Red Star Seagull 1963 42mm Chronograph Seagull ST19, Sapphire, 3 straps

Red Star Seagull 1963 Chronograph 42mm – Large Sapphire Crystal Version

The classic Chinese pilot’s chronograph – now in an impressive 42 mm size!
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 42 mm version with sapphire crystal offers bold wrist presence, outstanding legibility, and elegant curved lugs for a very comfortable fit – a model that perfectly blends history, design, and comfort.

Scope of Delivery

• Red Star Seagull 1963 Chronograph 42 mm with sapphire crystal
• Olive-black striped textile strap (original Red Star version)
• 1 high-quality RIOS1931 leather strap or Milanese bracelet (your choice above)
• Presentation case included
• 2-year warranty

Tip: This larger version looks particularly refined 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 – 42 mm diameter
• Thickness: 13 mm
• Lug width: 22 mm
• Lug-to-lug length: 48 mm
• Slightly curved lugs for extra wearing comfort
• Sapphire crystal (lightly domed, scratch-resistant)
• Screw-down exhibition case back with large viewing window
• Water resistance: 5 ATM

The larger case beautifully highlights the silver dial with gold-colored numerals and indices, blued hands, and the distinctive Red Star at 12 o’clock. The Chinese characters on the dial translate to “Made in China” – an authentic detail paying homage to the original model.

Thanks to the elegant case shape and gently curved lugs, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist despite its size. It is one of my personal favorites – a true regular on my own wrist!

The Movement: Seagull ST19 – Classic Column-Wheel Chronograph

Inside beats the proven Seagull ST19 caliber – a mechanical hand-wound column-wheel chronograph manufactured by Seagull in Tianjin. This movement is based on the Swiss Venus 3017, as Seagull acquired the original production machinery and technical plans 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
▶️ Short video of the new decorated Seagull ST19 Red Star movement

Operating the Chronograph

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

The watch can be fully wound – overwinding is not possible.

Quality & Inspection

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

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

Historical Background

In 1961, the Tianjin Watch Factory was commissioned to produce the first Chinese pilot’s chronograph for the Air Force of the People’s Liberation Army. After successful testing by an expert committee, serial production began in 1963, delivering 1,400 chronographs to the Chinese Air Force.

During my visit in April 2025, I had the opportunity to tour both the Seagull factory in Tianjin (movement production) and the Red Star workshop in Shenzhen (final assembly) – an impressive combination of tradition and modern craftsmanship.

▶️ Read the full report with background information and photos from this watchmaking trip

Available Variants

• 38 mm with acrylic crystal (true to the 1963 original)
• 38 mm with sapphire crystal (classic version)
• 40 mm with sapphire crystal (modern size)
• 42 mm with sapphire crystal (this version)

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

Conclusion

The Red Star Seagull 1963 Chronograph 42 mm with sapphire crystal is the largest version of this iconic pilot’s chronograph – offering strong wrist presence, perfect legibility, and everyday versatility. Combining authentic vintage design, modern craftsmanship, and the legendary ST19 column-wheel movement, it is a standout timepiece. A must-have for collectors, watch enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a classic pilot’s chronograph in a generous modern size.