then and what we see today can hardly be fitted in the same sentence, let alone in the same conversation.

Therefore, we decided to reach out to Mr. Zhang Yue, a previous watchmaker with Seagull. Today, he is a trader that brought the original Seagull 1963 Pilot’s Chronograph to our shop’s line-up. 

Here’s how it all began.

The history of the Seagull 1963 Pilot’s

In January 1955, the communists were victorious in their clash with KMT and came to power in China. At that time, there weren’t any watchmaking shops in Tianjin City, just one four-person watch-repair crew. Zhang, Wang, Sun, and Jiang were skillful craftsmen, but they have never made a wristwatch on their own. 

But when your comrades come knocking on your door and tell you that it is your responsibility to figure out how to manufacture wristwatches, you don’t say no. Instead, you only ask how much time you have and what your budget is. 

They had tough luck because they had only 100 days to create a watch manufacturing plan while on a very tight budget.

Regardless, with almost no machinery at their disposal and with a Swiss Sindaco to learn from, they managed to figure out how to recreate and produce each part. Against all odds, history was made on 24 March 1955, as the first wristwatch made in China was launched.

Everyone was so pleased with the wristwatch that they added a five-point star to the dial as a form of decoration. The same star that is centered on the national flag also decorated the dial. As a result of that, the watch got its name – “Wu Xing” – which refers to “five planets” or “five processes”.

Many people might be surprised to learn that the design team’s craftsmen’s shop was called “Huawei,” like the famous smartphone producer, which translates as “the formidable.” 

Thanks to the success of their design, the celebrated Tianjin Watch Factory began operations in 1955. The name was officially used in 1957, whereas the official registration and recognition under that name happened on January 5th of 1962. That marked the beginning of a new era in which the factory began its massive expansion, aided by generous State funding. 

More highlights were set to follow in the years to come. In April 1961, the PRC made a commission filed as “D304″for the Chinese Air Force, with the added goal of decreasing the country’s need for foreign supplies. Again, it was in a tumulus period. The Second World War was over, and the world was at odds. Countries were divided into two blocks, a communist’s block and a capitalist’s block. Due to that, international relationships were quite hostile.

In this environment, the ‘63 Chronograph inception took root with final prototypes that matched military standards. Produced in October 1965. 

In October 1966, 1,400 units were sent to their new owners serving in the front lines. Because these were officially military supplies, not many of them were publically available. Back then, that wasn’t anything strange, considering that it was a state-controlled economy. Further down the line, various batches from the same series came with different crowns and hour-markers. Again, no one argued about that.

The truth is, “brand” was a new concept that didn’t apply in any way to China. At least, that was the case for the years between 1955 and 1965, when each factory was state-controlled. However, things changed once the factory started exporting its watches. That’s when things such as image and brand started to bear any meaning. 

Fast-forward to 1973, and we get to a moment when the Chinese premier agreed to sign permission that enabled them to export their “East Wind” (Dong Feng) watch. The difference was that the East Wind got introduced to the world under the Seagull brand. The idea with the name Seagull was to be a metaphor for endurance, resilience, and determination. 

With all that said about these watches and how they came to be, one cannot stop wondering – why the ’63 Chronograph out of nowhere is now a Seagull? Well, this is the same Dong Feng watch, just reused and repurposed. Then the Seagull Group was subsumed in ’97 along with four joint ventures and sixteen manufacturers. So yes, the Group consists of twenty-plus parties, including those allowed to make the watches under a license agreement.

Consequently, the Group reclaimed the chronograph and re-launched it in 2007. At first, there was a single batch of only 208 units, shortly after another run of 500 units. The ST3’s genuine beating heart got replaced by ST19.

The watches were a massive hit on the market which means mass production kept going. Several versions were released between 2007 and 2013. In 2013, the ’63s 50th anniversary was marked with the introduction of a limited series of the ’63 Seagull.

Truth to be told, except for the anniversary edition, as well as one or two more, many others were “not quite legit.” They were not entirely counterfeiting as inside, each of them was propelled by the good old ST19. To further elaborate on that, Seagull is also a movement maker. That means genuine ST19s are readily available for everyone out there, counterfeiters included.

Now, let’s check out some of the watches that one can find on eBay:

Distinguishing between the real Seagull and copies

The original Seagull watch, the same as those sold by Mr. Zhang, who was once a Seagull watchmaker himself and today is a licensed watch trader, has its dials marked with “China Tianjin Watch Factory.” However, there are fake ones whose dial is marked with “China Tianjin” and “China Made.” The fake ones are marked like that so that they can avoid potential infringements.

Certain fake models even feature characters that are not properly engraved. Nevertheless, it is pretty obvious that these are meant for the international market, not the domestic one.

However, the “China Made” markings on the D304 Plan B 1962 are an exception, as there is a ’62 model, and you likely haven’t heard about it. This is a prototype that was developed in the early years of the factory. The deal with this one is that Seagull got those blueprints from its archives and produced a limited line of only 640 units. With that model, they celebrated their 65th anniversary and It released this model in 2020. The differences are quite evident – the special font and the dial rings provide a more modern style.

This history of the 1963 truly is an exceptional journey and is sure to inspire collectors who support timepieces with an authentic, rich background.

From its inception, the Seagull 1963 Pilot’s Chronograph was a sophisticated design that predated the modern watch designs of today.

The iconic Seagull 1963 Pilot’s Chronograph has been discussed at length in several articles and media. However, even with all that coverage, much of its history can still be expanded on. But then again, we are talking about communist China almost 60 years ago. The type of communism back then and what we see today can hardly be fitted in the same sentence, let alone in the same conversation.

Therefore, we decided to reach out to Mr. Zhang Yue, a previous watchmaker with Seagull. Today, he is a trader that brought the original Seagull 1963 Pilot’s Chronograph to our shop’s line-up. 

Here’s how it all began.

The history of the Seagull 1963 Pilot’s

In January 1955, the communists were victorious in their clash with KMT and came to power in China. At that time, there weren’t any watchmaking shops in Tianjin City, just one four-person watch-repair crew. Zhang, Wang, Sun, and Jiang were skillful craftsmen, but they have never made a wristwatch on their own. 

But when your comrades come knocking on your door and tell you that it is your responsibility to figure out how to manufacture wristwatches, you don’t say no. Instead, you only ask how much time you have and what your budget is. 

They had tough luck because they had only 100 days to create a watch manufacturing plan while on a very tight budget.

Regardless, with almost no machinery at their disposal and with a Swiss Sindaco to learn from, they managed to figure out how to recreate and produce each part. Against all odds, history was made on 24 March 1955, as the first wristwatch made in China was launched.

Everyone was so pleased with the wristwatch that they added a five-point star to the dial as a form of decoration. The same star that is centered on the national flag also decorated the dial. As a result of that, the watch got its name – “Wu Xing” – which refers to “five planets” or “five processes”.

Many people might be surprised to learn that the design team’s craftsmen’s shop was called “Huawei,” like the famous smartphone producer, which translates as “the formidable.” 

Thanks to the success of their design, the celebrated Tianjin Watch Factory began operations in 1955. The name was officially used in 1957, whereas the official registration and recognition under that name happened on January 5th of 1962. That marked the beginning of a new era in which the factory began its massive expansion, aided by generous State funding. 

More highlights were set to follow in the years to come. In April 1961, the PRC made a commission filed as “D304″for the Chinese Air Force, with the added goal of decreasing the country’s need for foreign supplies. Again, it was in a tumulus period. The Second World War was over, and the world was at odds. Countries were divided into two blocks, a communist’s block and a capitalist’s block. Due to that, international relationships were quite hostile.

In this environment, the ‘63 Chronograph inception took root with final prototypes that matched military standards. Produced in October 1965. 

In October 1966, 1,400 units were sent to their new owners serving in the front lines. Because these were officially military supplies, not many of them were publically available. Back then, that wasn’t anything strange, considering that it was a state-controlled economy. Further down the line, various batches from the same series came with different crowns and hour-markers. Again, no one argued about that.

The truth is, “brand” was a new concept that didn’t apply in any way to China. At least, that was the case for the years between 1955 and 1965, when each factory was state-controlled. However, things changed once the factory started exporting its watches. That’s when things such as image and brand started to bear any meaning. 

Fast-forward to 1973, and we get to a moment when the Chinese premier agreed to sign permission that enabled them to export their “East Wind” (Dong Feng) watch. The difference was that the East Wind got introduced to the world under the Seagull brand. The idea with the name Seagull was to be a metaphor for endurance, resilience, and determination. 

With all that said about these watches and how they came to be, one cannot stop wondering – why the ’63 Chronograph out of nowhere is now a Seagull? Well, this is the same Dong Feng watch, just reused and repurposed. Then the Seagull Group was subsumed in ’97 along with four joint ventures and sixteen manufacturers. So yes, the Group consists of twenty-plus parties, including those allowed to make the watches under a license agreement.

Consequently, the Group reclaimed the chronograph and re-launched it in 2007. At first, there was a single batch of only 208 units, shortly after another run of 500 units. The ST3’s genuine beating heart got replaced by ST19.

The watches were a massive hit on the market which means mass production kept going. Several versions were released between 2007 and 2013. In 2013, the ’63s 50th anniversary was marked with the introduction of a limited series of the ’63 Seagull.

Truth to be told, except for the anniversary edition, as well as one or two more, many others were “not quite legit.” They were not entirely counterfeiting as inside, each of them was propelled by the good old ST19. To further elaborate on that, Seagull is also a movement maker. That means genuine ST19s are readily available for everyone out there, counterfeiters included.

Now, let’s check out some of the watches that one can find on eBay:

Distinguishing between the real Seagull and copies

The original Seagull watch, the same as those sold by Mr. Zhang, who was once a Seagull watchmaker himself and today is a licensed watch trader, has its dials marked with “China Tianjin Watch Factory.” However, there are fake ones whose dial is marked with “China Tianjin” and “China Made.” The fake ones are marked like that so that they can avoid potential infringements.

Certain fake models even feature characters that are not properly engraved. Nevertheless, it is pretty obvious that these are meant for the international market, not the domestic one.

However, the “China Made” markings on the D304 Plan B 1962 are an exception, as there is a ’62 model, and you likely haven’t heard about it. This is a prototype that was developed in the early years of the factory. The deal with this one is that Seagull got those blueprints from its archives and produced a limited line of only 640 units. With that model, they celebrated their 65th anniversary and It released this model in 2020. The differences are quite evident – the special font and the dial rings provide a more modern style.

This history of the 1963 truly is an exceptional journey and is sure to inspire collectors who support timepieces with an authentic, rich background.

Carry yourself with style with this 42 mm Seagull 1963 watch with a Panda Dial. With this watch on your wrist, you are sure to make a style statement with its elegant design and contemporary mechanism.

So, let’s review this iconic piece’s history, features and how it has built a loyal following of buyers over the years.

The Origin of Seagull 1963 Watches

Seagull was founded in 1955 with a reasonable budget and a simple dream in one of China’s original industrial cities, Tianjin

The founders of Seagull took inspiration from their background in watch design to create their first signature piece.

Their new ideas and designs were loved by buyers, and since, the Seagull 1963 has played a significant role in the history of Chinese military watches, also gaining fame worldwide. 

The story of Seagull 1963 is undoubtedly awe-inspiring and truly provides inspiration for consumers.

About This Unique Timepiece

Following its initial success in 1963, the Seagull continues to carry its legacy with style. This is, without doubt, enabled thanks to the original 38mm version’s attractive design and price point.

The 38mm design came with a gold dial, gold markers and blue steel watch handles. Its military design made for an elegant and vintage look. The additional manual column-wheel chronograph movement(ST19) in the watch also added to its versatility. 

These quality features show that the company has never compromised on its excellence.

Shortly after the 38mm version’s triumph, Seagull launched a new elegant and much larger 42mm version. The brand also included two new colours in this version, expanding the options for its clients.

Those who still adore the classic gold tone can still get the look with the recent 42mm.

Panda Dials: A Modern Watch Style Statement

The white and black Seagull versions are commonly known as “Panda” dials due to their colour and striking resemblance to a Panda’s face.

Price

The price of the latest 42mm sapphire crystal is $284.39.

Specifications

Case Structure: Steel

Dial Colour: White

Presence of Lume: Found

Strap: Leather

Watch Dimensions: 42 into 48 millimetres

Strap Thickness: 13 millimetres

Crown: 6 into 4 millimetres screw-down

Warranty: Not known

Cost: $284.39

Panda Dials Benefits

Watch Casing

The new 1963 Panda Dial’s casing is made of stainless steel, having dimensions and thickness of 42 into 48 into 13 millimetres.

The one thing that I have experienced myself and admire the most is its rather short distance between the lugs that are especially adjustable for those who have smaller wrists. The overall case structure is simple yet elegant with the least finishing and has some fascinating geometry.

Central Design

The exquisite central design is one of a kind; it contains a circular shape with thick lugs. The side view of the central case is also impressive. 

We can’t say that it is exactly flat or is absolutely round, but the sides are rather concave.

Lay the crystal of the watch upside down, and you will see that it looks exactly like a bell’s cross-section. Very plain types of Chrono pushers are found at numbers 2 and 4, just like mini steel pipes. 

The crown present at 3 is large, measuring 6 x 4mm because this position is a hand-wound movement. Though there was a Seagull logo inscribed on the 38mm version, surprisingly, there is no such branding here. 

There is a special feature that is a display case back that depicts the complex and gorgeous ST19 movement inside. The edges of the case back are covered with different Chinese characters, a couple of stars, and numbers that add to the glamour of the watch.

One element that I adored in the original 38mm version, was the red screen-printed graphic on the glass. This feature was removed from the latest Seagull watch.

Dial

This watch’s dial is no different from the original one but is adjusted according to size. The design remains popular and desirable among its users, and it does not lose its originality.

Colour scheme

Talking about the Panda variety, as the name suggests, it has a striking black and white colour. 

The beauty of Panda is underpinned by the use of black colour around the outward edge of the dial, with a delicately printed black minute and chronograph seconds index with accuracy to one-fifth of a second.

Applied Markers

The applied markers are almost everyone’s favourite specs of these watches because they add to the decorative appearance of the watch. 

If you want to get the feeling of classic 60s style, the Panda Dials will get you a perfect style.

Other Specifications And Designs

There is a small red-coloured star right beneath the 12 that has got an applied silver border. The beauty of the Panda watch is the intricate details that are put in every design, which make it more elegant. Just below the star, there is written the words “21 Zuan”.

These words are a special kind of indication that depicts that the ST19 movement inside has twenty-one jewels.

Above the number 6 of the dial are four Chinese characters that show where the factory is located. This was also written on the older 38mm Seagull.

There is a 30-minute totalizer at number 3 while active seconds at 9. Both have large black circles with white indexes. These are highly contrasting to the matte white background and create the perfect contrast.

The design of Panda Dial is famous among its users and is impressive in its overall look. Not only does it complement the style but it also showcases a bi-complex chronograph. If you want to compare it with the classic gold-toned option, then it is slightly different, yet the style is vintage and a bit sportier.

The close links of Panda Dial watches with auto racing, just like the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona, also catches the eye.

If you are a Seagull watches admirer, then you must have noticed the difference in the hands of the Panda dial 1963 42mm as they are not similar to that of the gold dial.

Similarly, the main hour and minute hands are silver rectangles with small slivers of lime in this one, while they were blue steel stick hands in the original ones.

The chronograph seconds are a red stick, and the sub-dials have small silver stick hands.

Though these hands are appropriate according to the design, they are sometimes difficult to view, as the silver merges into the black. 

Seagull ST19 Movement

An interesting feature of the Seagull Panda Dial watches is the ST19 21-jewel column-wheel chronograph that is located right at the centre. The history behind the ST19 movement is quite fascinating. Just like the design of the dial of the watch, ST19 was also founded on the Swiss Venus 175 movement that was later on sold to the Chinese.

Though the modern version has come up with certain changes, there are plenty of similarities. The most notable is the column wheel. This wheel is much tougher; making it more unique than cam-style chronographs.

Other than the interesting history and work, what makes this movement so unusual is that it’s the sole mechanical chronograph that is economical. 

Flipping over your Panda Dial will show you some mysterious-looking blue screws, gold-tone gears, and a few decorated bridges. Not only is it an amazing sight, but it is mesmerizing to look at the movement when you play with the chronograph buttons. All of which is a lot to offer at such a reasonable price.

The movement is a non-hacking, manual wind that has no date function while the frequency is 21,600 BPH. I have a really good experience with the watch as I have never noticed any kind of inaccuracy in the movement.

There are certain issues with the chronograph, like the problem of sensation (you cannot experience any sensation at all after the Chrono is reset. 

The other issue that we cannot deny occurs whenever the chronograph is paused. After that, the second’s hand falls behind anywhere from half to a full second. This means you cannot rely on it as an accurate timing instrument, however, it is not really used for this purpose. 

Straps and Durability

A 22 mm chocolate brown leather strap that has brown stitching seems decent enough, but does it also complement the 1963 42mm Panda Dial? That’s the real deal. If you ask me, then it becomes quite tedious when it is put together with the stylish design of the watch. 

Given the choice, I would have considered a black strap that comes with white stitching to match the style of this dial. One thing that I appreciate is its buckle which is much more solid and thick. There is no particular sign or interesting design engraved on it, yet it seems good to go and durable. 

The watch has a relatively tiny bezel than the dial that dominates. Its colours and vintage elements increase its versatility and give it a classic look. The lug-to-lug size of 48mm and 13mm height also allows for a comfortable wrist fit.

Water Resistance

Although it’s a sports’ watch and popular among athletes, its water resistance is quite poor. I think it could be best described as a dressy sports’ watch.  

Takeaway

The Seagull 1963 42mm Panda Dial watch is undoubtedly an amazing watch that has made its mark due to its unique characteristics and fine colour scheme. Its colour combinations are phenomenal, with extra intricate designs that add to its charm.

Although the original gold-tone still has classic appeal, the new Panda dial versions also are proving popular among modern youth. 

Despite a few issues, this watch appeals to those who are true Seagull admirers. The price range is reasonable.

All in all, this quality watch has incredible style and will ensure that you always have a perfect accessory.

Final comments:

* There are a couple of instances where the writer/reviewer seems to shift between opinions, which doesn’t give the review a clear direction (an example is the sports’ watch above where the point is simple – it doesn’t do well underwater).

* There are also facts missing in key pieces of the copy such as the founder’s names.

* Several grammatical errors and sentences that simply aren’t making sense.

For every person who adores luxury, the most important accessory is their watch. Their signature style is reflected by their valuable timepiece. They need to have the right watch for the right occasion to make an entrance and a fashion statement. If you are reading this article, we bet you are one of them! But let’s be real for a second, do you really need to own a hundred watches to match your every outfit and befit your every occasion? Well if that’s the case, then it sure sounds expensive. But worry not, there exists a simple solution.

Probably anyone’s most prized possession is their watch. It costs from a hundred to a thousand dollars. Any sane person would think twice before purchasing the lot. So the question arises, how to keep up with your luxurious lifestyle with only a few watches? Simple answer – change the watch straps! The star of any watch is its dial. It’s the center of attention. It’s the king of the watch kingdom. It’s the element that adds value to your timepiece. The straps, however, are supporting characters that all work together in harmony to make your watch a shining piece of art. Here’s the best part about supporting characters, they can easily be replaced and add to the beauty and charisma of your watch. 

Let’s get back together to the real problem. Can one watch really do it all? The answer is, yes! As long as you have a functional dial, you can pair it up with a variety of straps to match your outfits and befit your occasions. So, you must be wondering how to remove a watch strap on your own. Trust us, it’s easy peasy. In this article, we will share some simple tips that will help you to easily change a watch band on your own. When it comes to watching straps, NATO straps are the most popular ones. So we will be discussing how to change a NATO strap. Another element to consider while changing the watch straps are lugs, whether they are drilled or not, so we will be discussing that too. With that being said, let’s get started! 

Removing NATO Straps:

Amongst all the watch straps, the comfiest one is the NATO straps. It’s also the strap that is most commonly used in military watches. NATO straps have a very classy design which is reflected by their popularity. The NATO strap consists of 2 pieces of nylon which are intertwined in such a way that when suspended, the dial keeps its position intact and does not fall off. So these straps always prevent the dial of the watch from breaking off. For removing NATO straps, follow the easy steps given below:

Step # 1: Slip of the Bottom Keeper

If you observe closely, you may notice that sometimes the watch consists of fixated spring bars that cannot be removed. In such a case, and in general, you need to loop the straps through these bars in order to remove them. For this purpose, flip over to the back of your watch strap. You will see a metallic D-shaped ring. Simply slip it off and you’re done with step 1. You will now notice that one of the nylon pieces (the longer one) is laced with the spring bars, whereas the other nylon piece (the shorter one) hangs loose. 

Step # 2: Pull the Strap

Next up, you need to free the watch straps from the spring bars. Try to gently pull the strap from the bottom spring bar. Keep the process gentle as you don’t want to cause any harm or damage to the dial of your watch. If the spring bars are causing any hindrance, try to remove them first. But if they are unremovable, then keep on gently pulling the straps through the spring bars. You will eventually succeed. 

Step # 3: Put aside the Dial

After giving the strap a few pulls, it will get free from the spring bars. All that is left now is a strapless watch dial. Set it aside in a safe container so it doesn’t get any scratches. Your watch is now straps-free! 

Attaching NATO Straps:

Once you have successfully removed the NATO straps from your watch, your watch dial is now completely naked. It’s time to put on some new straps and give your watch a makeover. It will completely provide your watch with a 180 degrees style shift! The attachment process is a reverse of the removal process. For attaching some new NATO straps, follow the simple steps mentioned below:

Step # 1: Intertwine the Strap

The first thing you need to do is to take the longer piece of your new NATO straps and intertwine them through the top spring bar. While doing so, make sure that the shorter NATO strap piece is directed away from you. 

Step # 2: Keep pulling the Strap

Now all you need to do is to keep pulling the strap until the keeper on the NATO strap comes in contact with the top spring bar on the watch. As soon as it does, that’s your cue to stop pulling the strap. Next up, adjust its positioning. Make sure that the dial is in a predetermined fashion, exactly where you want it to be.

Step # 3: Adjust the Straps

Once you are satisfied with the dial positioning, take the bottom half of the strap and intertwine it through the bottom spring bar. Adjust the straps by folding the bottom tip of the longer piece of the NATO strap through the lower keeper present on the shorter piece. Simply pull the longer piece all the way through the keeper and you are all set! 

Removing Straps with Drilled Lugs:

There are two kinds of lugs in any watch, drilled and non-drilled. Watch straps can be easily removed from both of them, all it requires is a slightly different procedure. So for changing the watch straps from a watch with drilled lugs, follow the simple procedure given below:

Step # 1: Take a Pointy Tool 

Here’s a thing about drilled lugs, they make the strap removal process really quick and easy. In watches with drilled lugs, a drill is used to hold the spring bars in place. In order to remove the spring bars, you just need to remove this tiny drill. For this purpose, take a tool with a pointy edge.

Step # 2: Remove the Spring Bar

Insert this tool into the drilled lugs and try to unscrew the drill. Make sure to exercise caution while doing this as the slightest abrupt movement could scratch your watch crystal. Keep pushing the pointy edge into the hole until you feel the spring bar becoming loose and eventually getting detached. You can then easily remove the strap from one end. 

Step # 3: Repeat Process

Repeat this process on the other side of the watch as well, on the second spring bar. Just make sure to keep it gentle as you don’t want to harm your dial and watch crystal in any way. Once the second spring bar is removed, you can easily take out the other side of the strap and make your dial strapless. 

Attaching Straps with Drilled Lugs:

For attaching NATO straps on a watch that has drilled lugs, you will just need to follow the simple 3 steps which are given below:

Step # 1: Lay the Strap

Firstly, in order to attach a new strap to your watch with drilled lugs, you need to make sure that you lay down the strap in a predetermined position. Place the strap gently and adjust its positioning to wherever you find it comfortable. 

Step # 2: Attach the Spring Bar

Once you have laid down your strap, next up, take one spring bar and place its one end in one of the lug holes. Take out your fork-shaped tool and gently push the spring bar all the way in and away from the hole. Then once it’s all in, allow the other end of the spring bar to find the second lug hole and get pinned in. Make sure that both ends of the spring bar are now enveloped by the lug holes. You can check this by looking into the lug holes. 

Step # 3: Repeat Process

Lastly, repeat the exact same process on the other side of the watch as well to attach the second spring bar. Your new NATO strap will be all set.

Removing Straps without Drilled Lugs:

Most watches do not have drilled lugs in them. But don’t overthink, the strap in these watches can still be replaced. It’s an easy process that requires a tool or two, but it guarantees successful strap removal. It’s just going to take a little more time and patience. 

Step # 1: Take a Fork shaped Tool

For removing a watch strap from a watch without drilled lugs, you are going to need a small fork-shaped tool for this purpose. The strap removal process is going to be just a tiny bit difficult so make sure you have the right tool before you begin the process.

Step # 2: Remove the Spring Bar

The catch in watches without drilled lugs is that the spring bar removal process becomes slightly indirect. Instead of directly aiming at the spring bar with the tool, aim for the central section. The spring-loaded center portion splits up into two small fork-shaped lips on either side of the bar. Try to grab these fork-shaped lips on one side of the spring bar by slipping the fork tool in between the strap and lug. Once you have it laced up with the tool, pull it towards yourself so that the spring bar detaches. This process is slightly complex so try to keep a steady patient hand while doing so.

Step # 3: Repeat Process

Repeat the same spring bar removal process on the other side as well to completely detach the watch dial from its straps. 

Attaching Straps without Drilled Lugs:

Attaching straps to a watch without drilled lugs is similar to attaching one to a watch with drilled lugs. The procedure is the same, all you need to do is just be a little more vigilant. Follow the easy steps mentioned below to attach NATO straps to a watch without drilled lugs:

Step # 1: Lay the Strap

Firstly, lay down the strap in the position where you want it to be. Make sure that you are conducting the process on a slip-free surface to avoid any damage to the watch dial or to the straps. 

Step # 2: Attach the Spring Bar

Next up, take a fork tool and attach one end of the spring bar to the lug. Keep pushing the spring bar and adjusting it until one end is fixed. Once one end of the spring bar gets fixated, the second would automatically fall into place. Make sure to conduct this process with extreme caution as you cannot check whether the spring bars are completely fixed. 

Step # 3: Repeat Process

Lastly, repeat the process on the other side of the watch as well to attach the second spring bar. Once done, your watch will be good as new with a brand new NATO strap.

We hope you found this article helpful!