Seagull 1963 Chronograph Reissue – A Tribute to a Classic
The Seagull 1963 is regarded as one of the most iconic mechanical watches in Asia. Originally developed in 1963 for the Chinese Air Force, the chronograph became world-famous for its robustness, precision and distinctive vintage design.
The modern Sea-Gull 1963 Reissue combines historical styling with contemporary finishing, sapphire crystal, and the original ST1901 hand-wound movement by Tianjin Seagull.
Tianjin Seagull is today one of the largest movement manufacturers worldwide. The ST1901 inside the Seagull 1963 is a column-wheel chronograph based on the historic ST3 created for the Chinese Air Force. Its focus lies on smooth operation, reliability and durability — qualities frequently confirmed in reviews of the Seagull 1963. And thanks to its popularity and wide distribution, long-term service and spare parts availability for the ST1901 are excellent.
All our models come with a presentation box, papers, a classic NATO strap, and an additional leather strap with quick-release spring bars.
Design & Case
The Seagull 1963 is available in 38 mm and 40 mm, both featuring a polished stainless-steel case with strong wrist presence.
-
Thickness: 14 mm
-
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal for modern everyday use
-
Large sapphire exhibition caseback showcasing the ST1901 movement
-
Water resistance: 3 ATM (splash resistant, not suitable for swimming)
-
Crown with polished star emblem as a nod to the original design
The clean design and softly rounded bezel keep attention on the dial — a defining element of the authentic 1963 aesthetic.
Dial – A Classic With Character
The Seagull 1963 is offered in several dial variations, including:
-
Classic (Beige)
-
Panda
-
Black
-
Green
Common features across all models:
-
Satin-finished dials with applied indices
-
Blued hands or hands with luminous material
-
Historic red star at 12 o’clock
-
“中國制造” (“Made in China”) text as found on the original model
-
Crisp printing and high-quality finishing
Note: Variants with luminous material feature a subtle glow. It is intended as a design detail rather than as strong nighttime legibility.
Straps – NATO & Leather Included
Every Seagull 1963 comes with:
-
A classic NATO strap (typical for pilot watches, developing a beautiful patina over time)
-
A high-quality leather strap with quick-release spring bars
This allows you to switch instantly between a sporty vintage look and a more refined chronograph style.
Both straps feature a sturdy stainless-steel buckle.
The Heart of the Watch – Original Seagull ST1901 Movement
Inside beats the renowned Seagull ST1901, a hand-wound column-wheel chronograph movement directly descended from the historic ST3 pilot chronograph.

Technical Specifications
-
Type: Hand-wound
-
Functions: Hour, minute, small seconds, chronograph
-
Jewels: 21
-
Power reserve: ~36 hours
-
Frequency: 21,600 vph
All sapphire-crystal variants feature a swan-neck fine regulator, allowing precise adjustment.
The ST1901 is well known for its reliability and is easy to service thanks to excellent parts availability.
Available Variants
We offer the following Seagull 1963 Reissue versions:
-
Classic – 38 mm, sapphire crystal, swan-neck regulator
-
Classic – 38 mm, sapphire crystal, luminous hands
-
Classic – 40 mm, sapphire crystal, swan-neck regulator
-
Classic – 40 mm, sapphire crystal, luminous hands
-
Green – 38 mm, sapphire crystal
-
Panda – 38 mm, sapphire crystal
-
Panda – 40 mm, sapphire crystal
-
Black – 38 mm, sapphire crystal
Quality & Warranty – Bartels Watches is an Official Dealer
All our Seagull 1963 models undergo strict quality control.
We offer:
-
2-year warranty
-
Shipping from Germany / EU
-
No customs or import fees within the EU
-
Complete set (box, papers, 2 straps)
Transparent advantage over non-EU sellers:
For orders from non-EU countries (e.g., international marketplaces), EU customers must pay additional VAT and import fees — our price is already the full final price with no hidden costs.
Shipping
Shipping takes place from Germany. Free shipping inside of Germany. Every shipment usually takes place within 24 hours and is fully insured.
The following fees apply to all shipments within and outside the EU.
Right of withdrawal
You can easily return any item to us within 14 days of receipt (return shipping fee not included). However, the product must remain in its original, unused condition and in its original packaging.
For more information, see our returns policy .
Bartels Watches
About Us
Our mission is to make buying a watch online a beautiful and worry-free experience.