Pocket watch movement in a wrist watch? Geervo 41MM with Seagull ST3621 - Trench watch review.

What is my experience with this mechanical hand wind trench style watch? - It is good.
Very good video about the flaw of this ST36 movement: • Seagull ST36 Design Flaw
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This channel is about watches. I like watches, but I am no expert or collector and everything I say is just my personal opinion. I just simply had an idea of having fun by running a youtube channel about my experience with the watches I buy. So I set the budget of a 1000 euros and started the channel. This is why I flip most of my watches, because I have to stay within my budget while introducing new watches to the channel. And that is why all the watches you see on this channel are the cheap ones as well.
My location: European Union, Lithuania
My wrist size is 16,5 ~ 17cm (6.5in ~ 6.7in)

[@johnanth]

Lovely piece. A few thoughts, in reply to your questions in the video! I'm a history & industrial design buff in general and watches are an extension of those two interests. The style of numerals are called Breguet numerals. Despite the name 'Breguet' (because he introduced them), they were and are found on many other brands. They were very common throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries on pocket watches. With wristwatches, they were fairly common until the 50s when it started appearing 'old hat', and watch companies went towards including more metal on the dial (i.e. metal indices). If you had a pocket watch in the 19th century and it *didn't* have Roman numerals, then it probably had Breguet-style Arabic numerals. The only real exception are railroad chronometers, which had a simpler style of numerals that you might associate with Western movies. That's because they're American in origin. But yeah, most pocket watches had Roman numerals and if they didn't, they would have Breguet numerals. They look best printed, so they didn't survive the transition to applied indices. As you've said, wristwatches existed but only really started being worn with the First World War. These were often converted pocket watches which were more plentiful and easier to mass-produce. So these would be quite big! Military use began in the German Imperial Navy in the 1880s, where officers were issued watches in case they weren't near the marine chronometer. Context: a marine chronometer was basically a ship clock. It was very important because the time was the only reliable way to measure longitude at sea until the invention of radar. Pocket watches remained popular over the 20s and 30s because wristwatches were very expensive, but pocket watches rapidly fell in price. So the pocket watch was the working man's timekeeping instrument for a longtime. The small pocket on your jeans (usually on the right) is for holding a pocket watch, and jeans were workingwear when men's clothing was more specific (blue collar meant blue collar, etc). As you might imagine, pocket watch movements don't have amazing shock resistance since they were shielded (in your pocket) and mostly stayed in the same position (upright). As for this movement, I have no doubt it's a pocket watch movement since it's so big. Compare with an ETA 2892 for example, made specifically for wristwatches, and it's self-evident. It is only recently that wristwatches started matching the size of pocket watches again. On the movement decoration I have mixed feelings as well. The jagged lines were very common in pocket watches, especially outside of Europe. The star in the centre also recalls some pocket watches, for example from Waltham which was by no means a high end brand. You got amazing value for money back then. Look up photos of Waltham pocket watch movements - I can see several similar examples on the first page. High end Swiss watchmakers like Patek went for striping, which was much harder to execute. British watchmakers preferred sand-blasting as a rule (and generally tended to come from a clockmaking background). The other feature of note are the Breguet hands. Again, Mr Breguet introduced these in the early 19th century but they have been used by many brands since. At the time (early 19th century), there were few styles of hands because they were frankly hard to make. Remember that everything was handmade and we didn't even have steam power or electricity. Stamping a hole in the middle led to a more interesting design, and also slim hands in general. So he created a new production process (reversing the process of cutting hands) among the many inventions credited to him. Watch hands were very thick up to that point, nothing like what we know today. Most watch hands from before Breguet's time were engraved sheets of metal, and those had a different look. Compare a 1700s pocket watch (not many have survived of course) to an 1800s for reference. As for your watch hands being blue: yours are chemically dyed blue, but high end watchmaking ships with 'blued hands'. It turns out that if you heat steel inside an oxidising solution, it turns a rich blue colour. It's quite difficult for watch hands since they're easy to melt and hard to keep looking consistent. So it's a marker of craftsmanship if you have 'the real deal' (luxury watchmakers like Grand Seiko, Breguet use them; the most accessible I'm aware of are from Pierre Paulin on Ali, and Stowa in Germany). All this to say that blue is the correct look for what the design is aiming at. I hope those were interesting. As for what design is it, I think you're correct. I did an image search for 'Breguet numerals pocket watch'. The first result, a Longines pocket watch, is almost exactly like this, down to the railroad track. There are a lot more though from many defunct companies. I don't know how consciously the movement was designed, but it is reminiscent of American pocket watch movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I agree it's a homage to pocket watches at large. Like you, I wouldn't call it a 'brand' homage because really it's about a period before the modern notion of brands, when many watchmakers didn't bother to sign the dial, and 'marketing activity' didn't exist. In that, it is reminiscent of a period and quite faithfully at that.

[@TomasWatchReviews]

what a brilliant comment. Was very interesting to read, thank you! Waltham indeed looks similar, but way prettier :) The way I see those chemically died blue hands is a bit like fake spoilers and vents on a car. It is not a real thing, just an imitation, that is why I would be happier with simple black hands. Periodically correct though, but a bit fake - controversial. Yes, Longines with Breguet numerals is the closest look I found. Seconds hand is different though. Anyway. After your comment I like this watch even more :D Thanks again!

[@cliffban9742]

Thank you for your review! I like your unadulterated enthusiasm in watches. No need to be Patek, Rolex etc. The simple joy of something that captures your attention. This is really what I like about it!

[@Animalkisser]

I saw the same video you mention, but that problem has been solved ever since.

[@chad.haggerty]

I just ordered this watch in the 11.11 sale. Can’t wait for it to arrive, glad I found this to keep my excitement level up. Really enjoy your presentation style. Subscribe button hit!

[@OMaquinando]

Hello Tomas! Brazilian watchmaker here. You can wind up your watch fully, no problem. It is the way the watch is more precise and the movement is made to resist the forces aplied. These chinese movments are in many cases copies of very well dsigned swiss movements. Therefor, if the chinese movment is well executed it will rum just fine, once the project it self is in state of the art. You should take the watch to a watchmaker ever five years to do a preventive maintenence. The greases and oils inside, dry out and the watch parts start to wearout. If you like watches so much, you should try to do a little maintenence yourself, there are many watchmaker starters kits online. You will probably love it!

[@TomasWatchReviews]

thank you!

[@tisconal9004]

those watches are a hidden gem! just ordered a similar one

[@angpham1173]

I just ordered the IWC-like arabic numbers with the ST3600 movement (no fancy engraving on the movement, just some blue screws). Hopefully it is as good as the one you showed in the video

[@athanasiosplomaritis3632]

Nice video!! I am thinking of making a watch with a ST3620... which app is this??

[@MrBaxtrax]

I have this movement in a self built watch. I took a dremel burr to the painted bits & you're right; it looks a lot better without paint covering the engravings. I also modded it with a WW1 trench style dial single sunk second wheel, with lume hands that goes better with NATO style straps. The movement itself is rock solid and surprisingly runs around the same rate as a Hamilton khaki that I own, gaining only +4 per day. Which is pretty amazing considering the cost of the movement. A little history lesson regarding "cheap" Chinese watches and movements. There was a time in history where Swiss watches were regarded as disposable cheap every man watches "until they weren't ." The Seagull company have done some pretty amazing things with watch movements, including a sub $800 U.S.D. tourbillon movement. This alone would make me very nervous as a prestigious Swiss watchmaker in the next 20 years.

[@TomasWatchReviews]

would love to see your watch. Can you share pictures?

[@chrisgtrsciberras474]

Hello May I ask what stem you used for the conversion and where you got it from? Thanks

[@GedmisLaguna]

Beautiful vintage-style watch. I want it also :) Nice video btw.

[@TomasWatchReviews]

yes, my favorite toy right now :D

[@elhassaneshrik9297]

Very nice review Tomas. I completely agree with you. I much prefer fully mechanical watch over automatic ones especially the winding part every morning, also the watch is usually thinner due to the lack of rotor. Thats way the Hamilton kaki field is one of my grail watches., its a bit expensive for me but hopefully I’ll make it someday. Kind Regards :)

[@TomasWatchReviews]

I also keep my eyes on that Hamilton. Might be one day...

[@thickerbrummietwat]

Is there a model number and, or link for the last wrist strap shown, please?

[@SARDUAKAR]

This watch is similar to the MOLNIYA pocket watch. Russian pocket watch if I'm not mistaken.

[@MrWansty]

thanks for posting' i agree its a very pretty watch not the usual chinese homage and i can see myself buying one ( 725 views not bad )

[@mrbookends]

If it is black paint on the engraving - it would be very easy to pop the case back off and take a small q-tip with ether or alcohol and clean that off!

[@TomasWatchReviews]

probably

[@DavidRon]

The Breguet numerals and small seconds look like an homage to a Patek Calatrava small seconds, maybe the Patek 5022?

[@TomasWatchReviews]

yes, there are also a lot of pocket watches that look like this from the early 1900's, especially Longines. But none of them 1:1 like some Parnis would copy Rolex Datejust.

[@matejsvigir1449]

Lovely watch. Reminds me of something local local doctor or sheriff would have in western movie…

[@matejsvigir1449]

In pocket version of course haha

[@TomasWatchReviews]

because it is a pocket style watch. And every cool gentlemen in a western movie has a cool pocket watch :D

[@frankowot4]

What is the name of the watch timer app please?

[@OMaquinando]

Watch Accuracy Meter. It is a Android app.

[@meaninthemirror]

I really don't like the decorations on this model of ST36 movement. Other two types of ST36 looks much more rigid and pleasing. I'm trying to find a model with seconds at 6o'clock (like this one), white dial with 3D metallic numbers and with other type of ST36 movement as mentioned. IMO, wearing nato straps in regular style is not ideal for this type of watch. I suggest you to watch "4 Ways to wear a NATO strap" video and use the final method.

[@jackknightsbridge5232]

How do you feel about this watch now? Any issues?

[@TomasWatchReviews]

Sorry, I buy watch, do review and sell it.

[@maximme]

you have been bitten by the Mechanical Watch bug....hahahaaaa yes ST36 is a great movement. some variation in quality. I was lucky to get one that runs +-2 sec/ day !!

[@TomasWatchReviews]

My tier list for watches: tomaswatchreviews.com

[@damyr]

I disagree on your analogy with cars... Compared to that watch Casio is the spaceship Enterprise, and that watch is just a bicycle... an old big ugly and broken bicycle from the 1900s. It looks pretty ugly on your wrist. Just as you've said - like a freaking dinner plate. Btw, winding up watch every day? I'd rather have no watch. Watch is an accessory and a tool. It has to be reliable, durable, precise and unobtrusive. Anything less than that is just garbage. That's why any quartz is better than all mechanical watches ever produced. Period. PS Don't get my rant personal. It's just my expression of thoughts and I do speak honestly, from my heart. But you do and wear whatever you feel like. It's your own personal taste. And regarding this particular watch... It would look much much better if you would make it to be a real pocket watch, on a chain. On the wrist it definitely looks wrong. Have a good one.

[@TomasWatchReviews]

I used to see things in black and white too when I was younger, so I understand your point of view. But with age and experience my view opened up and I started enjoying more things in between black and white :) Also, my wife's opinion about the looks of the watch is the same as yours :D

[@damyr]

@@TomasWatchReviews I don't think that has anything with age. It's just a personal preference, which is shaped by personal experiences gathered through life. I'm not a watch collector. I'm rather admirer of design. Therefore, if there's anything I dislike, it's when I see a bad design, and especially when it's used in a wrong way. Simplicity and elegance are the way to go, but not on expense of usability. And that's why I think this watch, although fairly designed, is not suitable to be worn on the wrist. It just looks wrong. But as a pocket watch, it would be perfect. Btw, with 49, I don't think you're older than me, but I agree nothing is just black or white. Everything is grey. Tho, when something is wrong, then it can't be right. That's how logic works. According to your words in your videos, your wife has some good taste and a good eye for design. So, you may listen her more often. ;)