Red Star 42mm PANDA 1963 Chronograph Seagull ST19, Sapphire, 3 straps
Chinese Airforcewatch with Seagull ST19
Movement: Caliber Seagull ST19
Watchcase: stainless steel, polished
Diameter: 42mm
Height: 13mm
Lug to Lug width: 48mm
Red Star Airforce Chronograph "Panda" 42 mm – The Legendary 1963 Pilot’s Watch
Featuring sapphire crystal, swan-neck fine adjustment, and the Seagull ST19 column wheel movement
This extraordinary timepiece is a faithful reissue of the iconic Chinese Air Force chronograph from 1963 – now updated in a modern 42 mm case with refined technical details and timeless design.
A Historic Design, Reimagined for Today
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Case: Polished stainless steel, 42 mm diameter, 13 mm height, 22 mm lug width
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Movement: Mechanical column-wheel chronograph Seagull ST19, hand-wound
– Approx. 45-hour power reserve
– 21,600 vibrations per hour
– 21 jewels, shock-protected -
Crystal: Slightly domed, scratch-resistant sapphire
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Regulation: Precision swan-neck fine adjustment – a rare detail in this price range
The ST19 movement is a direct descendant of the legendary Swiss Venus 3017, as Seagull acquired Venus' original production machinery in the 1960s.
Panda Dial with Heritage Appeal
The white metal dial features silver Arabic numerals and luminous silver hands. Two black subdials create the popular “Panda” layout, while the iconic red star at 12 o’clock completes the vintage military look.
Chinese script adds authenticity and highlights the model’s proud origins.
Includes: Complete Strap Set & Presentation Case
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Original textile strap in black-red stripe (mounted)
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Additional black NATO textile strap
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Your choice of a high-quality leather or Milanese mesh strap (select above – see image gallery)
→ Personal tip: The black Inzell Bio leather strap or Louisiana Crocodile Calf strap pair especially well with the Panda dial. -
Red Star watch case included
The Story: A Watch Made for the Chinese Air Force
In 1961, the Tianjin Watch Factory – already known for producing China’s first wristwatch – was tasked with creating the country’s first military chronograph for the Air Force.
By late 1962, 38 experts from the military, aviation, and industry evaluated the prototypes. Production officially began in 1963, and 1,400 chronographs were delivered to Chinese Air Force pilots – a milestone in the country’s watchmaking history.
Conclusion:
The Red Star Airforce Chronograph "Panda" is more than a beautiful watch – it’s a mechanical tribute to aviation heritage and Chinese craftsmanship. Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate vintage design, manual movements, and military history on the wrist.
