Sea-Gull

The Sea-Gull Watch Company, founded in 1955 in Tianjin, China, began as a small factory producing simple wristwatches. It was originally called the Tianjin Watch Factory and focused on meeting the basic timekeeping needs of the Chinese population. In 1961, the company made a significant breakthrough by producing China’s first domestically made watch, known as the Dong Feng, or “East Wind.”

Another first for Sea-Gull came in 1966 when they created China's first chronograph, the ST19, based on swiss technology. The movement is still popular today due to it's durability and precision; while Sea-Gull also produce some very credible (and good value for money) modern watches, and are becoming more adventurous in their own designs.

Why are they special?

Movements

Sea-Gull is one of the largest producers of mechanical movements in the world. In fact, if you wanted to set up a watch brand from scratch at the affordable end, you'd highly likely consider a Sea-Gull for the movement, especially if it's a Chronograph. The price for the quality is very appealing and many startups and micro brands use their movements.

They have also expanded into more advanced complicated movements such as tourbillons and GMT watches, which while not in the same tier as some of the high horology brands, are evidence of a growing technical capability in Chinese watchmaking.

Why do we like them?

Simplicity

Vintage Sea-Gulls are plentiful and make good canvases due to uncomplicated dial designs. This allows lots of freedom for the painting process, and an easy watch-owning experience for someone who prefers the art element and doesn't want a complicated and expensive watch-owning experience. In other words, it's simple to service and easy to get parts; doubly affordable.

Chinese heritage

The Chinese watch industry has it's own flavor and story to tell. The role of the state in it's development and the designs of the watches that evolved from the very basic in the 50s-60s to much more flamboyant designs in the 1970s give a fascinating window into the culture and living experience of the country at the time. The Chinese watch companies also occasionally would honor a person or event (such as the launching of the first chinese satellite into space was commemorated by many brands adding a little red rocket on the second hand) which makes some pieces very rare and valuable, but generally gives a window into what life must have been like.