Less text on the dial, display case back, and the option for sapphire? I think I prefer the cheaper option!

As a general point, what I really like about it as well as a few similar watches (e.g. the Red Star chronograph) is the fact that it’s openly, proudly Chinese. It’s not trying to knock something else off or trying to hide what it is. Even if Chinese watches are (massively) less desirable than Swiss or Japanese watches, the mere fact that it’s something authentic makes it desirable in its own right.

I own the unofficial one. Seeing them compared side by side. I prefer the warmer look and the larger bezel of the unofficial one, it gives it a more vintage feel. Last time I checked it's accuracy was within +-2 seconds

I own two of these. A 40mm Chrono Heritage M1963/X - SEA-GULL ST1901 bought directly from Sugess Watch in China and a 40mm limited edition Red Star bronze Seagull 1963 that came from the official Seagull 1963 store in Belgium. The Seagull is a watch that is hard to fault and I‘m quite fond of both of mine but my customer experience with both companies was hardly satisfactory. In sum I was swindled twice. The Sugess was supposed to come with the Swan Neck movement but didn‘t and unfortunately too much time had elapsed before I found out for me to be able to do anything about it. As for the Belgian Seagull 1963, it was only after I had received it that I found out that they do not individually number their limited edition watches (instead all 300 are numbered 1/300) and that it was missing it‘s tag, manual and registration QR code. It was also shipped about two months past it‘s preassigned shipping date. The company in Belgium casually dismissed my concerns and when I asked to return it they informed me that the 14 day return policy had expired. Be very careful who you buy from. The Seagull 1963 company in Belgium seems rotten to the core. I wouldn’t deal with them again if they paid me. BEWARE.

Sea-gull are shooting themselves in the foot by overpricing these and making them limited. If they made these 200 dolars and regular production, they would effectively kill the market for other variants.

Thanks for the video Jody! For the bottom Chinese text, the unofficial version says "China, Tianjin", while official version says "China" on the top, and "Tianjin watch factory" on the bottom. Another interesting thing is that if you do a bit of digging around, some Aliexpress stores also list an unofficial version that is advertised to have a modified movement with a gooseneck regulator for about $10 extra - I don't have that version, or know if they are as advertised, but it's something people might want to look into.

Bought an unofficial one recently and I'm very happy. The sapphire is worth it even though the bezel is a bit chunky and the display back is nice. A good watch.

Hey Jody. Glad you did a comparison video. Nice to see the two side by side. The ST19 is one of the nicest movements to look at. It deserves to have an exhibition caseback. IMO. Good video, buddy.

I remember talking about this 3 years ago in a previous video. Nice research. One more thing I'd like to add, the movement on the genuine is signed by Seagull and visibly has more quality than the 3rd party one. Btw got mine on 11/11/2019 at the great price of 250 euros (sales + coupons)

Great video. The movement is regardless excellent. The back story is fascinating, with Seagull buying the design and equipment to make it, and add more jewels.

I still think that the Red Star one is more original than the original, as it was Mr. Red Star himself, when he worked for Sea-Gull, to resurrect this watch from the dead and launch it back in the early 2000s.

Hi Jody, I got the unofficial one at your recommendation some time ago with the sapphire crystal. Been pleased with it ever since you are right about the straps, I am planning on putting mine on a SS Milanese strap.

Thank you Jody for this video. For a good interpretation it would have been even more explicit to compare two versions with the same acrylic glass. For information, since 2 or 3 years the unofficial versions have a transparent back with a larger opening than the one in the video. It would also have been nice to open the official version to see if the finish is better as claimed by some people. I think that the official version benefits from selected movements, the standard movements being intended for the other suppliers but nothing imho that justifies such a huge price difference.

Another enjoyable video where you could get away buying the imitation as just as nice. Great review Jody!

I bought a 38mm official version for $350USD about four years ago. The movement winds smooth and has a quality feel to it.

I have the unofficial version and prefer it. The display case back and sapphire crystal are improvements that I like. I am not a fan of cloth straps so I put a shark mesh band on mine. The polished mesh works well with the all polished case.

I'm not buying the "official" label. We've been over this before Jody, and I reckon that Sea-Gull have a very tenuous at best claim to being official, they had not made this watch for decades until an ex-employee set up a deal to revive it in Hong Kong and Sea-Gull would supply movements. I reckon Sea-Gull got greedy. Great video Jody, I love my little 1963 with acrylic crystal and view it for what it is - a Chinese watch where every second batch has differences, usually in the sub-dial hands

Jody I am really glad it was you who made this video as it’s been screaming out to be made for years. You have the cams conclusion as me and many others. It’s far too expensive for what it is and for the old tech. The Sea-Gull movements tend to have a swan neck regulator which for tinkerers like me is useful but for an owner who can’t even see it under the case back it’s pointless. I have the cheaper version and love it for what it is. A very affordable double register mechanical chronograph. Brilliant to learn how the movement works on too. You would have to be a bit mad to buy the same watch for $600 especially when the cheap one also comes on sapphire if you want it. For the price they want there are far better watches out there so like you say you would have to REALLY want one. Good video mate.

I was wondering the same thing while browsing on Aliexpress. Thanks for clarifying!

I was literally searching for a video like this yesterday. Was not able to find any on youtube. Thank you.

The extra line of text on the official watch is just two characters but I think it looks better with the single line. It's a minor thing really but all of the other differences are pretty trivial as well. It would never enter my mind to pay that much for one of these. Great video!

Thanks for this video, I’ve often wondered the exact same thing as I went to buy my 63 two months ago. I bought through Red Star the apparent non-official, 42mm, sapphire, display case back, and I love it, took off the green nato and put on the leather strap. It’s one of the few mechanicals I bought that I’ve never opened to regulate, it keeps crazy excellent time.

They are a great watch but I will be sticking to the cheaper option. But was great seeing them side by side

Love my unauthentic seagull. Think if I was so inclined (I am not) I would get the official one. It would make you feel like a Prince knowing everyone else is rocking a unauthentic knockoff and you have the real deal.

I just picked up the “unofficial” version and really like the display back & that’s what caused me to go “unofficial”. Cheaper with more features & still the same movement, case and dial? Yea. It was a no brainer for picking up another fun military inspired timepiece

>$1k AUD for a 1963 is absolutely insane. The watch is just NOT worth that kind of money. You're talking a really nice Swiss auto for that, even maybe a Valjoux chrono. That's nuts.

Great lesson and always fun learning. Thanks for sharing Mate!

Great video mate, very useful, thanks! There is also a manufacturer in Hong Kong who makes different and very interesting versions of these watches, they are called HKED, it would be cool if you could review one of their pieces.

I just bought the 38mm unofficial version. Beautiful watch. I love wearing it. I don't care what others think.

I heard the story that both are actually official. A manufacturer in HK got the official authorization from seagull to produce the ‘unofficial’ one.

I bought mine from Marc at LIW and gave $379.00 USD for the sapphire sandwich and the swans neck regulator. About 18 months ago. I also bought an inexpensive stainless mesh strap that really makes it pop. Fine reviewJody! Thanks

Great video, it really makes me want a 1963 of some sort! Thanks for the comparison!

My 1963 came from Seakoss. The NATO strap it came with was much nicer, and it came with a brown leather that's nice too. That brown leather strap dresses it up way nicer than I expected.

It's interesting and refreshing to see an unapologetic Chinese product. Proudly Chinese and not pretending to be a European or Japanese watch.

I just pulled the trigger on the Sugess unofficial Segull 1963! It’s far better than the original as it has a sapphire crystal and a see through case back with the gold plated swan neck adjuster. There is zero reason to buy the official one for 3x the price when the movement infact is from the Tianjin factory so essentially both are same!

I can't bring myself to get one because of that red star and it's implications, yet I have zero problem getting a flieger. I'm not saying it makes sense, but that's the only reason I haven't bought one. Maybe one day I'll get over it. 😎

Very good and fair explanatation, thank you for sharing your thoughts based on well information, very helpful.

I bought the unofficial one because of the exhibition caseback. It's a beautiful movement to be seen

This is the dilemma I run into in everything that I collect. Fragrance, sneakers, etc. If someone is making the exact same thing for a quarter of the price, it makes it difficult to buy the 'official' product. If it can be sold at a quarter of the price it means that the original has artificially inflated the price due to the brand name, so I don't really feel bad buying the dupe/clone/rep. If the price is within 20-30% then sure I don't mind supporting the original company, and celebrating their IP, but when companies wildly inflate the price because they are dining out on reputation and brand name I feel less likely to do so.

I dunno, I think I would feel like I was on guard duty in Outer Mongolia wearing that watch. Maybe a cheerier setting for the movement, like the Sugess chrono Breitling homages.

Thanks for the video - entertaining and informative, as always.

Thank you. This had been my on-going question until someone finally answered it for me on reddit.

Picked up a 1963 a few months ago thinking it had an acrylic crystal. Turned out it had a double dome AR crystal and in 40mm

I bought the unofficial version from the Sugess store about a year ago. 40mm with Sapphire, it's working great, keeping fine time. Looks great with different straps from various companies.

Very interesting. Thank you!

That T-shirt is so cool! Love this review, I went with the unofficial version.

Justifying over $200 on that movement is insanity. I could leave a watch with that movement in the next city and hear it ticking while in my bedroom and a pillow over my head. I dig the aesthetic, and respect to the design. But the noise of that thing. OOF! Thanks for the video Jody!

Amen! So many have been wondering about the same thing! So much value add in this vid👍

Thanks for all your research and thanks for sharing the Facts about this SEA-GULL story. You draw a compelling conclusion. Un-official versus so called Official

Great comparo, Jody. Thanks for clearing that up.

Definitely the display back is a huge advantage. That movement is the most beautiful in the budget space

Firstly, the QR codes can be authentificated via WeChat - not the internet. - The Movement on the original Version is much better decorated and very nicely engraved with chinese scripture. The movement quality is also better. I bought my original one for $280 (also from the Store you got yours), so - its absolutely true - the price went up by a great margin. Fortunately, back then I bought over 30 original Sea-Gull Watches (mostly from that Store) - the new price for them hast often doubled or tripled so i am not unhappy :D

Great video Jody, I own the unofficial version and I am happy with it, no need to spend de extra money, i am waiting on a moonswatch to arrive.

Word is that the expensive version has such things as actual quality control with their movements. What kept me from buying one of the cheaper ones was the number of posts of people complaining about their watch failing within the first year of ownership. Right now, I would go for a quartz (!) version of the watch. The cheapest option, also made in china with the iconic look but reliable.

I have the unofficial but it has the signed crown and slimmer bezel and I love it.

I have a Sugess 40mm. Was inexpensive. I love it, it's great

id opt for the aliexpress $150 option 🎉😂

Here was me just last night, trawling AliEx & wondering about this difference. Nice one Jody.

Been looking on ebay and they have them for £180, they look amazing, thanks for the video about them

And mine is a mash of both... two text lines and see through case back. Text on dial says "China", and below "Tianjin Watch Factory". At least according to Google translate. The back says "Replica of the First Aviation Chronograph Watch Made for The Chinese Air Force", and the dial is cream color. Bought it from the Sugess official store.

Super helpful, thanks.

I bought my '63 from Watchunique some decade ago or so, it has the same 2 lines of text as the new new 'official' watch and a closed case-back as standard, though the engraving is painted red. The see-through back option wasn't around when I bought mine, came out a bit later.

Very interesting video dear Jody but i'm more interested in your T-shirt ... Looks cool Bro !!!

This is an important video. Thanks for making it!

I've been an admirer of the 63 for a while now & was genuinely flummoxed why they had a huge price difference. I've seen an unofficial watch for £105 & an official for £549. Now, as much as I would prefer an official, I'm not prepared to lay five times more. Great video, I know more now. 👍🏼

mine has two lines of text and a display caseback 🙂 Clearly unofficial, but still a stunning little watch

Jody, I have one that I bought for £20 on AliExpress! My one looks identical to both these two watches. However my one is quartz and the dimensions seem a bit bigger

Hi Jodie i have one that resembles A -the official one 2 lines of text domed crystal etc but has a display caseback and no QR code ..so is that an unofficial one then ?

My cheap 1963 off AliExpress has the two lines of text on the dial and the signed crown, but the sapphire crystal and exhibition caseback. Came in a box that said Sea-Gull, but without the Sea-Gull logo.

I finally get one. Sapphire 40mm with a swan/goose neck regulator. Wow...just wow. I cannot say anything else to express myself. What an astonishing piece of watchmaking.

Color scheme reminds me of the old Sarb 017. Fine vid Jody …..my bad…Dr. Jody! Thanks

Just got my Redstar Seagull delivered. I love it!

Awesome, insightful video. Thank you...

Great video Jody keep up the good work

the replica does say "复刻版“ or "replica version" on the case back.

I need an acrylic crystal and it's a Red Star from Marc at Long Island and believe he sells the Red Star brand, my hope is the domed crystal is the same on both watches and i can find a new piece!

I was always wondering about it. Tnx for info.

I do like the Sea-Gull Chronograph,its odd i feel hard pressed to buy the Official Sea-Gull because of the price,however I am less bothered the price of the Baltic Bicompax.They both use the Sea-Gull ST1901 movement.Maybe I will get all 3.

The unofficial one is much better the displayed case back alone made my mind up! Its pointless with a closed display case

Based on reviews on this trusted watch channel, I have a champagne and Orange Sugess ‘Top Time’ homage with the ST1901 that is sold under the ‘1963’ style and it’s one of my favorite watches to look at. I purchased 2 from the Sugess store and the other one uses an automatic movement with an intricate silver dial and blued hands that is almost too nice to wear. I like these because they have a vintage vibe about them and are different from the ‘diver’ style that comprises most of my collection. Thanks to this channel, I have broadened my tastes and purchased a few pieces that I would not have otherwise considered. I’m not quite ready for a Vostok yet but maybe someday, until then I’ll be watching for Just one more watch that I can’t live without! 😂

If it were to have official versions, we would all have omega's, rolex's and other original high-end watches... but it is not like that... thanks for clarifying the doubts of millions of people my dear, greetings from Caracas, Venezuela

Interesting video. I have the unofficial one. But I think I prefer the official one

The applied indices are more refined in the Sea-Gull version and better looking, IMHO. I also prefer the bezel on the Sea-Gull version. But is it $400 better looking? I don't think so. Thanks for the comparison!

To be fair, sea gull is a pretty great watch company imo.

Thank you for the video! Do you happen to know on the unofficial version what the difference is between the Z, SS and Swan Neck versions?

I've had a Red Star 38mm with acrylic for about a year, with display caseback, slightly different hand on one sub-register and "19 zuan" on the dial, though as it is the same movement as all the others, it actually has 21 jewels. I gather the original release in 1963 had 19 jewels and that's why it's on the dial. I didn't opt for the goose-neck regulator as it looked suspiciously like I'd have to remove the movement from the case to regulate it.

Thanks! Objective as always!

I love your t-shirt. Please advise the swanneck option. What is the difference with the others?

Hi Jody, thanks for the video. I really like the leather straps shown at 7:20. Any suggestions on where i can buy them?

Wondering why the Pagani PD-1703 Isn’t getting any love during the 11/11 sale. I got the one that resembles the IWC Mercedes Formula 1 watch. Can’t wait for it to arrive.

Thanks for another great video.

I bought mine unofficial sapphire version in 2020 for about 125$,some good discount then,movement is smooth,the best timegrapher results of all my chinese collection.There are also "knock-offs" with Hangzhou movement available now.

I have one with 2 lines of text and display case back! The two lines are actually China Tianjin Watch Factory (former seagull factory name)

One of the few Ali watches I want. Anyone recommend an Ali store to buy from. I hate the endless search with all the horrible or non existent descriptions. Thanks for the video man.

A big difference used to be that the left chrono blue hand was unequal to the right one on the official and simetric on the unofficial.

I got the official version from eBay in 2020 for around $200 second hand. It’s not numbered though.

i spent $380 on the red star version from long island cause i like the display caseback, i got saphire too but for my next one ill probably go acrylic but i really like the shorter bezel on the "official" one, reflecting less light next to the dial is a plus and its less of a leap to go from $380 to $580 If i can see that the unoffical one with acrylic has a shorter bezel like the "official" then ill probably save the money and go that way and still keep the display caseback.

thanks for the video, mate. maybe the original version has a swan-neck regulator in the movement 🙃

Just ordered my first Brent!!! AM132-RD… no reviews online that I can see.

Both beautiful watches aren't they. Maybe it's time to go for a multi-dial. I've been putting it off as unnecessary for me but you just can't deny its place in an enthusiasts collection. Not the limited edition one for me though 😂