REVIEW & IMPROVE Chinese Chronograph Watch Sea-Gull ST1903

[@WatchRepairChannel]

In this video we take a look at the popular Chinese Chronograph movement as found in many budget watches and perhaps improve it’s performance. Free Recommended Oils Document: In the files section... facebook.com/groups/watchrepairlessons/

[@matrixmirage2148]

Hello, Mark! Can I ask you something? How hard it is to remove fingerprints from a dial (like the Rolex Pepsi GMT-Master II)? I've seen you handling it without any kind of gloves, and I'll be honest, it made me a bit nervous (I've been obsessed with macro shots recently, courtesy of Watchfinder & Co. and it made me wonder) Thanks, M.M.

[@Wimmel24]

I've joined your facebook group but can't access the files section?

[@WatchRepairChannel]

@@Wimmel24 Direct link... facebook.com/groups/watchrepairlessons/files/

[@Wimmel24]

Thanks

[@JoeyParkerJ]

Thank you for making this great video for us :)

[@SQueme]

7:25 that spring .... the most common broken part when you wind a ST19, and it just unwind the crown

[@ronyrodriguezortiz993]

how many turns of winding is recommended to give this ST19 movement so as not to break it, thank you. 

[@SQueme]

@@ronyrodriguezortiz993 this is the main barrel spring that will break if you "force" when you feel resistance (just got slowly until you feel small resistance, no need to count IMHO) That one is the click spring, it breaks ... probably because of bad metal used, or a bad shaped curve on the old ST19 ? any other idea ? ♻ still searching & bvying them (ST19 watches) in "not-working condition", for parts or repair ♻

[@CrimFerret]

26:37 Still my favorite part of any reassembly. When the balance goes in and starts doing it's thing.

[@willardhooton920]

Heart transplant...success!!

[@sam9242]

Thanks for this. One thing I really appreciate is when you mention the name of the part as you remove it.

[@charlesflint9048]

I have one of these inside a 1963 replica Chinese airforce chronograph watch. I’ve always suspected the blued screws were lacquered, but it looks good from the back, especially with the castle wheel action. Now I know what to do if I ever develop the skill to do a complete strip down service. I’ve owned the watch for about 4 yrs and it has run very well so far. Nice to see this. Thank you.

[@jeff1176]

I find these disassembly/assembly videos very therapeutic. I've always loved the idea of owning watches, collecting, but never pulled the trigger as I'm very rough on watches, jewelry, and limit what I wear. However as I have had some serious recent surgery, I've started to give into my obsession. Started wearing my watches. Just stumbled onto these fantastic videos. Skilled hands of a surgeon, you are sir. Keep up the great work.

[@ravusursi893]

Mark, not only are you talented in the dark art of horology, you also compile excellent films. Your production, including the choice of music, are just superb. Together, these skills make your videos so enjoyable. I can only wish you well for the future and, hopefully, I’ll be able to take one of your lessons soon. Take care.

[@SonnetGomes]

You are an expert at what you do. Hats off! I dont even understand which gear is doing what...but it sooths my soul watching these videos so up close. These mechanical movements are amazingly complex. I have no idea how the engineers fit so much in such a tiny little case. I am Awed!

[@linoaque2471]

I just love chilling out and watching a true craftsman at work with beautiful music playing. Many thanks for your vids

[@amypeterson4615]

Thank you. I have two of these Chinese chronographs. This movement in particular, and most mechanical chronographs in general, do not like "add timing" operations. Both of my ST1903 chronos have jammed up on occasion when doing these operations, stopping the entire watch. A few pusher pushes and the jam up clears. The main thing that bothers me about these chronographs is that they are throw away items. When a problem occurs no one is going to send it to a professional watch maker because a service will cost about 3X the cost of a new one. A fun thing to have, just don't get too attached to one or expect too much from it.

[@24934637]

I am consistently amazed by the skills of the watchmakers who design a mechanism such as this, and then manufacture and assemble it. I'm also amazed by the skills you have, being able to take it apart and put it back together still working!! I'd go totally insane if I tried to strip it and rebuild.

[@ShanghaiGoat]

This mechanism is over 80 years old too

[@orchardwatchandclockrepair8346]

This is just a lovely video. Your go to heat lengths to make then. Not an easy thing to do. I just love the look of Cronographs movements.. Thankyou so much Mark. You make it look easy.

[@khairimat-ls9gq]

i didn't skip even a millisecond and my eyeball really fucussing on everything u have done..great presentation and u're a masterpiece as the watch has been built. the venus175 engine was awesome as u are.thanks for sharing

[@KarmaFlight]

Although I am not a watchmaker, I have been an avid watch enthusiast for many decades. Videos like this are educational and serve to deepen my understanding and appreciation of horology in general. Thank you!

[@watchhans]

After servicing my Solvil et Titus chronograph powered by a ST19, properly oiled and greased, it's performance is much better than it's accuracy after I bought it. For me that means oiling and greasing was not that good when it left the factory in Tianjin. There were also some tiny burrs, probably left inside from the manufacturing process. After all I come to the conclusion that if properly produced, oiled and greased, the ST 19 is not that bad, at all.

[@xmarcovinzx]

Great video Mark! I have this movement in a customized watch (thanks to you and your dial printing video!), and it's my first column wheel chronograph. Works great, looks great (don't care about macro) and it really is the best value for mechanical watch lovers. Thumbs up!

[@Bernardo-xf4dp]

Hi, I have the original Seagull with Swan Neck Regulator and in the first week it gave me a difference of 6 sec / day and the next one stabilized at 2 sec / day. I think the Seagull originals come factory calibrated. It is a beautiful and precise watch, enchanted with it.

[@LenHere]

I own the Seagull 1963 (the real one) and I do love it; but it is a bit quirky. The chronograph has a mind of it's own, stalling periodically at the 4 second and 58 second mark. Hitting the stop and then restarting will usually get it going again. It's very intermittent, I often think a good service would have it running tip top. Overall, it's a gorgeous watch, it wears great, it has a sapphire crystal and is fantastic value. I could never otherwise afford a nice chronograph. Thanks for the video, if you ever want to service mine I would be happy to send it off :D Grace and peace!

[@isimisoko]

Mision impossible done! U are a great craftmen! I am electrician and releve my self from stres when I am watching these videos! Great work!

[@dimman77]

I have the moon phase and date version of this movement in a genuine Seagull watch. Looks absolutely identical.

[@chriskammerer221]

It's incredible to watch you disassemble and reassemble this movement! Nicely done! To what extent could you "hotrod" it, while it's apart? For instance, could you replace the hairspring with something anti-magnetic or replace the mainspring with one with a longer power reserve? Are there companies that sell parts for this purpose?

[@Rog5446]

Even the Seagulls produced by other Chinese workshops are considered by Seagull to be genuine, as they are made under licence. Mine has a display caseback and keeps excellent time, and I don't care if it wasn't made at the Seagull factory. (I also don't know if it was)

[@JayB-lz6yd]

hahaha! keep going smart ass. XD

[@MrWizardjr9]

@@JayB-lz6yd i mean hes not completely wrong we don't know why seagull lets all these other manufacturers make their own version but ive heard the seagull factory is the only factory in china capable of producing that movement so all the movements are genuine at least.

[@haroldwiser2641]

Never grow tired of these videos!

[@MyRetroWatches]

I really can’t wait for part 4 of the course Mark. These dual register chronos is a scratch I need to itch but with a bit of tuition. Great video , superb macro! You really did improve the performance by some margin .

[@eliescaldesvilar6421]

one skilled guy following the master, i follow you both, anyway " my retro watches", my dad's seiko is repaired and ticking again thanks to you...really appreciate it

[@andreasthuringia5918]

I got one of these movements in my Omega replica. I love the column wheel chronographs. The background from this movement is very old (venus 175) and became Chinese with project 303. A newer version of this movement has a swan neck regulation. In my opinion a good movement for about 100 euros. I think it is more classic than a 7750 or 2892. Not better but really okay. My watch is gaining about +5 seconds a day.

[@anonymousgeorge4321]

It's a true pleasure watching you work. Thanks for sharing.

[@brunonjezic6208]

I would love to see video on comparison between one orderd direct from seagull and this one. Also i hope you do assembly and reassembly on whole seagul 1963 and maybe compare one that is around 100e with the "genuine" that is going between 270 to 300e. I think to se dial from back case from in and all taken apart and put together would make great video

[@AltonRowell-gb1lb]

Your vidios are what got me interested in watch repair. You are very good at your work. Nice job on that seiko.

[@dirk4926]

Another great video, so relaxing to watch, and the music is perfect....thanks again!

[@rhisiart]

Fascinating video, thanks for sharing this with us. I believe I have one of these movements in a Seagull 1963 watch that I purchased a few years ago. Unfortunately, I have pressed the chronograph buttons in the wrong order and now the main red second hand refuses to reset/return to the 12 o'clock position. Would it be possible to post a video on how to cure this issue without performing a complete strip-down? I would love to cure this problem and wear more often what is, for me, a very attractive watch.

[@neilpiper9889]

I have this movement in a 38mm 1963 watch with Sapphire chrystal on a leather strap. I don't wear it much, but handy for timing in te darkroom as it has no lume but is easy to read under the red light. I wear a 44 mm Sea-gull Ocean Star diver mostly with a 2824-2 28800bph movement which has a lovely sweeping hand. On my wrist as I write this is a nos 1980s Sea-gull St5 handwind watch. This has a beautifully engraved movement. If I could find a see through caseback for it I would be well pleased. Anyone know where I might find one. It's a screw down back.

[@Lunalysis]

How about a project on fitting the movement to a case? A quick search through eBay only brought up two cases (that I could find) that claimed to fit ST19 movements. Maybe being able to modify a different case and dial combo to use with the movement.

[@christopherbussell8714]

I am only just getting in to watches, these are works of art. I have started to collect a few watches but i am no way an expert so it is great just to look and learn. Thank you for sharing.

[@jackdale9249]

great video ! i just bought one new so please do 2 year test and see how it's doing ? all the best !

[@glenh4971]

It is a beautiful watch movement. Thanx for the demonstration. Way above my paygrade.

[@runrin_]

i have one of these in a seagull watch, and it runs consistently fast by about 15 seconds. i don't have the equipment to regulate it, but because it is so consistent im sure it could be regulated to keep excellent time.

[@easterneurope451]

Is this movement capable of a smooth chrono second hand movement? Out of the box i can see that mine skips the chrono second hand tick quite often, even though the engagement between the 4th wheel and the coupling wheel looks tight. The problem does not seem to be the second wheel and the coupling wheel engagement. Edit: I am answering my own question (now that I have reviewed the diagrams), smooth chrono second hand requires the coupling clutch gear and the 4th wheel engagement regulation plus the coupling clutch gear and chrono second gear engagement regulation plus the tension spring regulation (if its too weak). The latter is my case because the smoothness is highly dependant on the remaining power reserve, namely if I fully wind it up the chrono second hand stutters.

[@karen055033921]

Thank you Mr. Mark Lovick with the help of your videos I learned how to repair a watch👍👍👍👍👍

[@FiveStringCommando]

I believe this is probably a real Seagull. Regardless, I’d be interested to see a comparison with one obtained directly from Seagull. Thanks for the content!

[@ribo2007]

How did you determine the lift angle, did you manually test for that or did yoj just go with 52 deg as a standard.

[@cgonz8]

I want to know the answer to this too

[@gheckolock81]

Yeah, it would definitely be great to see a deep dive into the wild world of Chinese watch authenticity!

[@wingi7722]

So now at 3.46 I can see exactly why this movement is called a Seagull - this particular part looks like a Seagull :D

[@indramatic]

Judging solely by the amount of striations on plates and bridges I can assure this movement was assembled by hand in a small shop on an old-school tin table cover and people who did it were in a hurry. I don't think it is the same grade of movements used by Seagull in their reissue chronos.

[@kaschi47]

Very good work, Mark! Greetings from Lower Saxonia ;-)

[@sAmiZZle82]

How on earth do you keep track of where all those parts go and how they are placed!?

[@BiffTannenBTTF]

Like others have said, the scratching on the plates is highly unusual. Something fishing going on there.

[@tiburonski]

Wonderful, very informative! And relaxing 😎

[@RelojeandoconFelipe]

Awesome and thanks a lot to share your knowledge and experience!!! 🙏

[@doctortimepmd4887]

If you say it's a seagull ...that works for me it's your show and it's good show ..

[@Jubal.Harshaw]

The bridges here do not look highly polished. However, the other parts are much to small to make out any 'fingerprints' that might have occurred. When I was a child in the 1950's everyone in my family wore a watch even though they were less reliable and not necessarily as well made. My father was careful how he treated his watch, taking it off prior to washing the dishes (yes, prior to 'dish washers') and never wore it working in the yard or on his truck. Today, we take the durability of watches for granted. This Seagull is a beautiful, yet a little bit delicate. The inner workings date back to 1963. Don't wear it working in the yard or washing dishes - if you do those sorts of things. She is beautiful - just a little bit delicate.

[@michaelr21]

I have had 5 Watches with the ST19 Movement, 1 genuine Sea-gull D304.1963 limited Edition (very high build quality, very precise, pushers had perfect feedback - unfortunately the plexiglass got smashed in a bike accident - hopefully i will find someone in germany who will replace the glass - because the rest of the watch works perfectly) 2 reissues from different places, one had only 6 hours power-reseve so i sent it back, the other one is okay but the version from sea-gull has a better quality in every aspect 1 Sugess that looks like the M199S, but i got it new for 150€ from Germany (is the company behind it forging sea-gull watches and selling some of them with other brand-names?). The quality is okay for the price but sometimes when stopping the chronograph, the chronograph jumped back instead of only pausing - but the transparent caseback gives a nice view on the ST1908. 1 ST1940 Vintro Le Mans 1952 - the automatic Version of the ST19. Quality is good but the original sea-gull has pushers that are a bit more precise. And: Very nice customer service. All my ST19 movement watches behave a bit differently, especially the behaviour when winding it up...

[@ronyrodriguezortiz993]

how many turns of winding is recommended to give this ST19 movement so as not to break it, thank you. 

[@hosseinordoubadian5439]

Wonderful content. I am in the process of working through your first 3 courses and gathering my tools and supplies. I assume you have the oil recommendations PDF in the course work? I am not a facebook person. Nonetheless, your content and courses have made the pandemic lock down here in California bearable. For this, I am grateful. Thanks again.

[@Animalkisser]

You chose the perfect music.

[@craigjones325]

Fascinating, thank you for such interesting videos.

[@brunonjezic6208]

To talk about ware and tare of seagull movements maybe you could get hands on one that was in possession of someone and maybe needs service. They are in production for quite a few jears so it shouldn't be impossible

[@LeGiaWatchService]

How can I remember all the screws on each part? Thanks!

[@ajborrero74]

Hello my friend. I have a question, if the large seconds hand of the chronograph is not on zero position, how do I adjust it to its position again?

[@roger263]

Nicely done! I have subscribed. Roger, Australia

[@davechuasoup]

Hi Mark, love your work and your videos has helped me get into tinkering with watches as well. Have you ever considered investigating a counterfeit Daytona 4130 movement? It's said to have been completely cloned to the last detail except for the free sprung balance and is the first clone of this level. Naturally I am intrigued and want to take it apart myself but willingly admit that a full chronograph movement is way beyond my skill level. Would you consider borrowing mine for a teardown video? I'll take full responsibility if anything breaks.

[@KenFritz-j8u]

I enjoyed this video immensely! It’s like watching brain surgery. I applaud your skill as well as all the time and discipline you have given to your profession. Thank you for sharing. Quick question: I have ordered a 1963 Seagull chronograph with an at 1901 movement. Are there major differences I should look for or be concerned about? Again, wonderful video! Ken

[@achimkohlhage1328]

A proper improvement, congrats. May I ask a question what is wrong when I cant adjust the beat error to less that 0.9ms. Tks for hint. Cheers fm Singapore+

[@urieelSEptim]

I think Seagull is the biggest producer of mechanical movements, all of those have to go somewhere. It seems that Seagull has different quality/finishing levels and the highest are really hard to obtain even for watch manufacturers, basically only used in real seagulls

[@malzenteno6]

Interesting, thanks for the video, hi from México!

[@Knapweed]

What is the difference between the 1903 Movement and the 1901 movement? I've seen both for sale, the 1901 being the most common.

[@carloscarvalhido2424]

Great video, Mark. I'm a basic amateur on my free time dealing only with handwind and automatic movements. For starting with a chrono which would be the easiest or the most "template" movement? This one? I noticed you only oiled the left pallet jewel. Is it always like that? Some say the entry, others say the exit one and most say both. Or it depends on the movement? Well, I do both. Thank you.

[@justinbjork5682]

What’s that piece of piano music you have going in the beginning?

[@Vinscb]

Excellent video! Haven't you had knocking issues after servicing? I have serviced one of mine and afterwards it started knocking; just over half winding is enough to make in knock. I have other two watches with this movement and with factory lubrication they tend to knock for a few seconds after full winding. I think the mainspring Seagull uses is a bit too strong.

[@OldSkoolF]

Should Send the movement to Shaun Hughes or Casey Burns ( cbwim) for some love... Would be interesting to see how nice it could be finished.

[@tirinsplay]

How different is the Venus 175 from the 170? I have my grandfathers Orfina from 1949 which has the 170 movement.

[@Rog5446]

Good use for a Seagull, time an Egg, especially if you are wearing a Miestersinger.

[@bigshrek6364]

I love your videos. You have a great voice for it as well. I was wondering how to measure for/find new crystals for vintage watches mainly non big brand watches?

[@tom-hk]

Looks like a Sea-Gull to me. I picked up a few of these when I lived in China and it looks identical. Not at all like what I have seen from the Tianjin company, so I don't know that I could agree with the gentleman who claims this is from there.

[@saulgrant8263]

Hi Mark, Please can you tell me the brand of screwdrivers that you use as the ones I bought don't seem to be up to scratch?

[@nolanreed7090]

These movements get a lot of hate, but I've owned three of them, each of which performed better than any Seiko I've ever owned (excluding Grand Seiko)

[@Jubal.Harshaw]

The Venus movement is a similar movement and not any better polished - but no one says anything because it has a 'Venus' name on it. Of course, this is the movement that is used in many more high end watches with large price tags. But, i suppose it is inconvenient to mention that as well.

[@amicoorologiaio]

Bellissimo video, complimenti

[@pauldevey8628]

I looked at my ST movements and the quality in this piece you show is not good. Mine are highly finished. Maybe they sell different grades?

[@briancarruthers1738]

I don't understand why you grease both the clutch wheel and winding pinion when only one is necessary (everyone does it). if you grease just one, then turn the stem back 360 degrees, then they're both fully greased

[@paulhelmuth6012]

Can't wait for the 4th level course. And feel like it's a bonus that you will be using the 1903 for the course - as I have one in a Seagull 1963 (counterfeit or not - I don't know). I have a question about greases. Thank you for sharing that you use 9501 on the keyless works. I have purchased some 9504 - which is a lighter blue in color. Similar in applications (I think). But when viewed under magnification, the 9504 seems to be separated. Not a homogeneous blend. This makes me a bit hesitant to use it. Even though it comes from Moebius. So, I shouldn't worry. Is the 9501 the same? Or does it appear to be uniform under magnification? Thanks.

[@beastmodeliving6268]

Is it possible to buff out those scratches?

[@williamwang8034]

Hi I was wondering if you could do a review of Seagull 2153 moonphase movement please? There are some really enticing Brequet style antique looking Seagull watches but not sure how accurate they are.

[@diegogonzalezluna3400]

Hello could you please fix one watch I just bought it supossed to be waterproof but it doesn't.

[@b4nnediss_here721]

Hey i want to ask something cause im thinking about buying this movement .. is it worth to service in 5 years or is it better to buy a new one?

[@waterzap99]

Do you prefer column wheel or lever chronographs.? Are there pros and cons to each?

[@tannerlarson276]

Hey Watch Repair Channel! I recently bought a watch with this movement and the chronometers second hand is jerky for around 15 seconds and then catches back into a sweep. Is there a solution you know of that would fix this issue. I am very finicky with my watches and i know it will bug me to no end. Thanks for your time!

[@FirestormAA]

What a great video again.... thanks

[@mikex3619]

I read on watchuseek that once the hands for the subdials are removed on the st19 they can't be re-used or they will fall off. Can anyone confirm this? Thanks

[@eko89er]

Hi Mark! I love the channel and the quality of your videos. They are very relaxing and I enjoy both viewing them as well as just listening to them if I'm busy with something else. I do have one question. You were talking about the fingerprints in this video, and I noticed a lot of scratches on the main body of the movement. How would the movement behave if one were to do a polish on the main body components (using a metal polishing paste) or even doing a stone wash? Just to even out the way the it looks. I don't know much about watches, I don't even wear one. But I do love the look of one whenever I see them. Thanks for the content! Have a good day!

[@ktprojects2077]

Can you do a video of you testing, comparing, and opening a cheep $30 mecanical watch such as the Derieter watch from amazon. I think it's a very good watch considering its price.

[@borkras6089]

Можно наблюдать три вещи бесконечно: как горит огонь, как течет вода и как Марк работает с механизмами)))

[@cal2201]

So, this is a replica Sea-Gull movement of replica Venus 175...

[@upinmyglider]

Could you find a good looking quartz chronograph and swap this movement into it?

[@moboei]

Are you going to review this watch again? It’s been a while

[@davidcoleman2463]

They say they are all fake ? Is this right ? Inside the seagull 1963 ?

[@TheSaints-ls5cu]

Hi Mark. I like be your work. May I ask where you source your music?

[@UGA.D]

Very well done!

[@kevgermany]

Nice job. Pity about the finish if the movement.

[@HANDBALLDIEHARD]

Anyone know where replacement balance can be bought , have a seagull powered chrono that only runs on its face now , hard stop when flipped , top end worn out. or these are made cheap disposable , just replace entire movement ? nothing wrong with it except needs a new balance wheel ! I'm in the US ,can't find one on line,

[@alvinwatchiadorvlog2587]

Always watching idol.

[@JuanJose-tn8yd]

Anybody knows why the two gears (16:44 and 18:55) have different teeth size ? i only can guess because the lever acting as break, so it´s for more friction. But since im a not know anything about watch repair drive me crazy.

[@CyberlightFG]

Can you reset the chronograph hand back to zero?