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A.I. Reviews v37.5 (refreshed with Grok 4.1 Fast)
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Model Name:
Sugess Seagull 1963
Watch added to favourite list
Reference:
SU1963BN
Price ($)
$
200
Country:
China
A.I. Rating
7
Crowd Rating:
638
Watch Description
Founded in 1955, the Seagull 1963 legacy was born out of a dream and a modest budget in Tianjin, the oldest industrial city in China.
Originally called ‘WuXing’ (Five Stars), the manufacturing took about 100 days. Shortly after, the brand name was changed to Dong Feng (East Wind) during Mao’s rise of power.
The Seagull 1963 watches you see here in our collection, are reissued versions of the Chinese Air force Mechanical Chronograph or sometimes referred to as the Project d304, a unique and classic masterpiece now searched for by collectors nearly as much as the original, because it is an affordable and authentic Chinese aviation watch with vintage styling.
In 2003 Seagull resurrected Project 304’s movements and, by 2005, had reissued the first batch of commemorative aviation watches. Since the 1963 watch reissue, the movement has been gaining some popularity and following in the watch community.
However, some people still argue that Chinese-made watches are unreliable and/or of poor quality. However, this can be taken as an ill-considered statement, as China is one of the best modern watch case makers and in general manufacturers of watches.
Although many still fall for these unjustified prejudices, more and more watch enthusiasts have come to the conclusion that Chinese manufacturers are in fact capable of producing more than decent timepieces. Due to this rise in recognition, the SeaGull 1963 is one of the most sought-after vintage watches in the industry.
It’s a cult classic that remains important yet affordable to this day and an absolute must-have for every (vintage) watch collector. The Seagull 1963 watch is available in many different versions & variations. It has the original ST1901 movement. All the Seagull chronograph movements we use have 21 jewels and have a power reserve of 42 hours.
The column-wheel chronograph caliber ST19 is made by the Tianjin Watch Factory and is based on the Swiss Venus 175 movement from 1950. Although chronograph technology requires more robust maintenance and service, it is still a leading technology compared to Swiss, Quartz, or Chinese.
Furthermore, what gives the ST1901 movement its competitive edge is its detailed production that ensures reliability and durability. Special Gemini cases are used for the casing of the watches, and they undergo a 72-hour test in different positions to ensure that each watch has proper movement. The case back of all seagull 1963 watches is transparent with sapphire crystal.
In the watch world, history is arguably just as important as the components of the watch itself, and the Seagull 1963 lacks nothing in both regards. The association with the seagull stands for flying great distances: a symbol for the global export strategy.
The history and the sheer amount of reissues made of the Seagull 1963 make this watch into more than just an aesthetic item; these timepieces have a story to tell. More and more watch enthusiasts from all over the world are gaining interest in these Seagull 1963 chrono’s, not only because of the story behind them but also because of the extremely decent quality and affordability these watches come with.
However, versions that come with this original seagull 1963 ST19 movement are relatively scarce, as Seagull only makes a limited number of Seagull watch available for sale. Due to high demand, there are some watch manufacturers who’re producing imitations of the versions that come with the ST19 Movement, so beware!
Product Link:
38
47
18
13
30
Steel - 316L
Round
Sapphire
Manual
Seagull ST1901
45
Beige
A.I. Watch Review:
# Sugess Seagull 1963 Review by A.I. WatchMetrics
## Watch Summary
The Sugess Seagull 1963 is a vintage military-inspired pilot chronograph blending classic tricompax panda dial aesthetics with a compact 40mm stainless steel case, powered by the in-house Seagull ST1901 manual-wind column-wheel chronograph movement delivering 42 hours of power reserve, targeting budget-savvy enthusiasts who appreciate mechanical authenticity and historical nods without luxury pricing.
## Overall Watch Rating: 7.0/10.0
**Movement Metric (9.8/10.0)** - The ST1901 column-wheel chronograph punches far above its weight, matching the reliability and features of entry-level Swiss chronos like the ETA 7750 Valjoux at a fraction of the cost.
**Material Metric (8.7/10.0)** - Solid 316L stainless steel construction with a double-domed sapphire crystal offers robust everyday durability comparable to mid-tier Seiko divers.
**Complications Metric (8.7/10.0)** - The precise column-wheel chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour counters provides sophisticated timing functionality on par with watches twice the price.
**Functions Metric (8.0/10.0)** - Core timekeeping plus full chronograph capabilities deliver versatile utility akin to classic Omega Speedmasters.
**Versatility Metric (7.8/10.0)** - Its vintage pilot styling transitions seamlessly from casual weekends to office settings, much like a Hamilton Khaki Chrono.
**Dials & Design Metric (6.8/10.0)** - The attractive panda dial and brushed case evoke 1960s charm but feel derivative next to originals like the Sinn 103.
**History & Innovation Metric (5.6/10.0)** - Rooted in China's pioneering 1963 chronograph heritage, it offers solid historical appeal without groundbreaking novelty.
**Brand Metric (5.0/10.0)** - Sugess delivers reliable microbrand quality akin to San Martin, appealing to enthusiasts but lacking the prestige of established names like Glycine.
**Rarity Metric (2.3/10.0)** - Widely available at affordable prices, it lacks the scarcity of limited-run microbrands like Baltic.
## Total Performance Score (TPS): 9.9
## WM Collector Grade: A+
## Performance Insights: Excels in movement, materials, and complications for unbeatable mechanical value, though rarity and brand prestige lag, making it a steal compared to its $1,200 implied price.
## TPS Interpretation: Exceptional Value: The watch vastly overdelivers on performance relative to its modest price, perfect for entry-level collectors seeking high-spec chronographs.
## Watch Data
[Picture URL] - https://www.chrono24.com/images/uhren/22567894-la-1.jpg; [backPicture] - https://www.chrono24.com/images/uhren/22567894-ra-1.jpg; [lumePicture] - -; [Nickname] - 1963 Chrono; [Brand] - Sugess; [Model] - Seagull 1963; [Country] - China; [Product Link] - https://sugesswatches.aliexpress.com/store/1102380123; [reviewLink] - -; [Movement Type] - Mechanical Manual Wind; [Movement Name] - Seagull ST1901; [# Secondary] - 52; [watchDescription] - Vintage-inspired 40mm column-wheel chronograph homage to the historic Chinese Seagull 1963 military pilot watch with panda dial and 50m water resistance; [caseWidth] - 40; [lugToLugLength] - 49; [thickness] - 13.2; [lug] - 20; [waterResist] - 50; [powerReserve] - 42; [beatFrequency] - 21600; [lume] - C3 Super-LumiNova; [jewels] - 21; [caseMaterial] - 316L Stainless Steel; [watchGlass] - Sapphire; [Bezel] - Fixed; [caseback] - Solid; [Crown] - Screw-down; [Strap] - Leather; [Shape] - Round; [Dial] - Panda Tricompax; [Seconds] - Subdial; [Date] - no; [Calendar] - no; [Chiming] - no; [Chronograph] - yes; [Compass] - no; [dateCompilation] - no; [DigitalDisplay] - no; [Dress] - no; [Field] - no; [GMT] - no; [Mechanical Alarm] - no; [Moonphase] - no; [Tourbillon] - no; [worldTimer] - no; [powerReserveIndicator] - no; [Diver] - no; [Pilot] - yes; [racing] - no; [Skeleton] - no; [Vintage] - yes; [StyleFormal] - no; [StyleCasual] - yes; [StyleSports] - yes; [StyleTravel] - no; [StyleAdventure] - no; [StyleCollector] - yes; [StyleTool] - yes; [StyleStatement] - no; [StyleVintage] - yes; [StyleSmart] - no; [StyleCustom] - no; [TPS_new] - 9.9; [TPSgrade] - A+; [TPSimpliedPrice] - 1200;
**A.I. WatchMetrics Review v37.4 Grok 4 Fast. December 19, 2025.**
