Since its inception, the Tianjin Seagull Watch Factory has been dedicated to developing aviation timepieces for the Chinese Air Force. As we all know, the first aviation chronometer for the Chinese Air Force was the D304, which is the iconic Seagull 1963 timepiece we are familiar with. This classic watch has been cherished and collected by numerous enthusiasts, a testament to its popularity and significance as an aviation chronometer crafted by the Tianjin Seagull Watch Factory.
Over the span of 60 years, Chinese aerial military prowess has made significant strides, and now the question arises: which timepiece can truly match the power of today's Chinese Air Force and deserve to be called the bloodline heir of the Seagull 1963? The answer lies with the Seagull 2023 Horizon Series, which makes its grand debut today. Let us delve into the splendor of this remarkable timepiece together.
The Horizon Series— Slide ruler
The Horizon Series Compass model draws its design inspiration from the vast blue skies and the first light of dawn on the horizon. The dial design is influenced by the instrument panel found in aircraft cockpits, ensuring that all markings meet the stringent demands of aerospace professionals. The Slide ruler series offers four distinctive watch styles for customers to choose from: Dawn,Azure Sky,Aurora,Nightfall
Movement: The entire Horizon Series adopts the esteemed ST2130 movement by Seagull. This caliber, developed since 2003 and honed over two decades, exhibits exceptional stability, precise timekeeping, and minimal deviation. It features automatic winding, operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, incorporates 28 red ruby jewels in its bearings, and boasts a power reserve of 42 hours.
Dial: Forged from 316L stainless steel for the case and bezel, the timepiece's overall design concept mirrors that of an aircraft cockpit instrument panel. Meticulously refined through 12 stages of polishing and precise multiple-axis CNC cutting, the watch boasts a concave surface resembling an aircraft instrument dial, imparting a captivatingly three-dimensional and profound allure. The matte steel bezel imparts a seamless and polished tactile sensation.
Measuring 42mm in diameter and approximately 12mm in thickness, this timepiece ensures water resistance of up to 50 meters. At the 12 o'clock position, a prominent three-dimensional luminous triangle graces the dial, while the 3 o'clock position discreetly displays the date. The outer ring of the watch case features an engraved ring-shaped sliding ruler, exhibiting precise markings. This distinctive addition grants the Horizon watch various digital calculation functions, elevating its design to unparalleled heights and earning its place as an indispensable tool for pilots during their operations.
The dial ingeniously incorporates the horizon as its central motif, with the first rays of morning light skillfully embedded within the three-dimensional luminous hour markers.
Hands: The second hand adopts the emblematic shape of an aircraft, drawing inspiration from China's first self-developed fighter jet. Coated with luminescent material, the hands showcase the aircraft's prowess even in the dark of night.
Lugs: The unique "seagull wing" shaped lugs exhibit streamlined contours and harmoniously resemble the Seagull logo, symbolizing the soaring spirit of the skies.
Crown: The crown features a protective shoulder design, and the anti-slip design in 316L stainless steel minimizes wear and damage to the crown caused by handling.
Crystal: The watch is equipped with a 2.4mm anti-pressure sapphire synthetic mirror, second only to diamonds in hardness, offering enhanced transparency and superior resistance to wear. Indeed, the interplay of the circular sliding ruler and the gracefully curved sapphire glass bestows a distinctive allure upon this timepiece, accentuating its unique and captivating charm. And this feature makes it well-suited for professional pilots' precise maneuvers in the confined spaces of aircraft cockpits.
Slide ruler: The unique design of the circular sliding ruler on the watch bezel features three measurement scales: kilometers, standard miles, and nautical miles, each arranged from outer to inner. These scales efficiently aid pilots in calculating critical data such as fuel consumption, airspeed distance, and flight time. Let's now delve into the usage methods of this watch slide rule.
Method 1: Multiplication of two numbers
To calculate 12 multiplied by 7, rotate the outer scale with 12 to align with the inner scale marked as ▲10. The corresponding value on the outer scale aligned with the inner scale marked 7 is 84, which gives the result of 12 multiplied by 7.
Method 2: Division of two numbers
For the division of 120 by 4, simply rotate the outer scale marked 12 (equal to 120) to match the inner scale marked 40 (equal to 4). The value on the outer scale corresponding to the inner scale marked ▲10 is 30, which gives the result of 120 divided by 4.
Method 3: Distance unit conversion
To convert 1800 miles to kilometers or nautical miles, rotate the outer scale marked 18 (equal to 1800) to align with the red mile reference scale on the inner scale (▲STAT). The value on the outer scale corresponding to the kilometer reference scale (▲KM) on the inner scale is 29, which represents 2900 kilometers. The value on the outer scale corresponding to the nautical mile reference scale (▲NAUT) on the inner scale is 15.6, representing 1560 nautical miles.
Method 4: Simple exchange rate conversion
Suppose the exchange rate between British pounds and euros is 1 pound = 11 euros. To perform the conversion, rotate the outer scale marked 11 to align with the inner scale marked ▲10. The conversion data can then be easily read. The inner scale represents the pound value, while the outer scale represents the corresponding euro value. For example, 40 pounds = 44 euros, and 80 euros = 72.7 pounds.
Method 5: Flight landing time calculation
For instance, if a pilot is descending from a height of 3300 meters at a speed of 1 meter per second (equivalent to 60 meters per minute), how much time will it take to land? Simply rotate the outer scale value of 33 (equal to 3300) to align with the inner scale value of 60. The corresponding value on the outer scale aligned with the inner scale marked ▲10 is 55, which gives the answer of 55 minutes.
Method 6: Obtaining the landing time table
For instance, if a pilot is descending at a rate of 60 meters per minute, align the value 60 with the inner scale marked ▲10. This allows the pilot to determine the time required for any descent altitude: 3300 meters will take 55 minutes, 1800 meters will take 30 minutes, and 900 meters will take 15 minutes, making the information clear at a glance.
Finally, Seagull packages this classic timepiece in an all-metal aviation captain's briefcase-inspired gift box, adding to its collectible value.
For more detailed information, please visit Seagull's official website.
