Help me out here Seagull 1963 owners/fans…
So, I think this is a very cool watch. But, the price for the watch is all over the place. Plus, what I’m reading on the Internet is that anyone who buys a seagull movement has the right to make a dupe?
So, how does one who wants to purchase this watch, purchase the official version (of this historic model)? in other words, how does one buy an authentic Chinese watch rather than a Chinese rip off of an authentic Chinese watch?
And how much are the official versions. I see a lot of them claiming to be official versions and they range from $800-$200 for what appears to be the same watch.
Serious question.
Chasing the “next” grail. In the meantime, helping match friends with the watch that matches their personality (their “watch soulmate”)
https://longislandwatch.com/shop/?search=Seagull
The one from the original manufacturer is Sea-Gull the replicas are Seagull.
Seagull.https://youtu.be/YbdZGxpX2Mk?si=mp1e_QV_IGWfoVoa
Also forgot the originals will have two lines of text at the bottom of the dial.
From what In was able to find the authentic Sea-Gull has two lines of Chinese text and does not have the display back. I believe there were a limit to the number they made.
A lot of people prefer the non-authentic with the display back.
It's a bit murky but the non-authentic versions are using the movement and a lot of parts purchased from Sea-Gull, but are making the watches themselves with slight changes such as display backs.
Brands such as Sugess also make effectively the same watch with a number of different and unique dials which I find quite interesting.
I have a non-authentic version with display back and have been eyeing the Sugess with blue dial and orange strap.
Also forgot the originals will have two lines of text at the bottom of the dial.
Thanks.
From what In was able to find the authentic Sea-Gull has two lines of Chinese text and does not have the display back. I believe there were a limit to the number they made.
A lot of people prefer the non-authentic with the display back.
It's a bit murky but the non-authentic versions are using the movement and a lot of parts purchased from Sea-Gull, but are making the watches themselves with slight changes such as display backs.
Brands such as Sugess also make effectively the same watch with a number of different and unique dials which I find quite interesting.
I have a non-authentic version with display back and have been eyeing the Sugess with blue dial and orange strap.
Thanks. This explains a lot of what I was reading on the internet. So they are basically officially sanctioned dupes
Thanks. This explains a lot of what I was reading on the internet. So they are basically officially sanctioned dupes
I think it also has a bit to do with it being a spec watch, like an A11 from the US military, as I believe the original was commissioned by the Chinese military thus why I believe there ar so many ”sanctioned” clones.
I recently got this watch from AliExpress. Not from Sea-gull but from non-Seagull brand that leverages the original movement from Sea-gull. it’s from Red Star (see link below) and is highly reputed.
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOLskNQ
Good luck with your purchase!
I think it also has a bit to do with it being a spec watch, like an A11 from the US military, as I believe the original was commissioned by the Chinese military thus why I believe there ar so many ”sanctioned” clones.
This makes sense
So, the Chinese copy their own crap now? And if so, what does it matter? You're getting an authentic Chinese in either case! Don't think the Swiss will copy this watch.
If you ever look into variations of this model, Hked (solid guy on WUS, not affiliated with Seagull) makes great dressier versions like these. More info at his website here: https://www.hkedwatches.com/collections/1963-38mm
It won’t be your grail watch and it won’t last a lifetime. So why not get the cheapest version? I got mine form aliexpress. But in the 40mm with the lumed hands. Just return if it’s not right until you get a good one.
First one came and chronograph kept jumping so returned it.
Second one came and had two 12s, so returned it.
Third one works like a dream 👍
A friend first bought a random one on Aliexpress for $100 and then the original for >$500 in the official store. The devil is in the details.
Be careful friend! This specific watch has many fakes!
Buy from a reputable source.
A company that supplies brands who it knows are making copies of their watches likely doesn’t care. And the better question is “Is the movement used in the offices version of a similar quality as the rest?”. Given that you have western smaller brands assuring customers that they inspect the Sea-Gul movements they purchase, I figure that the answer to that question is ”yes”.