Sea-Gull 1963 Premium: Updated Chinese Chronograph

In recent years, attention to Chinese watchmaking has significantly increased, sparking interest among experts and collectors worldwide.

The era of questionable copies is a thing of the past: modern Chinese brands are creating truly impressive and original watches. Not only Chinese companies, but also foreign brands are successfully utilizing Chinese production. Recent releases have shown that Chinese manufacturers can create products competing with leading global brands. Brands such as Studio Underd0g, Depancel, and Baltic use Sea-Gull movements, particularly the ST-1901, which has drawn global attention to Sea-Gull as a manufacturer and brand.

The History and Significance of Sea-Gull in Chinese Watchmaking

While global interest in Chinese watches is relatively new, Sea-Gull has existed since 1955 and released the first watches fully produced in China. After acquiring the designs and equipment for producing the Swiss caliber Venus 175, in 1961 Sea-Gull began manufacturing the ST-1901 movement, creating watches for the Chinese Air Force. The 1963 chronograph, based on pilot's watches, became a favorite among enthusiasts seeking an affordable and quality chronograph. Today, Sea-Gull has introduced an updated version of its most famous chronograph - the Sea-Gull 1963 Premium collection.

Design and Technical Specifications of the Updated Model

Almost all elements of the watch have been redesigned compared to previous versions. The case diameter is 37.3 mm, thickness is 15 mm, lug-to-lug distance is 47 mm, and water resistance is 50 meters. The lug width is 18 mm, making the model convenient for strap changes. The new case is equipped with sapphire glass on the front and back, improved finishing with sharper brushing on the side surfaces, and a polished front and bezel that are less prone to fingerprints. The case back has enlarged sapphire glass and improved finishing with embossed text on a matte background. The proportions of the case back have been optimized for increased durability and comfort when wearing.

Dial Variants and Design

The collection includes several dial options. The classic beige and "panda" remain the most recognizable for the Sea-Gull 1963 Chronograph model. The update features modern interpretations with texture and gradient in pink, green, and blue colors. A limited edition with a reverse "panda": black meteorite dial with white subdials made of meteorite stands out with special premium quality. All models feature applied indices, alternating between Arabic numerals and triangular markers.

• Beige dials have gold indices, blue steel hour and minute hands, and a red chronograph second hand.
• The white dial is equipped with blue hands on the additional counters.
• The "panda" comes with gold hands on the subdials.
• Color variants have steel hands and indices.
• The meteorite dial has steel indices and hour and minute hands, a red chronograph second hand, and blue subdial hands.

Previously, the star on the 1963 Chronograph dial was located at the top; now it has been moved down, with the Sea-Gull logo and name placed at the top. This is the first instance of the Sea-Gull brand appearing on the 1963 Chronograph dial, emphasizing its significance and expanding the company's global presence.

ST-1901 Top Grade Movement: Updated Caliber with History

As mentioned earlier, the Sea-Gull ST-1901 movement has Swiss roots - it is based on the Venus 175 caliber. Fully produced by Sea-Gull, the ST-1901 is a column-wheel chronograph with manual winding, a 30-minute counter, 22 jewels, and a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. The movement's architecture remains the same, but for the new collection, an improved ST-1901 Top Grade is introduced - a more premium version available exclusively in Sea-Gull watches.

The movement features a monotone rhodium plating and more refined "Geneva stripes" finishing compared to previous versions. Matte surfaces, polished edges, and components are hand-finished. The new version also improves the movement's accuracy and performance. The ST-1901 Top Grade is the best movement ever produced by Sea-Gull.

The Significance of the Update for the Brand and Collectors

Previously, Sea-Gull was better known as a manufacturer of movements for other brands rather than a creator of its own watches. The success of many micro-brands using the ST-1901 has shown that it is time for Sea-Gull to take a worthy place on the world stage. The update of the case and movement gives the 1963 Chronograph model the significance it deserves, as it is a historic model that introduced many enthusiasts to the world of mechanical chronographs.

The updated version will surely attract the attention of new fans and collectors, as well as interest those familiar with previous releases of the legendary pilot's watch.

Prices and Availability of Sea-Gull 1963 Premium

The Sea-Gull 1963 Premium collection is now available for order directly from the manufacturer. The limited edition with a meteorite dial is released in a run of 500 pieces.