1st Post-Need some help

[McPga]

Hello everyone. So I was in Beijing last winter and saw this watch:

Photo not mine-taken from the Internet
I was very taken, did some research on Seagull and was impressed, well it doesn't look like I'm getting back anytime soon so I'm strongly considering purchasing online.

Here's where I need the help-any thoughts on the piece? Anything I should know before taking the plunge? Service hassles, etc?
Thanks!

[meijlinder]

Hello everyone. So I was in Beijing last winter and saw this watch:

Photo not mine-taken from the Internet
I was very taken, did some research on Seagull and was impressed, well it doesn't look like I'm getting back anytime soon so I'm strongly considering purchasing online.

Here's where I need the help-any thoughts on the piece? Anything I should know before taking the plunge? Service hassles, etc?
Thanks!

Welcome to IWL!

It's the Sea-gull M199s moon-phase chronograph. St19 movement with moonphase (ST1908) if i'm not mistaken.

There are those who have had issues with that movement. But many more report many years of excellent performance. Most issues have been with the auto-version of the mvmt

Sea-gull is one of the big 3 in the Chinese watch industry (Shanghai and Beijing Watch factory being the others). They are the largest mechanical movement manufacturer in the world. Quality is normally good.

A knowledgeable watchmaker should be able to service it, though some are reluctant to work on chinese mvmts. A chrono will be more costly to service than one without that complication.

[is that my watch]

yes got a few sea-gulls old ones and they work fine so for the price I would say go for it I am sure some of the guys will give you a list of some of the better sellers of them

and yes welcome

[meijlinder]

It's available at Good-stuffs, don't know if cheaper elsewhere
http://www.good-stuffs.com/New-Sea-G...908_p_163.html

Never bought from there myself but most reports are: Reliable but not skilled in communication.

[Strela167]

Hello mate and welcome to the forum.

Cool watch, please post piccies when in

Afaik many buy on tb or tm due to being less cost than the bricks and mortar shops in China. If you like it go for it. Cheers

Any thoughts about a strap choice yet. Find it's better waiting to see as online pics. may give the wrong impression myself

[cabfrank]

I can't help with any knowledge, but I can say that is a beautiful watch.

[Martin]

Welcome!
I have many seagulls, never had an issue with them.
The m199 is a very good looking watch, it will be hard to find a comparable mechanical chrono for less than twice it's price.

I noticed goodstuff has them on stock again:
http://www.good-stuffs.com/New-Sea-G...908_p_163.html

[cabfrank]

I was thinking that $525 is a good price for such a watch as well.

[watchdaddy1]

it sure is a nice lookin' piece for sure..
I had a Rodina & own a 1963 re-issue w/ no problems. & the link others have provided (http://www.good-stuffs.com/New-Sea-G...908_p_163.html) I purchased the Rodina from.
& WELCOME to IWL

[McPga]

Guys, thanks for all of the great info...hopefully pics soon.