by Brent Robillard
Over the moon with the Seagull 1963 Icon
The Seagull 1963 Bronze Icon 40mm offers a compelling blend of vintage charm and contemporary craftsmanship, with a design that draws inspiration from Seagull’s rich history while incorporating modern elements. At TCW, we’ve had the good fortune to get hands on with a number of past iterations from the brand, including last year’s 60th Anniversary Edition–also in bronze. This latest, with the addition of a moonphase complication, may well be the best yet.
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Key features of the Seagull 1963 Bronze Edition 40mm
Case Materials and Dimensions
The most striking aspect of the Seagull 1963 Bronze Icon is its solid bronze case, which is not only visually captivating but also tells a story of its own. The alloy’s natural patina evolves over time, giving the watch a unique, personalized character. Each wearer will see the case change in hue, reflecting their own experience and the environment around them.
Measuring a comfortable 40mm in diameter, the case strikes a perfect balance between vintage aesthetics and modern wearability. The lug-to-lug distance is a tad long at 50.5mm, but the 12.7mm case thickness is reasonable given the moonphase complication and the robust build, offering a satisfying presence without feeling too heavy.
The bronze case is paired with a traditional design, featuring sharp, polished edges and soft curves that highlight its classic, military-inspired heritage. For those who appreciate a watch that grows with them over time, the Seagull 1963 Bronze Icon offers a unique aging process that few materials can match.
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Crystal Clear
The watch is equipped with a sapphire crystal, which is treated to be both scratch-resistant and highly transparent, ensuring a clear view of the dial at all times. The anti-reflective coating on the underside of the crystal does a great job of reducing glare, making it easy to read the time in various lighting conditions. The crystal’s dome-shaped profile enhances the vintage look, while also providing a subtle curvature that adds depth to the overall design.
Sunburst Dial
The dial of the Seagull 1963 Bronze Icon 40mm is a striking green sunburst finish, and it’s truly one of the standout visual elements of this watch. While green may not be my favourite dial colour, the sunburst pattern is beautifully executed here, catching the light in different angles and offering a dynamic interplay of colour and texture. At first glance, it can appear as a rich forest green, but as the light shifts, the dial can reveal deeper, darker tones or more vibrant shades, depending on the lighting. This effect adds an extra dimension to the watch, making it feel alive and ever-changing.
This dial color choice is a bit unconventional yet tasteful, and I have to admit that it complements the bronze case perfectly. It evokes a sense of vintage charm while still feeling modern, blending harmoniously with the overall design. The green sunburst dial enhances the warmth of the bronze and makes the watch feel both rustic and refined. For those who appreciate dials that evolve with the light, the sunburst effect on this watch provides a captivating viewing experience that never feels static.
Super-LumiNova
Another impressive feature of the Seagull 1963 Bronze Icon is the use of Super-LumiNova on the hour markers, and hands (though it would have been cool to see it on the moonphase indicator, as well). The lume is not overpowering, but it’s definitely sufficient for a clear readout, even in darker environments.
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Moonphase Functionality
One of the most interesting features of the Seagull 1963 Bronze Icon is its moonphase complication, which not only adds a layer of sophistication but also ties into the watch’s aviation and military history. The moonphase indicator is positioned at the 6 o’clock mark, offering a clean, intuitive way to track the lunar cycle. The phase of the moon is displayed via a small window that shows the current moon’s shape, which is not only functional but also a beautiful design element.
For those who enjoy a bit of practical complication, the moonphase here is relatively easy to set and use, making it an enjoyable feature for enthusiasts. It adds a sense of elegance and refinement without feeling overly complicated or out of place in the design.
Strapped In
The Seagull 1963 Bronze Icon comes with a green fabric strap that complements the rustic look of the bronze case. The strap is lined with leather that feels soft and supple on the wrist, while also being robust enough to withstand daily wear. It’s slightly stiff at first but breaks in nicely over time.
The strap is finished with contrasting stitching, which adds to the vintage-inspired feel of the watch. The overall aesthetic is timeless, yet practical, and its earthy tone pairs perfectly with the bronze case. For those who prefer a more casual look, it would also pair well with a NATO strap for a more rugged or military-style vibe.
ST1901
At the heart of the Seagull 1963 Bronze Icon lies the ST1901 manual-winding movement, a tribute to the original chronograph movements from the 1960s. This movement, based on the Venus 175, is a vintage-inspired, column-wheel chronograph with a column-wheel design that is smooth and precise. The movement offers a satisfying tactile experience when operating the pushers and is a nod to the watch’s aviation roots.
Despite being a hand-wound movement, the ST1901 delivers solid performance with a reliable power reserve of around 40 hours. The chronograph function works flawlessly, allowing you to time events with precision. While the movement may not offer the same level of technical refinement as modern automatics, it more than makes up for it with character and vintage charm.
Seagull has made sure that the movement is assembled with great care, giving the watch a classic feel that collectors of historical timepieces will surely appreciate. The hand-wound nature of the movement also adds to the experience, creating a more intimate connection between the wearer and the watch.
Specs
| Case | Bronze 40mm Diameter 50.5mm Lug to Lug 12.7mm Thickness Display case back 30m of Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Crystal Sunburst Dial Applied Markers Pencil Hands Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | ST1901 Moonphase 21 Jewels 21 600vph 42-Hour Power reserve |
| Strap | Green Fabric |
Seagull 1963 Bronze Edition Icon 40mm
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Of Interest
The Tianjin Watch Factory: A Legacy of Horological Craftsmanship
The Tianjin Watch Factory, where Seagull watches are made, is one of China’s oldest and most prominent watch manufacturers. Located in Tianjin, a major port city in northern China, the factory has a rich history dating back to 1955, when it was established under the name Tianjin Watch Factory (天津表厂). It is one of the first companies in China to produce mechanical watches, and it has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s watchmaking industry.
In the 1960s, the Tianjin Watch Factory began producing timepieces for various military and government purposes, which is where the Seagull 1963, in particular, finds its roots. The watchmaker originally designed the Seagull 1963 a military chronograph designed for use by China’s air force. It featured a Venus 175 movement, which Seagull later modified to produce their ST1901 chronograph movement, still in use today. This military connection gives the Seagull 1963 its distinct vintage appeal, and it remains one of Seagull’s most iconic models.
In the years following its founding, Tianjin Watch Factory expanded its range of products to include civilian models and high-end mechanical movements, and it eventually rebranded itself as Seagull (海鸥).
The Tianjin Watch Factory is now one of the largest producers of mechanical movements in China, and it manufactures a variety of movements for both domestic and international brands. The Seagull ST1901 used in the 1963 Bronze Edition Icon is a product of the Tianjin Watch Factory’s expertise in mechanical watchmaking and serves as a reminder of their long-standing tradition of producing quality timepieces.
Seagull Today
Today, Seagull’s products span a wide range of styles, from affordable pilot watches to more luxurious limited-edition models. The Seagull 1963 series, however, remains one of the brand’s most iconic lines, loved for its historical significance, vintage aesthetic, and the enduring quality of the ST1901 movement. The 1963 Bronze Editon Icon is a continuation of this tradition, bringing together Seagull’s expertise in mechanical movements with modern design elements and features.
What sets the Tianjin Watch Factory apart in today’s competitive market is its commitment to high-quality manufacturing at a reasonable price point.
Final Thoughts
The Seagull 1963 Bronze Icon 40mm is an exceptional timepiece that blends historical accuracy, modern sensibility, and a touch of luxury. From the bronze case that will develop its own unique patina, to the intricate moonphase complication and the manual-winding ST1901 movement, this watch appeals to both vintage aficionados and newcomers alike. It’s not just a timekeeper, but a piece of horological history that stands out.
If you’re looking for a watch that offers more than just a straightforward design, with a rich history and a sense of evolving personality, the Seagull 1963 Bronze Icon 40mm is a perfect choice. It’s a timepiece that will continue to age beautifully and offer timeless charm for years to come.
Pricing & Availability
Limited to 500 pieces, the Seagull 1963 Bronze Edition Icon retails for $665USD. Please consult the website for more details.
About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
Off The Cuff articles are full-length, hands-on reviews of the watch in question and represent the opinion of the author only. All photos are original, unless specified otherwise. If you would like to have your watch reviewed on this site, contact us here.
It’s a beautiful watch…I was able to purchase before they sold out, but alas, I’ve run into some “complications” in receiving it (pun well intended)…it’s been about a couple of weeks since I purchased and I still do not possess the watch…hopefully no one else has to deal with this hassle from Seagull 1963.
I hope it is simply a matter of them being overwhelmed by the quick volume of sales. Thanks for reading and best of luck!