On December 26, the Seagull Watch 70th Anniversary and the 70th Anniversary of Chinese Watchmaking New Product Launch were held in Tianjin. At the event, Seagull Watch unveiled four groundbreaking self-developed timepieces: the Aviation Series Split-Second Chronograph, the “Stars in Motion” Chinese Astronomical Calendar Tourbillon Mechanical Watch from the Seagull Master Series, the “Three-Legged Golden Crow” Minute Repeater Gold Engraved Automaton Watch, and the “Dragonhead Chime” Triple-Complication Mechanical Watch featuring a tourbillon, perpetual calendar, and minute repeater.
Over the past 70 years, Seagull Watch, born in Tianjin and a pioneer of the Chinese watchmaking industry, has continuously led the way. From movement development to watch production, from craftsmanship inheritance to design innovation, Seagull has built its foundation on mastering core technologies while dedicating itself to promoting Chinese culture, rewriting the global watchmaking landscape.
According to Du Yifeng, head of the Product and Industrial Design Center at Tianjin Seagull Watch Group, the four newly launched timepieces feature multiple technologies independently developed by Seagull, many of which are industry firsts in China.
Aviation Series Split-Second Chronograph
This timepiece integrates a split-second chronograph function that allows independent stoppage of the seconds hand via the 10 o’clock pusher, while the main chronograph seconds hand continues running. This feature enables precise recording of two separate time points. The meticulous craftsmanship reflects the exceptional skill and ingenuity of Seagull watchmakers.
“Stars in Motion” Chinese Astronomical Calendar Tourbillon Mechanical Watch
Inspired by the Suzhou Astronomical Stone Engravings, this watch uses two coaxial rotating discs moving at different speeds to create the “Stars in Motion” effect. The North Star disc rotates counterclockwise 366 times annually, with its pointer indicating traditional Chinese time divisions, while the hour disc rotates counterclockwise once a year, showing the 24 solar terms. The daily rotation of the Big Dipper corresponds to the alternation of solar terms and Chinese time, harmonizing traditional culture with advanced watchmaking to showcase the beauty of the cosmos and time.
“Three-Legged Golden Crow” Minute Repeater Gold Engraved Automaton Watch
Drawing inspiration from Chinese mythology, including the Classic of Mountains and Seas and the “Sunbird,” this watch reimagines Oriental aesthetics in a modern context. Master artisans employ intricate carving techniques to create highly textured and dimensional designs, embodying the essence of Chinese culture. Powered by an independently developed minute repeater movement, the watch chimes the time when activated via a sliding lever, perfectly combining precision mechanics with traditional handcrafting. This dynamic and interactive feature adds collectible value to the timepiece.
“Dragonhead Chime” Triple-Complication Mechanical Watch
As a trailblazer among Chinese watchmakers, Seagull made its mark in 2009 by developing a watch combining three major complications: tourbillon, perpetual calendar, and minute repeater. This accomplishment broke the Swiss monopoly on high-complexity movements, elevating the technical standards and market competitiveness of Chinese watches.
The newly unveiled “Dragonhead Chime” watch integrates these three complications into a movement comprising 435 intricate parts. It incorporates design elements inspired by the bronze dragon head relic from the Jinsha Site and inscriptions rendered in small seal script. The minute repeater mechanism features the sound of the traditional Chinese pan instrument, creating a harmonious blend of ancient cultural aesthetics and modern watchmaking. This achievement positions Seagull as the only Chinese brand to conquer such advanced complications.
A representative from Tianjin Seagull Watch Group stated that Seagull Watch remains committed to its pioneering spirit of exploration and innovation, striving to achieve more “firsts” and leading Chinese watchmaking into new milestones.
