Seagull 1963 Air Force Mechanical Chronograph…Awesome ^_^

Well, I always wanted a mechanical Chronograph. Yeah it’s expensive and yeah it’s probably not a beater watch. But hey, it’s cool and sometimes you need a quirky one like that ha ha (as if my Vostok ain’t quirky enough). So one day I found on the net someone sold his Seagull with “affordable” price (Rp. 2.800.000,- or approximately $ 197) so yeah, despite my saving I just rushed and get it ha ha. I mean, the other affordable mechanical chronograph is probably a shady Chinese or Quartz (I became a snob and considering Quartz as lesser being he he). I mean, I wanna buy Undone with it’s quirky Quartz-matic hybrid thing, but with the price of this Seagull? This is a win, a jackpot or home-run.

So here’s the watch, cool to say the least. Just to sum it, the only complaints is the strap that is typical Nato (too long and kinda like mudflap). And here are the spec :
Movement: Seagull Hand Wind Mechanical 19-Jewel Chronograph
Case: Polished Stainless Steel, 38mm diameter x 15mm thick
Back: Exhibition window back
Crystal: Acrylic
Band: Olive green NATO style strap, buckle closure. 18mm lug
Water Resistant: 30 meters

You probably think, what’s the big deal? It’s Chinese for God sake? But did you know that Seagull actually is a Venus movement from Swiss? Chinese bought the machine, the patent and basically made their own version. So this ain’t just a Chinese watch, this is THE Chinese watch. The upper echelon or one the highest hierarchy in the Chinese watch or even the world. And this watch is proudly scream “I’m a Chinese watch” and it’s a good thing because this is Chinese watch at its finest.

And “wow” is what came to my mind seeing this watch. It’s not like finesse or luxury like Rolex, Tudor or Swiss watch, but something more…DAAAAAMN feeling if you catch my drift. I mean, this watch is looks classy but at the same time fun & quirky (probably due to the Chinese army style and that socialist stuff). But you can’t deny the charm in it. It’s fun.

This watch is an homage or re-release of the 1963 air force watch and I can say this is a faithful reincarnation, down to the size (yes there’s a bigger version when people wrist isn’t large like today’s 45mm plus watch he he). True the size may not for everyone but still this watch is the bomb.

Check the dome glass and glass back where the beautiful movement shown with all it’s glory. Beautiful is an under statement for this one.

The movement is smooth and each time you use the chronograph feature, the movement is “tilted” in a way that you aware and sure the engine kicked in and all system go. And when you push the third button, the hands jumped right back at the center in a jiffy. It’s satisfying. And due to the mechanical nature, you won’t worried the battery dried out, but worry the engine is “break” die to the excessive use ha ha.

That’s also my other complaint, despite the 3 bar ATM resistant, I feel the watch is not a beater watch (though it’s a air force watch), I even don’t want to wear this when I wash my hand or do ablution. Yeah, don’t know why but it’s not because the price (I even abuse my more expensive Steinhart he he). It’s the machinery that makes me don’t want to abuse it probably. Either this is a pro or cons I don’t know, but it makes me adore this more he he.

All in all, this watch is an awesome. You should give it a try. One thing that might make people hesitant to get it is the Chinese stigma (cheap, fragile, communist, etc). But seriously, it’s 2019 and you people still act like living in Cold War or something? I don’t care what watch does it came from, but credits due where credit deserves and this watch is awesome. Period.

So, if buying this watch means I support communist or something, so put me in jail because I adore this watch and my Vostok ha ha. So I just try to compare two of my favorite watch.

In terms of thickness, well this watch is not really different from my Amphibia, which is good.

The strap is also on the same size so it makes the watch more awesome. More options he he. So yeah, let me have my communist party with the emphasis on party ha ha.