Seagull 1963 Chinese Air Force - different movements ?

[Nick M]

Currently trying to source a Seagul 1963 Chinese Air Force watch, and have been in touch with someone in HK, and seen other sellers in the US and the Netherlands.

Now, the question I have is that the one sold in the Netherlands has a face with '21 jewels' and refers to that movement being in the watch, the others show '19 jewels' but I'm not clear on whether that's because they're a more accurate replica (the original watch had a 19 jewel movement) but still have the 21 jewel movement in there.

None of the watches are the 'Limited Edition' one sold in China.

I'm trying to figure out which is the one to go for. The price ranges from $220 through to $389, with the Dutch seller being somewhere in the middle.

Just trying to avoid a costly mistake, or buying a replica of a replica.


Also, would be interested to hear of peoples' experiences with this watch - a few people on here seem to have them - and whether they're generally reliable and keep good time.

Thanks in advance for any guidance and pointers.

[sneijder]

There's a massive thread on Watchuseek.

Roughly speaking there have been a few batches.

I have one, like it a lot. The chrono second hand is a bit jumpy, not a 'clean sweep' as such. I can't help thinking it might be a bit fragile though (I even have the sapphire crystal) so I only really wear it as a one off.

Source one from HK, you should be able to flip it at cost minimum if you don't get on.

Edited to add, the crown is tiny, they're a bugger to wind.

[Nick M]

Thanks, will go and take another look on there.

Will check with the sellers as to warranty just in case I encounter any 'issues' - it's not throw-away money so I don't want to end up with an ornament rather than a watch.

[AlexC1981]

I'm sure I read somewhere that it is the same movement and they all have 21 jewels. I have never had any trouble with the crown size on mine. If I was going to criticise it, I would say that the gold numerals look a bit plasticy.

[sneijder]

There's a thread on Watchuseek now, someone has just had one delivered with a swan neck.

[Nick M]

Thanks - saw that. Part of what triggered the question about the different movements as that face shows 21 jewels and the one from the vendor in HK shows 19.

I've seen (but stupidly didn't bookmark) a thread, or a page in a thread, where someone was explaining about some of the differences between the regular and Limited Edition versions (which I think were for the Chinese domestic market) but I can't quite put my finger on whether there are any *actual* differences between the watches with 19 or 21 on the faces, or whether 19 is just more historically accurate in the context of them being replicas or reissues.

Will carry on reading through the various forums, but thanks for the pointers received so far.

[Nick M]

Okey dokey...

Well, I made a few minutes and just did a couple of quick searches and came up with this link:

http://wornandwound.com/2011/08/25/a-look-at-the-s...

and the one about the swan neck on watchuseek:

http://forums.watchuseek.com/f72/seagull-1963-chro...


The 19 and 21 jewel movements are visibly different. I checked back on the pics I got from Thomas in HK and that shows the 19 jewel movement.

So, I think that's confirmed they're different. Now, I guess the question is whether one is better / more reliable than the other. Price difference is only around 10-12 quid having checked the FX rates today...

[sneijder]

The limited editions are long gone, I think the massive interest sparked a big production run.

Spend the difference on the sapphire crystal, make sure you get the display case back too. I think some ship with the solid one.

You'll need to invest in a decent strap too !

[Nick M]

Thanks. Realise the LE ones are long gone, but my earlier post maybe wasn't worded in the best way. Now just trying to see what the pros and cons of the 19 vs 21 jewel movements are. Read a few things where people have ordered them from HK (the 19 jewel ones) and had a few issues, so tempted by the 21 swan neck one from the Netherlands, given the price difference is so small now.

I do prefer the look of the acrylic one to be honest - not sure about the extra bezel for the sapphire one.

And yes, display back is definitely going to be the one I go for. And looking for a complimentary strap - something in brown leather - not too thick and chunky - rather than the NATO ones.

[Balmoral]

Been wearing mine for the last few weeks, a decent strap & clasp makes a big difference to the appearance IMO.

[egoold]

Thread resurrection! Where is the best and cheapest way to buy a 42mm version of this , Ali express? Or somewhere else ?

[nikaiyo2]

egoold said:

Thread resurrection! Where is the best and cheapest way to buy a 42mm version of this , Ali express? Or somewhere else ?

eBay at least you might be able to see if people are complaining about the quality or Seagull direct.

Most on aloexpress are not Seagull and many are of pretty variable quality.