"51" re-issue China's 1st mechanical watch by Sea-Gull limited edition #1358

l        Carved on the back there is a big “51” logo. Serial # 1358

l        Lug size is 19mm, installed with a very soft leather band

l        Signed crowned with a “51” logo

l        Perfectly dome-curved sapphire crystal (see photo) .Surgical grade stainless steel case.

l        36.5-37mm excluding crown, 9mm in thickness. It’s relatively small compared with modern watches, but most watches were smaller in the old days (See its comparison photos vs. other Seagull models). 

l        Brushed metallic white dial in gold tone. The dial emits a mixture of white and gold light in geometric sunny ray pattern due to its material and brushed finish. The dial’s dominant color is white, but not completely white – about 80% white, 20% gold in my eyes.

l        Long second hands. Classic sharp-tipped hour and minute hands in gold. Hour and minute hands are luminous.

l        Big digit 12 at 12 o’clock. Bar-shaped hour marks in gold with luminous dots.

l        At 6 o’clock is a big “51” logo in gold

l        Date display at 3 o’clock.

The above is the comparison chart of this “51” re-issue made in 2011 vs. the original in gold dial made in late 1950s or early 60s. Please be advised the original “51” shown on photos is for demo only, not for sale, not included in this package. 

It comes with a long wooden box. Free upgrade to a bigger square wooden box if you want. Please choose at the pull-down order menu. Bigger square box is recommeded because you can display this watch in bigger square box whereas proper display is impossible in smaller long box. Display photos, size and weight of boxes have been given above. 

There are variations of “51” re-issue selling at cheaper price. Some advertise the so-called “collection certificate” proof of limited edition. As a matter of fact, these certificates are all privately printed by sellers, of little value but a sales gimmick.

This watch is No.1358 originally issued by Sea-Gull Tianjin Factory with “51” logo on case back and crown. It comes with owner’s manual and warranty card, no “collection certificate”. Priced at the highest $399 among all the watches I am selling. It is priced high for good reason. “You get what you have paid for.” Well, $399 is still the best price on the net. If you can find a better price on the net for exactly the same watch, I will meet or beat its price.

Free Express Mail shipping is included. Questions? Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time.

Brief introduction to “51” watch

l      Sea-Gull researched and produced the 1^st watch in 1955. It is claimed that the “51” is the 1^st China-made wristwatch for sale to the general public.

l      Why is it called “51”? It was named after May 1^st International Labor Day, as the watch was made by the people, used by the people, the majority 99%. 

l      “51” was short-lived, in the market for only several years. In mid 1960s it stopped production, replaced by “Dong Feng” (East Wind brand, the predecessor of Sea-Gull).