Independents

Sea-Gull of China has a long history and is a huge manufacturer of mechanical movements. Over the years, I’ve bought several Sea-Gull watches and they’ve all exceeded expectations. Reliable and priced at a fraction of Swiss brands. But in terms of marketing and image, Sea-Gull lags way behind. This particular tourbillon model is steel, 41mm, manual wind. Used occasionally, I found accuracy to be acceptable, consistently 10 to 15 seconds a day

I realise this is a budget brand or should I say a brand that undercuts many and I am glad that you are happy with your watch. I had a Blancpain tourbillon in the mid 90s that was out by 10 to 15 seconds a day and I sold it since I am a sticker for accuracy especially with a tourbillon.  But we all have varying expectations and comfort zones  - enjoy your Seagull.

I'm very curious how Sea-Gull can make such an inexpensive tourbillon. Did they figure out a clever trick to mass produce these? Or do watch brands just inflate prices tremendously? I don't know much about what it takes to make a tourbillon, but I know that the part count is relatively low compared to other major complications.

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But never got to do so.

I like the yr white tapisserie looking dial. 

I find that Chinese watch making is rapidly becoming better every year and on the independent end, with makers such as LYH, Qin gan, and others, that they are of equal quality to their counterparts in other countries. Do you know how they manufacture the dial? Thanks!

But I don’t know how they make the stuff now and then, I would impulsively buy a Made in China watch to add to my collection and I observe impressive improvements in fit, finishing, accuracy and reliability. I read somewhere that China is world s biggest watch producer in terms of volume but mostly lower priced quartz pieces. In terms of production value, Swiss are by far the world s biggest

I am most excited for what creations the independent watch makers in China will produce, I hope they will produce more stuff like Guo Ming and Kiu Tai Yu in combining Chinese aesthetics



Qin Gan




KYT




Guo Ming


with various watches.

Sincere thanks for sharing and enjoy in good health. Must admit that as a casual collector, I’m unaware of these independent-perhaps unique - pieces. For sure, I ll keep an open mind on contributions to horology from China - or any place anywhere

A lot has been happening and so I have been super busy. I unfortuantely do not own any of these watches (nor the photos and so if they are urs, let me know :p ) but I love reading about watches that are basically mechanical works of art ! I think many of these are unique pieces made by some amazing independent watchmakers! If you do buy some let me know!! They are not as expensive as one would think! Like Qingan and LYH make watches under 10,000 USD !!! I feel like I am promoting them but they are awesome! If you find any watchmakers anywhere else in the world like in AFrica, Singapore, Indonesia, etc.. let me know!

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