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 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 Compass Series offers four distinctive watch styles for customers to choose from: Blue Dial with Steel Case, Black Dial with Steel Case, Blue Dial with Black Case, and Black Dial with Black Case.
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: Crafted with 316L stainless steel for the case and bezel, the timepiece's overall design concept echoes that of an aircraft cockpit instrument panel. Through 12 stages of polishing, multiple-axis CNC precision cutting, and a concave surface resembling aircraft instrument dial, the watch achieves a visually three-dimensional and profound appearance. The matte steel bezel exudes a smooth and polished touch. The dial measures 42mm in diameter, approximately 12mm in thickness, and ensures a water resistance of up to 50 meters. The 12 o'clock position features a prominent three-dimensional luminous triangle, combined with the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions to create a functional compass ring. The 3 o'clock position displays the date. The dial creatively incorporates the horizon as its central theme, embedding the first ray of morning light 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. This feature makes it well-suited for professional pilots' precise maneuvers in the confined spaces of aircraft cockpits.
Compass: The distinct feature of the Compass model lies in its rotatable compass design on the case, providing great practicality during actual flight operations. When the pilot lays the watch flat and points the hour hand towards the direction of the sun, the point between the hour hand and the 12 o'clock position on the dial serves as the southern direction. Aligning the "S" on the bezel with this direction allows the pilot to correspondingly determine other cardinal points.
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.
