Red Star Seagull 1963 Chronograph 38mm, Seagull ST19, Sapphire, 3 straps

Red Star Seagull 1963 Chronograph 38mm – Chinese Air Force Reissue

A true classic returns!
The Red Star Seagull 1963 Chronograph is a faithful reissue of the legendary pilot’s watch originally developed in 1963 for the Chinese Air Force. This version combines authentic vintage design with modern quality – featuring sapphire crystal, swan-neck fine adjustment, exhibition case back and the renowned Seagull ST19 column wheel movement.

Scope of Delivery

• Red Star Seagull 1963 Chronograph 38mm
• 2 textile straps: green (military style) & black (NATO style)
• 1 high-quality RIOS1931 leather strap or Milanese bracelet (your choice above)
• Watch case included
• 2-year warranty

Tip: This model looks particularly elegant with the INZELL Bio Leather Strap or the Louisiana Crocodile Calf Leather Strap in light brown / cognac – see the comparison video:
▶️ Strap comparison on YouTube

Design & Specifications

• Polished stainless-steel case – 38 mm diameter (40 mm with crown)
• Height: 14 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Domed sapphire crystal
• Screw-down exhibition case back with large viewing window
• Water resistance: 5 ATM

The silver dial features gold-colored Arabic numerals and indices, blued hands, and the iconic Red Star at 12 o’clock. The Chinese characters on the dial mean “Made in China” – an authentic detail of this historic reissue.

The Movement: Seagull ST19 – Classic Column-Wheel Chronograph

Inside beats the legendary Seagull ST19 caliber – a mechanical hand-wound movement with column-wheel control, produced by Seagull in Tianjin. This movement is identical in construction to the Swiss Venus 3017, as Seagull purchased the original machinery and blueprints from Venus (Switzerland) in the 1960s.

Technical Data – Seagull ST19:

• Hand-wound column-wheel chronograph
• 21 jewels
• 21,600 vibrations per hour
• Shock protection
• Power reserve: approx. 45 hours
• Swan-neck fine adjustment
• Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph with 30-minute counter

▶️ How to operate the chronograph
▶️ How to change the straps

Using the Chronograph

• Top pusher: Start/stop the chronograph
• Bottom pusher: Reset to zero

The watch can be wound fully – it cannot be overwound.

Quality & Inspection

Each watch passes the ISO 9001-certified quality control at Red Star in Shenzhen and is then carefully inspected and fine-regulated again by us in Munich. Before shipping, every watch undergoes a final test.

We offer a low-cost repair service with original spare parts for all watches purchased from us. These models are maintenance-free and do not require regular servicing.

Historical Background

In 1961, the Tianjin Watch Factory was commissioned to develop the first Chinese pilot’s chronograph for the Air Force of the People’s Liberation Army. After extensive testing by a panel of experts, Tianjin received official production approval in 1962. By 1963, the factory had already delivered the first 1,400 chronographs to the Chinese Air Force.

During my visit in April 2025, I personally toured both the Seagull factory in Tianjin (where the movements are produced) and the Red Star workshop in Shenzhen (where the watches are assembled) – a fascinating combination of tradition and modern craftsmanship.

Here is my report of my visit to Seagull and Red Star in April 2025: https://www.poljot24.de/redstarseagull2025engl

Available Variants

• 38 mm (with your choice of sapphire or acrylic crystal)
• Also available in 40 mm and 42 mm

▶️ Size comparison 38mm vs. 42mm
▶️ View all Seagull models

Conclusion

The Red Star Seagull 1963 Chronograph is an authentic reissue of a historic milestone – technically precise, classically beautiful, and full of history. Perfect for collectors, enthusiasts of mechanical chronographs, and anyone who appreciates wearing a genuine piece of Chinese watchmaking heritage.