I present to you my BALL Trainmaster Chronograph Pulsometer, which I acquired during the first lockdown. I was interested in the BALL brand after discovering images of the dives of the French freediver Guillaume Nery. He had a wetsuit with the BALL brand on his chest. I didn't know this brand. I discovered an American brand, technical, with a great story...problem! The brand is not marketed in France because of the tritium tubes it uses on almost all of its models. They have to be imported. I selected this chronograph with a Pulsometric scale because I was looking for a "Doctor's watch". The dial is a modern iteration of the Pulsometric scale chronographs of the 40s and 50s. This chronograph features a very well-adjusted Valjoux 7750, decorated by the BALL brand. The steel bracelet is very high quality, with its invisible double butterfly buckle. The crown is screwed down. The watch as a whole exudes quality. The polished-brushed finishes are well executed. Its 40.5mm diameter makes it easily wearable on thin wrists.

BALL Trainmaster Chronographe Pulsometer 

I present to you the SARB 033, which I offered to my son. Watches with the ideal dimensions for his teenage wrist (38mm in diameter, 11mm thick, 44mm from lug to lug). This model of watch, no longer produced, required ordering it as an import on the Japan market. Called "Baby Grand Seiko", this watch has become a "must have" by collectors and its price reflects this today. Its deep black dial, its faceted indexes, its date disc in the same color as the dial, the beveled insert of the date, are very successful. Its case has an alternation of polished surfaces (bezel, sides) and brushed surfaces (lugs). I added a jubilee bracelet from Uncle Seiko. This watch is a good alternative to a Rolex Datejust. It has a very reasonable water resistance of 10 ATM, despite its non-screwed (signed) crown. The 6R15 caliber can be admired through the transparent case back. The dial glass is a flat sapphire.

Seiko SARB033

HKED is a distributor based in Hong Kong. On the site, it is possible to buy "1963" models with increased quality control and TOP finishing. I gave this watch to my son for his 14th birthday. This HKED has a 40mm 1963 case, with an ST 1901 movement, derived from the Swiss Venus 175 mechanical chronograph movement, visible, thanks to the glass, which the case back is provided with. It has a "Swan Neck" setting. The emerald green sunray dial, with the two cream sub-counters is beautiful. The domed glass is made of plexiglass and gives a vintage look to this model. A good chronograph at a very low budget to start a collection!

HKED-Seagull 1963

I present to you an atypical electronic watch, with LED, from the 70s, before the advent of LCD watches. Here, in this case, it is a watch from the brand "Modern Watches", in every way identical to a model from LIP, part of the Mach 2000 collection, designed by the designer of the TGV, Roger Talon. I have not found any information on the collaboration between Modern Watches and LIP. Perhaps an operating license to market this new type of watch in other countries? This model must have revolutionized the watch market in the early 70s, and been considered a futuristic watch. The LCD very quickly replaced this LED technology because the latter was too energy-intensive and the battery was empty in a few months. To see the time appear on the dial, you must press the button on the right, at the top of the case. This watch stands out from mechanical watches by its precision in keeping time, because it is a technology that uses quartz. The battery is lithium. The design of the square case, in brushed steel, is very modern. This watch is part of the watchmaking revolution of the early 70s, in search of conquering the precision of time thanks to new technologies. It is a watch of Designer and engineers. An endearing and "emotional" watch for all these reasons.

Modern Watches-LIP Mach 2000 design de Roger Talon 

I present to you a Seiko chronograph that is not very common in France. It is an Ananta model (which means infinity in Sanskrit), reference SRQ003. It is an automatic mechanical chronograph, equipped with the 8R28 movement. This model is part of the first Ananta collection of 2009, unveiled at Baselworld in 2010. Seiko designers had "carte blanche" to imagine a high-end Seiko collection, for the first time, offered to the world market. The designers were inspired, for the cases of this collection, and therefore the case of this chronograph, by the Japanese "Katanas" sabers of the Samurai. The sides of the case are sculpted, with a double curvature that evokes the Katana. The level of requirement of the finishes, the dial, the polishing of the case, the bezel, the crown and the chronograph pushers, is very high. The zaratsu "mirror" polish of the sides is exceptional!! 🤩. The watch is massive, thick, and yet, I who like a relative content of the dimensions of my watches, I love this Seiko with its radical, uncompromising, inspired design. It combines everything I like in watchmaking: original style, watchmaking know-how, high technology... I never tire of looking at all the details of this watch.

Seiko Ananta Chronograph "Katana"

I present to you my Eterna Kontiki date, which I like to call Eterna Kontiki "Raroia Atoll" which is the atoll where the raft "Kontiki" ran aground, made of balsa by the explorer, Thor Heyerdahl, in 1947. The crew of the raft wore Eterna watches. Following this expedition, the Eterna brand named its sports watch model Eterna Kontiki. My model is from 2012. The topography of the Raroia atoll is materialized, on the slightly cream white dial, by an engraving process. The indexes and hands are blued. On the case back is represented in relief the Kontiki raft. The steel bracelet is fully brushed, very comfortable. The folding clasp is signed Eterna. Water-resistant to 200m, this watch is a perfect alternative to an Omega Aqua terra.

Eterna Kontiki "Raroia"

Since the release of the Limited Edition Chronograph with Enamel dial, black Arabic numerals with the red "12" at noon, in 2017, paying homage to the first wristwatch from Seikosha (the name of the manufacturer at the time), the Laurel, I have been interested in this chronograph. Then this version, black Roman numerals, was released 2 years later, still with the 8R48 chronograph movement featuring a column wheel and a vertical clutch. The Enamel dials are still subcontracted by an independent enameler, Mitsuru Yokosawa. The manufacture of such dials (3 raised sub-dials 😳), requires a know-how that has become rare. The work is artisanal, done by hand and therefore reserved for small series. Mitsuri Yokosawa says she can only make 200 per month. Since I acquired this model, I have had a hard time wearing another one. This synthesis between traditional watchmaking, recalled by the Email dial, with this typography, which was present on almost all pocket watches, clocks, etc ... especially throughout the 19th century, and the modernity of the case, its technicality (movement), makes this watch very interesting and endearing. In addition, today, Seiko no longer produces an Email dial chronograph, which makes this model a fairly rare watch.

Seiko Presage Chronograph Enamel Dial

A watch I acquired a few years ago, among the first G-SHOCK in steel. Dual display analog and liquid crystal, with many features, world time, alarm, date, chronograph, countdown... watch that I gave to my father about ten years ago. It's his tool watch. It still works perfectly. It reminds me of the Speedmaster X1 model from OMEGA.

Casio G-SHOCK Cockpit 

I present to you a vintage watch from the 70s. An ARS Super Automatic! A French brand (I haven't found any information on this brand), as there were dozens at that time (before the quartz crisis! 😱 ). Rectangular watch (40×28), 11mm thick. "Sport-chic" watch, with a sunray blue dial that "matches" well with the bright orange rocket-shaped seconds hand, typical of that time. The indexes are applied and faceted. The day (white on a red background! 😳) and the date (black on a white background) are placed in superposition at 6 o'clock. The case is brushed on the front, the chamfers and sides of the case are mirror polished. The watch easily goes under a shirt. Fun watch without being extravagant, it is easy to wear in all circumstances.

ARS Super Automatic 

I present to you a diving watch from the HOSAM SQUALE MEDIUM brand. The HOGA company was founded in the Swiss Jura in 1912. This company registered the HOSAM brand in 1955. HOSAM is best known for developing diving watches, particularly in collaboration with Squale, which specializes in the manufacture of super-waterproof cases. Here, the case is water-resistant to 300m, while the watch is 35mm in diameter and 13mm thick, hence the name "MEDIUM" on the dial. In addition to the pretty black dial that is slightly bronzed in the sun, the "eggshell" indexes, the "lolipop" seconds hand, its circled date at 3 o'clock, its oversized screw-down crown, its contained case making it very comfortable, its most remarkable element is its dark gray bakelite bezel at the top, and light gray at the bottom incorporating a tritium triangle at 12:00. A perfect dive watch for small wrists.

HOSAM SHARK MEDIUM

I present to you my RADO DiaStar Anatom, a model released in 1984. The RADOs of that era inspire me Roland-Garros, with, on the fir green decors on an ochre clay court background, the RADO brand, in the firmament. Official sponsor and timekeeper of the Grand Slam tournament at the Porte d'Auteuil. It inspires me the unique atmosphere of the central court, with the silences of the crowd, respecting the players on serve, Mc Enroe, Connors, Noah (and Gabriela Sabatini 😍) alternating with the ball strikes and the codified applause of the spectators. This Anatom also inspires me the Honda Prelude and Civic CRX of that era (both released in 1983). A sporty-chic watch, small format, rectangular dial, at the top of the avant-garde of watchmaking technologies of the time (ceramic insert, Swiss quartz, ultra-thin case, domed sapphire crystal, which covers the entire dial, integrated bracelet... a watch that could be in the list of iconic sporty-chic watches, Royal Oak, Nautilus, and others. A watch that obviously fits perfectly under the sleeve of a shirt, beautiful, elegant, unique... I really like wearing it!,

RADO DiaStar Anatom, Roland Garros and Honda Youngtimer 

After the Tidal Wave of the first days, even the first months, the kilometers of queues in front of the "Swatch Stores" (there are still queues at the time of the publication of this review in front of them, which is crazy!), the sit-ins, the campings, the scuffles... I went to the Swatch Store in the Louvres one morning in August 2022. 2 people were waiting in front of the store... the security guard brought the list of models available that day... Surprise, the "Mars" was scribbled there. The first two people disappointed with the list revealed leave... so I am the first to enter the store. I can try the models available that day. I had already decided... I take the "Mars"! The watch is ultra comfortable. I change its white "NASA" strap for a gray strap from my AKRONE K02... Nickel! It fits it perfectly! The watch is light. Looking at it, you really feel like you have one of all the versions of the OMEGA Speedmaster! In short, it's very cool! This version is deliberately a tribute to the Speedmaster ALASKA PROJECT I, II, III, and IV from 1972 to 1979 and the Speedmaster ALASKA PROJECT reissue from 2008 (see photos). The hands of the sub-counters of the said model are taken from the "Mars", as well as the red second hand, the white dial. Finally, the red color of the case recalls the aluminum heat shield in which the watch was protected from extreme temperatures.

Omega×Swatch "Mars"×Alaska Project

I present to you my Seiko Tuna Professional 200m, model from the early 80s, equipped with the 7C43 quartz caliber, identical, just a slightly smaller diameter, to the famous 7C46 caliber that equips the majority of quartz Tuna Professionals. The only Tuna with a diameter of 42mm, protective ring, here in this case in plastic, therefore more easily wearable on a daily basis than its "big sisters" Tuna in 47, 49, 50, 52mm 😱. A youngtimer, which has the "Professional" mention, the legendary caliber of the Tuna, while being easily wearable. Everything I was looking for, even if I will be tempted in the future by a Tuna with the ceramic alloy ring (a Darth Tuna in particular). An easy-to-wear Toolwatch from a family of diving watches with an incredible history!

Seiko Tuna Professional 200m 7C43-603L calibre quartz 

I present to you my Swatch Irony size 38mm in diameter with a black unidirectional bezel and an Aluminum case. Thus this feature allows the horns not to break like on the plastic Swatch models. My model is sober, silver dial, black diving bezel, large black Arabic numerals in indexes. This watch is very versatile, extremely comfortable, light (Aluminum case 👍), thin, precise, modern ... with its Swatch Swiss inscription in green and its Mercedes hour hand, it looks like a Rolex GMT Master II 🤭🤔😉). It can be worn in all circumstances. Its small flaw: limited water resistance (depth not mentioned), where its cousin, the Swatch Scuba (it, in plastic) had a mention "water resistant 200m.

Swatch Irony Aluminum unidirectional bezel

I present to you my first mechanical watch that was given to me when I was 13 by my grandfather. It comes from East Berlin, a few months after the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989. It was on a military surplus market that the watch was purchased. It is a real Tank, both the case and the movement. It is an automatic watch, with a screw-down crown, a rotating steel bezel, bi-directional. There are tritium dots on the indexes. It still works after all these years. A watch of all-proof robustness for a ridiculous price. An endearing watch to have in a collection, especially of diving watches.

Vostok Amphibia 50th Anniversary

RADO Diastar Diver's 300m. Watch with a very Seventees design, oblong bezel in Tungsten Carbide resistant to 2600 vickers, rotating internal bezel, screw-down crowns. The anchor of the dial turns. It has a steel bracelet, polished on the sides brushed in the center. 2 seahorses engraved on the back.

Rado & LandArt

I present to you my Seiko Turtle PADI Air Diver's 200m Special Edition, whose bezel I changed to put a black ceramic insert graduated at 12 o'clock, with luminescent numerals. Diving watch, meeting the ISO 6425 standard, designed in partnership with PADI, makes it a real toolwatch

A "diver" fashioned in the mountains

An endearing watch because it is both technical and beautiful. Technical, due to its crown at 12:00, its helium valve, its depth given at 500 meters. Beautiful, due to its dial, here sunburst gray, the finesse of its case, its contained size (40mm), its finishes (polished-brushed alternations) without making it "bling-bling". The quality and comfort of its bracelet. Finally, it is a watch created by two enthusiasts (Jean-Sébastien Costes, Philippe Friedmann), Mr. Costes, owner of a Triton Spirotechnique from the 60s, wanted to reissue a "modern" Triton inspired by the original model. This Triton has a "short but very beautiful" history, a phrase taken from Mr. Costes during an interview. Indeed, this watch equipped the divers of the French Navy as an endowment watch in the 60s.

Technical watch that characterizes its aesthetics

Watching Ivan on Xavier’s couch finally convinced me to buy the Sea-Gull International Edition 1963. Beyond Ivan’s comments, it was the iconic design of this watch that really appealed to me, including its red star, blued hands, and bright red chronograph. Its excellent value for money and its status as a modern reissue of a legendary chronograph originally designed for the Chinese Air Force also played a key role in my decision.

Classic and elegant design: The champagne dial, with its subdials for the minute track and small seconds, evokes the military style of the 1960s. The blue hands and gold-tone indexes create a striking contrast, while the glass crystal adds a touch of luxury while preserving the watch’s vintage charm. The round 316L stainless steel case, with a diameter of 37.5 mm and a thickness of approximately 15.1 mm, offers a robust yet refined silhouette.

ST1901 Manual Movement: Equipped with a ST1901 manual mechanical movement with 22 jewels, this watch is renowned for its reliability and precision. Its movement operates at a frequency of 21,600 A/h and offers an adequate power reserve for everyday use.

Comfort and dimensions: With a net weight of only 60 g and a canvas strap with a length of approximately 28 cm and a width of 18 mm, this watch is comfortable to wear all day long. Personally, I am not a fan of the Nato strap supplied with the watch, so I opted for a green leather strap, whose stitching recalls the color of the dial. This allows me to admire the movement more easily while offering optimal comfort for everyday use.

Modern finishes: This edition is distinguished by the use of quality materials, such as resistant glass. The transparent case back allows you to observe the movement in action, a real asset for watch enthusiasts.

Military heritage and versatility: Elegant and functional, this watch can be worn in both formal and casual settings. Its water resistance of 3 bar (30 meters) makes it practical for everyday use.

Conclusion: My Sea-Gull 1963 International Edition fuses military heritage with a touch of modernity. For fans of vintage mechanical chronographs, this is an exceptional choice. Its fascinating history and technical performance make it both collectible and practical, while offering excellent value for money.

Sea-Gull 1963: An Iconic Chinese Chronograph

I was looking for a mechanical chronograph, and after some research and videos, I fell in love with the Seagull 1963. This iconic watch, powered by the ST19 movement inspired by the famous Swiss caliber Venus 175, offers exceptional value for money. The Seagull 1963 is a must-have model for enthusiasts and collectors, combining fascinating history, vintage design and mechanical engineering. In 1961, the Chinese government gave the Tianjin Watch Factory a prestigious mission: to design a chronograph to equip the Chinese air force, the PLA Air Force. After two years of development, in 1963, the legendary ST19 chronograph was born. This movement, based on the Venus 175 acquired by China after its production ceased in Switzerland, demonstrates a perfect fusion of Swiss watchmaking know-how and Chinese innovation. The Seagull 1963 seduces with its retro aesthetic: a refined dial, delicately colored hands and remarkable mechanical precision, thanks to its manual winding. More than a watch, it is a true piece of watchmaking history, a tribute to an era when watchmaking was at the crossroads between tradition and innovation.

My SEA-GULL 1963 mechanical chronograph watch

Having been for a long time only attracted by mechanical watches without complications, 3 hands, no date; by dint of listening to the various influencers, I asked myself "and why not a chronograph" with an emblematic & very connoted finish, even caricatured, the PANDA. This type of watch not having a priority in my collection, I turned to an economical choice, the reissue of the Chinese chronograph from 1963, in a finish under contrasting dials, panda. The watch is nice, blued hands, red chrono second hand, we lose the great elegance, but the compromise is nice. A relatively endearing watch, mounted on a "racing green" strap to bring it back to the automotive world. I wear it little, the 30mn compax counter ultimately finds few concrete daily applications. It does have style, however, it could be replaced by an equivalent LONGINES or UNIVERSAL Genève, panda .... to be seen

Panda

Sea-Gull 1963. While browsing YouTube videos, I came across this model praised by several "Watch enthusiasts". Beyond the small difficulties of acquisition, necessarily online, the model presents an excellent level of finish for this price. The movement is correct and the model arouses curiosity.

Sea-Gull 1963, original small Chinese chronometer

Friends with a passion for watches piqued my curiosity and it was through a YouTube video that I discovered the Sea-gull 1963. Since the model was not patented, this watch is produced by many Chinese manufacturers. So I bought the model from Red Star on a famous Chinese sales platform for €133 including tax. At that price, I didn't expect much, but this watch exceeds my expectations. 

Its finishes are certainly simple, but well done: no brushing on the case but a flawless polish, a satin champagne dial, sub-dials painted directly on the dial in a very clean way, magnificent gold indexes, blue and red hands that fit well into the case. 

As for the movement, my ST1901 gives me a little over 48 hours of power reserve, and a drift of +10s/day (test watch placed flat for 24 hours). The chrono is great for monitoring the cooking of pasta.

Finally, I find that a brown leather strap with a bund suits it better than the usual Natos.

A good introduction to the world of watchmaking

I had been hesitating for several months, probably even years. The ultra vintage look and the historical (mythical? ...!) character had seduced me. As well as the general compactness for a chronograph. Finally, a promotional opportunity convinced me (yes, it's almost petty!). 
OK, the leather strap is much too long (therefore quickly changed), the whole thing does not exude foolproof robustness, and the diameter sold at 38mm actually measures 37.5 in diameter (a 38.5 would have been perfect), but the synthesis of this Chinese watch is still surprising. I also measured a lug to lug of 47.2, a thickness of 13.3 and a weight of 61 grams with strap. 
It is a pleasure to wear it, and the movement visible on the glass case back is particularly pleasant to look at! I opted for the sapphire crystal version and swan neck regulator supposed to provide better precision, we will see in the long run. Skeptical before purchase on the movement, I must admit a surprisingly satisfactory adjustment and regularity (the personal threshold of tolerance being naturally lowered, the opposite of the level of indulgence!). 
In short and in fine, the watch figures worthily in my collection, and I intend to alternate fairly without sulking, as for the others!

SEAGULL 1963 Chronograph

(Sea-gull 1963 (reissue); 40mm; sapphire crystal and open back). This mechanical chronograph is an icon and is very successful thanks in particular to its affordable price (paid €177 in 2021). The original model was developed in the early 1960s by the Tianjin manufacturer at the request of the Chinese government in order to equip its air force pilots. The on-board ST1901 movement is inspired by the Venus 175 which equipped Breitlings in particular. My model is a little different from the historical model because I chose it in 40mm with a domed sapphire crystal and an open back. On the other hand, the Kanji writing at 6 o'clock is on 2 lines (unlike the majority of recent models). This is one of the many reissues (cloning? Counterfeit?) from the land of the rising sun but I cannot certify that it really comes from the Sea-gull manufacture...
With its champagne dial on which its applied gold indexes, its blue hands and its red second hand are placed, this watch has a deliciously vintage look. The show continues on the back of the wide open case with this magnificent ST1901 movement with its column wheel and blue screws... A treat!. Despite the plastic ring which is unfortunately quite visible around the movement and the minute hand of the chrono which wanders a little when it is engaged and I move my wrist too much (the defect of my model), I am rather seduced by the general aesthetics of this timepiece. If you choose this chrono, you must take into account the sometimes random quality and the risk of receiving a defective copy without any guarantee of real after-sales service (many testimonials on the net). Likewise, in the event of a mechanical problem, it will be difficult to find a watchmaker who will agree to plunge his hands into the engine...

The essential chronograph to start your collection

If the market is flooded with bronze models, I find that if only one had to use this material it should be this seagull which seems to come from ancient times.
The patina accentuates its vintage aesthetic, the association of colors is perfect with its champagne dial.
The only flaw is the nato with which it is delivered. It's simple, nothing goes on it. The pin is too small as are the loops. Changing the latter is simple since its width is 18mm.

Bronze suits him perfectly

<p>La marque <strong>SYE</strong> [Start Your Engine] a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en <strong>2020</strong> par Arnaud Pezeron &agrave; c&ocirc;t&eacute; de Paris en France. La marque inaugure le Sport Tailoring au poignet. Elle propose des montres sport-chic de caract&egrave;re, fiables, ludiques et abordables inspir&eacute;es de l'univers de la m&eacute;canique auto-moto. La gamme comprend deux mod&egrave;les distincts, la <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/sye/mot1on_automatic_24">SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24 </a>et la <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/sye/mot1on_chronograph">SYE MOT1ON Chronograph</a>.</p>
<p>Cette marque embarque une innovation sur le changement du bracelet disponible en acier ou en cuir. La montre n'offre aucun espace entre le bracelet et la boite d&ucirc; &agrave; l&rsquo;absence de cornes, ce qui am&eacute;liore son confort et sa portabilit&eacute;.</p>
<h2 class="p1">Combien co&ucirc;te une montre&nbsp;SYE&nbsp;?</h2>
<p class="p1">La gamme SYE comporte deux mod&egrave;les disponibles sur le site de la marque : La <strong>SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24</strong> est propos&eacute;e &agrave; partir de <strong>750&euro;</strong>. La <strong>SYE MOT1ON Chronograph</strong> est propos&eacute;e &agrave; partir de <strong>599 &euro;</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>SYE</strong> est ind&eacute;pendante et produit plusieurs centaines montres par an tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir une SYE qui vous correspond le mieux, les <strong>avis clients Dialicious</strong> sont une pr&eacute;cieuse ressource pour &eacute;valuer chacun des diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Consultez le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_francaises"><span class="s2">Classement des meilleures marques de montres fran&ccedil;aises</span></a> dont SYE fait partie.</span></p>
<p>(Mise &agrave; jour Novembre 2023)</p>

<p dir="ltr">The brand <strong>SYE</strong> [Start Your Engine] was created in <strong>2020</strong> by Arnaud Pezeron near Paris in France. The brand is introducing Sport Tailoring on the wrist. It offers sporty-chic watches with character, reliability, fun and affordability inspired by the world of car and motorcycle mechanics. The range includes two distinct models, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/sye/mot1on_automatic_24"> SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24</a> and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/sye/mot1on_chronograph"> SYE MOT1ON Chronograph</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This brand has an innovation in changing the bracelet available in steel or leather. The watch offers no space between the bracelet and the case due to the absence of lugs, which improves its comfort and portability.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a SYE watch cost?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The SYE range includes two models available on the brand's website: The SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24 is offered from &euro; 750. The SYE MOT1ON Chronograph is offered from &euro; 599.</p>
<p dir="ltr">SYE is independent and produces several hundred watches per year, all models combined. To choose an SYE that best suits you, the Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real customer experience.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_french_watch_brands"><span class="s2">Ranking of the best French watch brands</span></a>, including SYE.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated November 2023)</p>

<p dir="ltr">The <strong>Sea-Gull 1963</strong> is an iconic watch that embodies Chinese watchmaking history and know-how. Initially designed for the Chinese Air Force, over the decades it has become a symbol of military watchmaking and a prized piece among collectors around the world, particularly for its historic design and affordable price.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Origins and Historical Context</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In the 1950s, <strong>China sought to develop its watch industry</strong> to reduce its dependence on foreign imports. In 1955, the Chinese government ordered four watch specialists to produce a national watch for the People's Liberation Army. This initiative led to the creation of the first Chinese watch, known as the WuXing, produced by the Tianjin Watch Factory, which later became Sea-Gull.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In 1961, the Chinese Air Force issued a specific order for a chronograph to equip its pilots. After several prototypes and rigorous testing, official production began in 1963, giving birth to the watch today known as the Sea-Gull 1963.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Technical Characteristics and Design</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The Sea-Gull 1963 stands out for its classic design and technical specifications:</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Housing:</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Initially in stainless steel, with a diameter of 38 mm, adapted to the standards of the time.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Dial:</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Champagne color, decorated with gold indexes and hands, with a red star at 12 o'clock, symbolizing the People's Liberation Army.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Complications :</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Bicompax chronograph with a small seconds at 9 o'clock and a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Movement :</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Caliber ST19, a mechanical movement with manual winding, <strong>derived from the Swiss caliber Venus 175</strong>. Indeed, China acquired the rights and production machines for the Venus 175 movement, allowing local production and adaptation to military needs.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Glass :</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Domed acrylic, offering a vintage aesthetic.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Bracelet :</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Olive-colored NATO, reinforcing the military aspect of the watch.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Evolution and Reissues</h2>
<p dir="ltr">After its initial production for the army, the Sea-Gull 1963 went through several reissues intended for the general public:</p>
<p dir="ltr">2000s : Faced with collectors' enthusiasm for vintage military watches, Sea-Gull reissued the 1963, retaining its original design while improving certain technical aspects.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Modern Variants : Versions with 40mm and 42mm cases have been introduced to suit contemporary preferences. In addition, options with sapphire crystal and transparent back were offered, allowing you to admire the ST19 movement in action.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Limited Editions : Some reissues were produced in limited quantities, with engraved serial numbers, increasing their appeal to collectors.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Cultural Impact and International Recognition</h2>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>The 1963 Sea-Gull became an icon of Chinese watchmaking</strong>, symbolizing the industrial independence and technical know-how of the country. Its unique history and connection with the military make it a sought-after piece by military watch enthusiasts.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Internationally, the 1963 Sea-Gull has gained popularity thanks to its excellent value for money and timeless design. It is often recommended as a first mechanical watch for new collectors, providing an affordable introduction to traditional watchmaking.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The Sea-Gull 1963 is much more than just a watch; she is the testimony to a time when China sought to assert its technological independence. Its elegant design, combined with a rich history, makes it a must-have piece for any watch enthusiast. Today, <strong>it continues to seduce with its vintage charm</strong> and reliable mechanics, perpetuating the heritage of Chinese watchmaking on the international scene.</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated November 2024)</p>

Sea-Gull 1963 Owner Review : Elegant, cool and proportionate

HKED-Seagull 1963

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Ball Watch CompanyTrainmaster

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Ball Watch Company
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Eterna
KonTiki Date

Seiko
Presage

Casio
G-Shock

Ares
Diver-1X

Rado
Diastar

Swatch
Moonswatch
Mission to Mars

Seiko
Tuna

Swatch
Irony

Rado
Diastar

Seiko
Turtle

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Sea-Gull
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Sea-Gull
1963

Sea-Gull
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Sea-Gull
1963

Sea-Gull
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Sea-Gull
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Sea-Gull
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