Micmicmor Vintage Watch

Shanghai 7's series - model 7220

2009-05-08T12:00:00.000+08:00

One of the rarest model of Shanghai 7's series.

It carries the 7's series movement with quick-set date-just function same as swiss watch. It means, pulled out the crown in a half way to have date adjust. Had only found lot "7220-101" has this function and very seldom to find in the second-hand market.

Shanghai 7's series - model SS7

2009-05-08T11:38:00.001+08:00

The finial standardlize model of 7's. It could be found both calender and non-calender models of SS7 sharing the same back-case. I would say this is the finial and the latest model of SHW factory made SS7's "Tongji". Since the quick-set date-just system of the preview models, 7221,7621... are so fragile, it turns factory to made a low-tech but more reliable canlandar seting system. Date adjusted by pulling out the watch stem in a halfway, keep turning the minutes hand forward to 12 o'clock and backward to 9 o'clock position to have the date-just.

SS7 case back are very common found in the maket.

The first China made quartz watch - JinXing (Prototype)

2009-04-27T10:54:00.014+08:00

It carries a quartz 32768hz of DSE movement with "prototype" marked on the case back.

Quoted from Shanghai Light Industry Bureau web-page about this watch, URL as follow
http://www.shtong.gov.cn/node2/node2245/node68930/node68935/node68960/node68972/userobject1ai66698.html

"国内最早研制第三代电子表是上海钟表元件厂。1972年初，试制出电子元器件和4节5号电池都装在机芯外面的第一只样表。1974年底，研制出16级分频电路叠加而成。到1984年共研制生产4177只，注册商标为金星牌。为使该厂能集中精力把电子表元器件的生产搞上去，是年12月，金星牌三代电子表停止生产。"

"The First China made "3rd generation" quartz watch was made by Shanghai Watch & Clock Parts Factory. By the early 1972, SH W&C Parts Factory made the 1st prototype operated by 4x 1.5V #5 battery. By the end of 1974, made a 16 beat frequency circle movement prototype. Till to 1984, 4,177 piece of prototype had made, registered "JinXing" as the trade mark. In order to let SH W&C Parts Factory more concentrated on quartz movement invention, JinXing stopped their production on December of 1984."

As per the Bureau recorded, the terms of 1,2,3 generation;
1st generation quartz watch = Electronic -Mechanical watch, made by Shanghai Ball Pen Factory named "XiongYang".
2nd generation quartz = Tuning Fork watch (Not sure which factory did the first, I know Tianjin and Shanghai, both watch factory had made their tuning fork watch in the past as for experimental purpose),
3rd generation quartz = real quartz watch movement, power by battery and time taking by quartz vibration.

Shanghai 7's series - Rare 7420 SS7's Automatic Prototype

2009-04-23T16:52:00.011+08:00

Rarest Shanghai 7's series, automatic version of "Tonji". As per the Shanghai Light Industry Bureau web page, It was introduced by Shanghai 1st Watch Factory on 1974, the factory Movement code is "ZCSH". It carries a 25j movement = a normal 19J 7221 movement + 6j automatic device.

It comes with the original 19J calander watch dial casue it's a prototype

caseback with "Si (prototype)" marked under the Shanghai Logo

Shanghai 7's series - model 7110 half-steel model

2009-04-23T14:03:00.009+08:00

Chorme plated version of Shanghai 7's series. It takes normal 19J 7's series handwind movement.

Irrigular chorme plated(half-steel) watch top-case with color dial

Different design on its stainless steel back-case

...........................................................................................

Remarks: 1st updated whole cal.7's series info, 23 APR 2009

Prototype Shanghai Diver (Quartz) - upgraded version of SS4

2009-04-21T15:14:00.013+08:00

Prototype Shanghai Diver made by Shanghai City Watch & Clock Research Centre early 80's. It's an upgrade version of SS4 with an hacking quartz calander movement. It had never launched to the market!

The dial showed "Shiying Dian Zi" = Quartz

The bezel has been modifield from fragile plastic to metal (look like copper) and carries an SS4 alike unmarked screw-down crown.

Typical SH watch case-back with very unusal engraving.
First role: Quartz Calandar Diving S-Steel Anti-magnetic
Central: Prototype
Bottom: Shanghai City Watch & Clock Reserach Centre

movement with steel cover-shell

1.5v button battery operated DSE movement

new meteal bezel with 'click' system

Concerned disscussion

http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=255906

------------------------------------------------

1st updated; photos of movement/bezel on 27APR09

Mystery of word “Zuan” using on Shanghai A581's is CLEARED!!!!

2009-04-19T07:43:00.001+08:00

Few days ago, I have a chance to talk with the watch master - Mr Ni (former Shanghai Watch Factory Technician) in his workshop. We have a discussion on when and why did the SHW factory to replaced the form of the Chinese word “Zuan” from a simple way of “Zuan占” to a more complicated “Zuan钻”on A 581’s dial.

He’s agreed my point of view, based on the launching time and the existing sample of model A-631 ladies watches, the time line of the factory using complicated form of “Zuan” on their products was about 1964. But why did they change? I need more evidence…
He stated that there was a Govenment Notice issued on 60’s to announce the new regulations on using simply Chinese words, or I can find out something from this announcement.

After searching the internet, I found that on 7 March 1964, Chinese Government - Chinese Words Revolution Committee, National Culture Bureau, National Education Bureau (中国文字改革委员会中华人民共和国文化部中华人民共和国教育部) had published an announcement on standardize of using simply Chinese words “《关于简化字的联合通知》” to public. On its appendix, “Simply Words General Chart 《简化字总表》”- Chart 1, I found the word “Zuan” in both simply & traditional Chinese there……. So, it’s all cleared!!!

YouHaoBao - Special version of Youyi (Friendship)

2009-04-18T01:57:00.011+08:00

A rare version of Youyi - Friendship watch. Chinese writing "YouHaoBao" and both USSR & PRC flag are found on the dial instead of the normal "YouYi". Chinese words "YouHaoBao" means good friendship newspaper. 1952 October, first issue of "China Soviet YouHaoBao" published & launched in China. Not sure if this watch was an mermorial watch for the newspaper or an domestic version in USSR? Quit sure that, this model had never been sold in China as I had never seen one in the local market so far. Most local collector had never head of this model before. I got this watch from a Russian ebay seller and have only seen few pieces selling in ebay so far.

Shanghai 7120 - Colourful dail

2009-04-18T01:50:00.004+08:00

Some popular color dails Shanghai 7120's in 70's.

上海牌 A581 手表 - An article wrote on May 2008 for a magazine in China

2009-04-08T10:33:00.005+08:00

Story of Shanghai A581 - An article wrote on May 2008 for a magazine in China. For some reasons, it did not issued to public....

上海牌手表从国人的骄傲、渴望拥有，到被人忽视，又到最近升华回到“民族工业品牌”，在这短短五十几年，上海牌手表可谓历尽沧桑，大起大落；希望上海手表厂真正能把握好这时机，真正打造成为国际品牌，令国人骄傲！

特别鸣谢
再次对上海恒宝表业有限公司郑总经理、高级顾问原总机机芯研发人周柏明师傅、原上海手表元老级技师，前厂长童勤奋先-A581研制人、上海手表研究所所长蒋委先生—SS1研制人，SS3机芯研制人现上海新世纪表业高级顾问陈永清先生所提供的资料及指导表示万分感谢。

国产老手表收藏
相信对很多古董手表的收藏者来说，对国产老手表根本不屑一看，因为无论历史工艺、品种和价值与瑞士，甚至日本的钟表都显得较为逊色。如果在两三年前，无论在国内或国外，您去跟人说，您是收藏国产手表的，很可能会招人取笑，又或抱以惊讶的表情；在当时甚至连国内有名的手表论坛都没有一个独立的版面给国表表友使用，要网上讨论国产表，只可能到摄影（xitek.com/camgle.com）论坛又或者到外国的手表（WATCHUSEEK.COM）论坛进行，其受关注程度可想而知。
但随着国内生产某几个机芯的投产，又或者简单的说，国内手表厂大量出售廉价的陀飞轮手表并得到认可的诚挚，国产手表不单在国外，在国内也开始逐渐被人接受及重视，需然收藏国产老表的人数仍然占少数，但近年一些好品相又或者罕有的品种的国产手表，在国内二手表市场已几乎消失。好了，老国表有了市场，按照市场惯例，赝品、改装品就开始在市场上出现，如果您想说找点相关的资料………不用想了。不要说工具书，像样点的资料连厂家都没有保留下来，这无疑对初次涉足国产手表的收藏者来说带来了不少的麻烦。但可庆幸的是世界是公平的，您没法找到资料吗？市场上有很多卖家也无法找到，很多时候卖家连自己在卖什么都不知道，捡漏的情况也时常发生，但真的要靠您运气及经验了。

上海手表厂成立
1955年7月上海市组织29家钟厂和钟表店，开始试制手表。1955年9月26日的国庆前夕研制出第一批18只“东方红”和“和平”牌手表；18只试制品的零部件就地取材，如轮片由口琴簧片，轴由洋伞骨改制。试制品部件除了“游丝”宝石外，全部由本地人手制造，并正式结束中国不能生产细马手表的历史。

1958年3月，A581型机械手表正式投产，注册商标为上海牌，同年4月23日，中国第一家手表厂正式成立，命名为地方国营上海手表厂。1999年由于国内制表业的不景气，上海手表厂正式“宣布”计划内破产”，结束近半世纪的制表王国，估计累计生产2.7亿只手表。

上海手表厂581系列产品清单
年份型号/系列特征
1955～1959 和平、东方红试制品、17钻、不防震
1958～1968 A-581/A581/581 17钻、不防震
1959年 A-591 17钻、半钢不防震、光摆（没有量产）
1959～1961 A-592 17钻、半钢、不防震
1961～1968 A-611/A611/A611a/611 17钻、防震、柳钉摆及光摆
1962～1967 A-623/A623a 17钻、手动、日历（没有量产）
1963～1965 A-631/A631/631 17钻、半钢、女表前期不防震后期防震
1965 A-656 20钻、半钢、防震（没有量产）
1965～1967 A-657 17钻、半钢、女表
1966 A-661 17钻、半钢、女表（只作样机，为S33前身）
1966～1968 A-662 17钻、半钢、防震（样机为24钻，SS2前身）
1968年起581系列型号手表全线停产由1967SS1、SS2型号取代。

A591，A582
上海手表厂曾经试制过两款打算用作A591型号使用的机芯，一款由当时天津大学派驻上海的技术员仿劳力士机芯制作及另一款由307车间苏联专家设计的自动机芯，但最后计划终止，该两款机芯在原上海手表厂档案室曾经陈列过，但由于厂房倒闭，原样板机芯已不知所踪，这可能就是坊间一直流传A591是一只自动手表的原因。
现时所发现的A591手表，主要是一批当时研制“光摆轮”的试制品，后期因为厂里认为光摆轮的工艺仍未成熟及部分工厂领导、职工认为“光摆轮”的档次较低一般为“粗马表才使用光摆轮”的心态而搁置；直至1964年后厂方再新调整涉及才再次使用。
由于试制终止的原因，所以后期的“A591”为了清理库存后盖的原因，装配了A581机芯推出市场出售，所以现时所发现大部分的A591与A581无法分辨的原因。
另外民间流传的A-582型号手表的，查无此型号。

A661，A662
A661，A662为“文革”刚爆发时，厂方所研发的新型号、新“板路”的机芯，与原581系列机芯完全不一样；同样，由于文革的原因，厂里面一片混乱，高级工程师、技术员被“批斗”或调职，有些去了洗厕所，有些去了装配件“学习”，此两型号产品只制过数量极少的样机，并未作批量生产。现时的发现662主要为581系列机芯带SS1 系列的“摆轮”防震系统，同样为了消化库存“662”后盖试销“付”品。A661则为除A657的女款表试制型号手表，661只生产过样机的产品，这型号女表其后在市场上连一片底盖都没有发现过。A661、662，虽然从未正式投产，但实际后期的SS2 型号男表及SS3 型号女表均参照此两款型号机芯演变出来。

A656
A656只出过一批20钻试制品，是在原有17钻的581机芯在中心轮及操轮顶部加装三颗钻，增强机芯的磨性，此设计在以后SS1 机芯开发时使用上。

上海牌手表以前社会上的价值
上海牌手表曾经是上一代国人的奋斗目标，真的没有吹牛，70年代初生活在中国大陆没有一只手表，女孩子根本不会嫁给您，这就是当时所说的结婚聘礼中的“三大件”（三大件指：自行车、手表、缝纫机）。当时一只上海牌手表要买120元，价格相等于一个普通职工三至四个月的收入，排除日常支出，真的可能要节衣缩食大半年才能买到一块手表；但到您有钱在手也并不代表您可以立刻到国营钟表店或百货店购买您想要的手表；您还需要通过工作单位或人事关系疏通疏通搞一张“手表票证”才有资格加入“手表一族”所以当时能够戴上一次上海牌手表真的可以代表您是一个有头有脸的人。如果当时有人被偷取了一块上海牌手表，可以说在当时社会上是一项严重经济罪行的大案，报纸有没有刊登就不得而知了，但肯定的是公安部门一定会正式介入进行深入调查。

根据以下资料，您就会知道为什么当年生活在中国，上海手表这么难求：
1960年上海牌手表生产初期只对冶金、般舶，部队等重点消费对象凭单位介绍信特需供应
1962年开始凭工业销售券购买
1974年2月起上海牌手表销售统一由上海市百货公司发放手表票，凭票供应直至1978年为止。

和平东方红手表
虽然这篇是一篇关于上海牌A581的文章，但我觉得在谈A581前应该先有他们的祖宗先谈起；
和平、东方红手表为上海手表厂第一批手表。第一批试制品于1955年制造，表面6点钟上方上卯有“第一次试制样品 ● 1955年10上海”的字样，该首批试制的18只试制手表的其中一只在1996年国内的一次拍卖会中拍出11万人民币记录。
第二批试制手表仅生产18只，当时也非用作销售用途，而之后用和平、东方红命名的试制品大概3000只，所以如果大街上或古董店有人向您兜售和平、东方红的上海手表，那可以告诫您，这表是真的可能性几乎为零。
在一个偶然的机会下，从另一名玩家（炒家）手上购得。相信每位古董又或者古董表的收藏家都会有同样的经历，就是每一个买家都会在您买东西时告诉您货品来历的故事，这次也不例外（玩表至今，这些故事也听不少），据说此表的主人原本是手表厂工作的退休老师傅，由于什么原因所以拿出来卖，您信不信呢？我的习惯是无论谁讲的故事都不信，信自己！因为曾经有机会买到过一只带有异型机芯的翻新A581上海牌手表，当时买的原因都纯属当作研究的用途，因为这机芯看上去一点都不像581机芯，反而更像瑞士机芯，但打磨又或者刀割的工艺又是在台粗糙更像国产机芯……，于是回家第一件事情便将此块机芯进行大分解，便发现机芯的某几份零部件均被同一名师傅用锉刀又或螺丝刀刻上一个字以识别制作人的身份，最后再翻身一些文字资料发现A581的机芯是模仿A.SCHILA 1187（据内部记载是瑞士SELCA机芯的其实厂家记录的SELCA只不过是瑞士其中一个小品牌，而该品牌像现在制表工业一样购买A.SCHILD机芯打印的自己品牌出售的手表），所以我更确信这机芯实为A581机芯，前身的试制机芯有了这机芯的经历对我购买这对和平、东方红起了很大的作用，因为购买当时网络上从来没有任何相关的记载，对于卖家本身也只是一知半解；最后再凭面盘字体的压模凸字方式及无经改装的面？咬咬牙把它们买下，买下后一直放在一边，也没有打算向外发表，直到2007年1月份，另外一个藏家将同一批三只的藏品在网站上发表，引起一片轰动，但随即又被某资深藏家发帖说：这几只“东方红”和 “和平”部分东方有问题，更说现在作假的人真多，但又没说明原因，只强调因为不想作假的人跟进上去等等。

由于厂家的资料一直缺乏，更无任何有权威人士可当面说明情况，虽然我对这对手表的看法仍然坚定，但仍无法得到考证，直到近月通过杂志的关系，跟原上海手表厂的几位元老级大师会面，更查明及证实此对手表的历史故事。1956年9月“上海手表厂”筹备处试制出第二批共100只和平及东方红，合格品质有几只通过测试，剩下的全部报废。此对和平、东方红实为当时的报废品。当时生产机芯整套工序基本由一名工匠独立负责，在没有图纸的情况下，参照机芯实物每件零件一刀一刀的用人工锉出几组装而成，所以每只机芯的零部件大小都不一，没有标准；直到1957年7月第一套A581的图纸及工序才正式完成及使用，在考虑到上甲板部件在实际铸造过程，如果完全参考AS.118于甲板的起端做成下凹抛弧的形态，在大量生产过程中可能引起上甲板的变形，经技术员及工程师研究及试制后，最终定下现所见A581的统一形态。也就是说在57年后所生产的机芯，其上甲板或外观才会像现时所具的A581机芯，而表壳底盖为“白板”。

坊间的一些“和平”“东方红”赝品
由于“和平”及“东方红”均为国产手表的精品，所以近年坊间的不良商人已开始制作一些自制东方红、和平瞒骗各大表迷。图中的可以说是现时最典型的赝品。
表面重新用油墨？为卯LOGO及字面，表针使用后期的1120型号的表针
表底盖用白板底盖再压字炼成
机芯使用无编号60年及新在甲板上用打上繁体字“试”字
表面使用1120型号的表面（由于没有压制或凸出的上海LOGO，较容易操作）
请大家购买时注意。。。

上海A581手表
1958年上海牌手表及上海手表厂证书注册成立，1985年产量为1.3万只，原使用的和平及东方红品牌仍使用至1960年为止。像很多初学或初涉及收藏国产手表的收藏者一样，很难找到相关的介绍资料，每位收藏者都有自己一套的资料，理论去判断、分辨其原装性，年代等办法意见不一，对初学者造成一定的困扰。但总括各家的说法，最终要的一个准则就是手表的原装性。（原装是是指手表与在出厂时的模样应该会完全一致），这也是衡量所有古董手表价值的一大法则。

A581的表盘
A581的表盘可谓五花八门，有放射、布纹面、凸字、凹字、红印刷字、全数字、黑面、白面、阴阳面等等；厂家及收藏家都没有正式统计过，估计出现不少于一百款。如果去衡量一只上海牌A581的价值，绝大多数取决于面盘的原装性（保存情况）及稀有性（生产数量）；一只稀有的原装面比一只普通翻新面盘的A581售价可以高出五至十倍。

怎样去看面盘是否翻新的？
主要可以分为面盘制作、印刷工艺及字体使用的情况去判断。
早期的面盘主要采用压字的方式把时间刻度及LOGO压入面盘上，中断开始用相反办法从面盘内部向外反压形成凸LOGO和时间刻度，其中更加入颜色（黑白）、布纹、放射纹等特色表盘，后期又采用油印LOGO方式及盘面喷上一层塑料薄膜，盘面形成一束束反光的光带，光束由中心向外拓散的加工工序。以上为A581面盘制作的基本变迁，但最最早期的 A581表盘也曾出现过凸时间刻度、油印上海LOGO及没有秒刻度的面盘。

盘面上17“占”字及“钻”字的说法：
曾经一度被认为是为辨（原压）面盘的方法，就是以17占作为区分，并将使用钻字一律列入A611型号面盘，就使用“占”字的年份问题曾咨询了几位资深的上海手表厂元老级师傅，所得到的回应均是“这事太细了，无法记起”相信以前连厂里都没有做这样的记录，但纯粹以“占” 字来区分是否原压581面盘的实为不妥，按实物显示，A631女士表问世起，已经开始使用“钻”字，估计上海手表厂全线产品自64年起取消使用“占”字。“占”字使用的面盘应分类为早期老面盘，同时使用过在A-591、及早期的A611、A592、A623等型号。
由于市场上“占”字面的需求量较大，所以市场上出现了不少的翻新“占”字面盘，要分辨这批“占”字面盘可以从“占”字内的“口”字大小与原品“口”字作比较及原品的“口”字应较为扁平，而“17”两字应较“占”位置稍微偏高；数字“7”字的“/”应带点弧度。

从盘面油漆工艺区分原压面盘
带颜色的A581面盘由于产量较少，一直以来都是藏家所追捧的款式，同时也是商人翻新表盘的主要对象。更可告诉您市场上10只黑面盘的581，至少9只是翻新的。要分辨这些黑面盘的办法可以把表盘放在灯管下把表盘在不同的角度下进行观察，原压的黑盘在盘面层上应带有像石油浮在水上的一层反光“彩云”，同时黑色涂料则较为“？”，相对翻新表盘的涂料则偏灰色，同时在反光的氢醌个注视，将会有一束束的反光束从圆芯向外扩散。

从“时间”刻度看后改装面
同样使用“宝塔”型上海手表LOGO的，前面已说过，古董表的收藏价值绝大部分向手表盆的[原压]性，同时很多收藏者都喜欢[原压]的表盘，所以市场上也有一批使用较后期的“SS1”面盘去"顶包"的A581手表。分辨这批改装品除了经验、看得多、接触多外，最容易的办法就是从观察表盘，时间刻度的制作办法去分辨；A581“凸”时间刻度的表盘应较为“圆润”及一体成形，如果发现时间刻度有出现“批角”、“中间压坑、反凸”等加工处理，即可确认此表面盘为使用后期SS1面表的改装品。同样在分辨指针是否原装时，也可使用同样办法推断。

A581型表壳、底盖
A581型手表表壳主要分为半钢及全钢两款为主，款式方面有几种，主要分为前期，1960年前壳型及体积较少的全钢及半钢壳以及60年后统一外形的全/半钢壳。在最后期的“A581”型号及全线“581”号型号表壳表盖内曾再作调整，统一使用直径30MM的后盖（与后期SS1产品相同）

A581表底盖不算“A591”及和平、东方红型号的底盖共有12款。早期A581底盖与“和平、东方红型号”一样带6个下陷式凹孔用以开启表盖，通常这批底盖都是配上早期的小“全钢”或“半钢”外壳一同使用。
其后，则改为“+”边形底盖。另外更有一批1963年的底盖，加印出厂流水编号，据当时工作过的师傅指出，以往当时厂方希望像瑞士手表一样在每只手表上均打上流水编号，所以特地从瑞士订购了一台编号打码机，但最后由于制量其大，此机器承受不了这负荷，最终报废，最后除了63年这批产品外再也没有在底盖打上流水编号，此类形表后盖也属于A581系列较为少见的品种，但更比较稀有的应该是带“试”钢印及人工刻号的后盖，故名思义带“试”字钢印是当时试制A581时的产品后盖，而带人工刻4位数字流水号则当时一批专供部队使用的A581底盖。

A581机芯
分辨A581机芯在访问也流传过“581机芯的摆轮一定是柳钉摆”的说法，此说近导致日后很多改装A581除此案的原因，其实上海手表厂在1964年后期已经全线手表使用光摆轮，所以除少部分使用库存积压零部件的A581外，基本在表厂1964后期已在581机芯上使用“光摆轮”

。在扽便A581机芯应以机芯是为“不防震”机芯及主夹板是否带固定螺旋孔位为准则。所有A581机芯均带防制功能并使用五只“耳朵”的机芯压圈来固定。
年代的确认
由于表厂向消费者承诺所有制品均有两年的保修期，所以在61年起A581机芯在摆轮底的甲板上开始打上机芯制造的日期和61年前机芯无打编号，日期编号，编排为四位数字加一个英文字母，最先前的两个数字代表，制造年份，后两个数字代表月份，英文字母代表当日制作第几批制品；例如“6105A”则代表61年5月第一批制品。现时本人所发现最早带机芯编号的机芯为61年3月的制品。
早期机芯及后期机芯分辨
早期机芯除无打印机芯编号外，上条夹板侧面镀铬，以及可从机芯正面打孔及发条盒位置的开坑切割分辨出来。一般来说没打字机芯的价值比较高，如果您运气好的话，可能会找到“单”号数字为机芯，这些都是57年-58年间的试制品机芯，“单”号数字为机芯，可从机芯中的“簕抓”（在小钢轮旁的止回装置），快慢针的形状看出来。

A crossover of Seiko 6217 n Shanghai SS4 Huoju

2008-06-03T14:52:00.003+08:00

I found both bezels were prefect fitted together, the outlook and structure designwere exactly same. For those readers who do not familiar with Seiko – Seiko 6217 was the first Seiko diver from 1965 to 1968. I am wondering, may the Shanghai watch factory copied the bezel design of Seiko?

Micmicmor on “Time” magazine APRIL 21, 2008 issue

2008-05-08T11:46:00.006+08:00

It’s a great honor to meet-up Mr Gary Jones for his article about Chinese vintage watches at Times magazine in Shanghai on March. This article had finally printed-out on 21 April issue, URL as follows:

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1729552,00.html

30 March 08, I had met-up Mr Christophe Bosset from Switzerland- Photo Editor of "Time"", Time Asia in Hong Kong and have some photo shooting. I had a great time……… although, it’s quit a boring process.

Thanks Gary, Chris and the sweet lady Ling Liu from Time Asia for your kind effort on this wonderful article.

Baoshihua SZ1A (Early type Baoshihua, dated 1974)

2008-04-25T09:35:00.004+08:00

This is another movement - SZ1A. The outlook of this movement has no diffrent than the later SZE. But, it carries a very special code under the balance wheel, in the upper is SZ1A, bottom is "二 74 上". (二 means "the second", 上 means The Shang of Shanghai). I guess the meaning of the bottom code is "Shanghai 2th Watch Factory 1974".

A Comparision of SZ1, SZ1A, SZE movement

Rare Baoshihua SZ1 prototype (1st issued STD Mov'mt, made before 1974)

2008-04-24T22:45:00.008+08:00

The attached is the pie-pan Baoshihua with “SZ1” movement. This movement has smaller balance wheel than the later SZE movement and has a special "click" system. The code under the balance wheel; upper is 2GG, bottom is SZ1. I personal think that this is the prototype.

Additional informaton for National Standard Movement SZ1 (Tongji)

2008-04-24T22:31:00.005+08:00

Article about SZ1 movement National Standardized movement

"............Ministry of Light Industry called up a meeting for the whole watch manufacturers in December 1969; regarding developing a national standardize watch movement, by the experience of N1 national standardize Clock movement making in 1959. Ministry of Light industry had organized Shanghai Watch & Clock Industry Company, Shanghai Watch Factory, Shanghai 2nd Watch Factory, Beijing, Tianjin, LiaoLing, GuangZhou & XiAn HongQi Watch Factory, XiAn FengLai Meters & Watch Company, together with the Watch & Clock Research Team of Min of Light industry(founded in 1966 in XiAn), the technicians, scholars of Timing instrument pf TianJin University to formed a special project unit. Project started on March 1970. After the movement design, prototype and blue print making, Model “Z1” movement had finalized in November 1971. The Z1 movement with the advantage of simple structure and less parts (83 structures & 109 types of parts) and had reached the accuracy of +- 30seconds per day standard............"

"..................SZ1 standardized movement, S represented ShouBiao (=Watch), Z represented ZhongGuo (= China). Except TianJin Factory's “Seagull” & “DongFeng”, “ZhongShan” band from Nanjing Watch Factory, most factories were using this Standardized movement, they are “ChunLei” & "Shanghai" band from Shanghai 1st Factory, “Double Romb” & “Beijing” band from Beijing Watch Factory, “Butterfly” and “YanAn” from Xi An Hong Qi Watch Factory, “BaoShiHua” form Shanghai 2nd Watch Factory, "Guangzhou" from Guangzhou Watch Factory, "HongQue" from LiaoLing Watch Factory, 'JinMao" from QingTao Watch Factory, "ShangChang" from ChongQing Watch Factory, "SuZhou" from SuZhou Watch Factory, "WuHan" from WuHan Watch Factory……” "

Another article from Shanghai City Government Website

"................First lot of SZE standard movement - BaoShiHua had made by Shanghai 2nd watch factory in 1972. It reached the A grade standard of Ministry of Light Industry with +- 30S/day accuracy.
Mass production of ZSH standard movement by Shanghai Watch Factory started produce in January 1974. SHW factory had also designed and launched series of watch model with ZJH – midsize movement, 19J ZSH/model 1 movement, ZJSH calendar movement and 25J ZCSH automatic movement….."

Shanghai 7's series - model 7621 calendar date-day

2008-01-28T15:18:00.005+08:00

Shanghai "Shuang Li" 7621's

Shuang = double; Li = Calendar
An upgrade version of 7221's. It carries ss7 movement with quick-set date-day function. Calendar setting method is same as 7221's, you have to push the stem all the way to the end by turning the crown up and down to set both DD calendar.

Both 7221's & 7621's can consider as rare model as it's the first model which had quick-set function. Compare with 7221's, 7621's are even rarer as the Shanghai watch company has no longer introduced any date-day watch untill SS8 is lauched. The probability to get a 7621's is 10 times harder than a 7221's. Becuase of their unstable date setting design. This model ended and replaced by a more stable and lower-tech model SS7 (3 hrs up & down calendar setting).

Rare Early version of Shanghai Day-date watch

The most early day-date model with no model number marked on the back case.

Shanghi 7621 Date-day Calander watch

A 3 step case 7621 day-date calendar

On the back, it says "Stainless steel 7621 901 Day-date Calander "

Shanghai 7's series - model 7221 calendar

2008-01-20T02:59:00.002+08:00

7221, 19J hand winding calendar watch with quick set date function. The quick-set function of this series is quick difference than usual swiss watch. You have to push the stem all the way out to have the calendar setting and time adjust in the mid-way.

Early 7221's with 3 piece watch case. RILI means Calendar

mid-term 7221's dial

laterest 7221's dial

7221's case back

Shanghia 7120 - 7series

2008-01-20T01:21:00.011+08:00

The first lot of National Standard Movement (Chinese pingyin "Tongji") was launched by Shanghai the Second Watch Factory in Janury 1972- 17J movement and named BaoShiHua, factory code ZSE.

Shanghai Watch Factory launched their 1st Nation Standard Movement (Factory code ZSH, 7 series) product in 1974. Production peroid of 7 series - 1972~1985, product catergory as follows:

7110 - man size, 19j handwinding, chorme plated top case
7120 - man size, 19j handwinding
7221 - man size calendar, 19j handwinding
7122 - mid size, 19j handwinding
7222 - mid size calendar, 19j handwinding
7621 - man size date-day, 19j handwinding
SS7 - latest standard model for whole 7's series

------------------------------
Rarest model
7420 - man size automatic mov't - 19J? SS7 with automatic device Date/DD version - Protoype
7020- man size calendar mov't, 19j handwinding mov't- the preview model number of SS7
7220- man size calendar mov't, 19j handwinding Calander mov't with quick-set date function as normal swiss watches

Due to their hugh production figure, I suggest collector only collect those;
1. early model of 7's series,
2. special dial
3. special case (3 piece watch case )
4. Calendar watch with quick-set date function

........................................................................................................

Shanghai 7120's Stainless steel 19J hand-winding early version

Early 7's series dial, above six o'clock on dial
First roll: 19 zuan = 19 jewels
second roll: Zhongguo zhizao = Made in Chian
third roll: Fang Zhen = Shock resistant

.................................................................................

Mid term 7's series, "19zuan & FanZhen" will be found on dial

................................................................................

Latest 7's series, English "19 Jewels, Shock resistant" used on dial
.................................................................................

A normal stainless steel 7120's back-case
-------------------------------------------------------

*1st updated 23 April 2009 - add-on 7110 info, photos of "feng-zhen & 19j resit" added
*2 nd updated 24 April 2009 - amended auto version model frm 7624 to 7420,

Shanghai A623a

2008-01-20T01:02:00.000+08:00

The second model of Shanghai Calendar watch A623a is the upgraded version of A623 model. It has a upgraded A611a movement(with calendar function) which have semi-wuick-set calendar function (aujusted the calendar by setting 3hrs forward & backward at 12 o'clock).

It is the second generation of Shagnhai calendar watches production years 1965~67; one of a hard to find model of in Shanghai watch series.

Shanghai A623 - The Minister Watch

2008-01-08T14:20:00.003+08:00

A623 - The first Calendar Shanghai Watch

The first Calendar watch from Shanghai Watch Factory found in1963. Since the greatest Prime Minister of PRC - Mr Zhou EnLai was the first user and worn it until he had passed-away. There is another name called for this model in China.- the “Minister Watch”. The original Minister's timepiece is now keep and display in National History Museum of China..

A623's were only supplied & provided to those High Ranking government & millitary Leader, which had never had public sell in the market.

Mr Zhou EnLai - The First Prime Minister of PRC

The Fist model of A623, the early writing form of "Zuan" apply on dial.

There are only A623, A656 20J model with found on this form of dial printing.

1st roll - 17Jewels Anti-shock

2nd roll - China, Shanghi

Please note, most after-market 1120's dial had found in this format.

The normal case back for A623's series.

Special version of A-623, in memory of China exploded its first nuclear device in 1964.

Normail version A623. The standardlizied printing format of "Zuan" is used.

623's is the upgarded version of 611. It carried a 17J 611's movement with calander device.

No quick set calendar function (24hours setting).

- Early with 623 has no serial number on the movement (under the balance wheel).

- Movement with screws balance wheel

- Specail nuclear version with 64/65xx engraved on movement and nothing difference than those other latest 623 except the back case. Believed production year from 1964~65.

Shanghai SEAGULL

2007-12-27T22:48:00.000+08:00

Shanghai 1st watch Factory made the same both Chinese and English band name "SEA GULL" .which before SEAGULL watch is launched to public.

Seagull ST-19, China Airforce 1963 reissue

2007-12-27T22:45:00.000+08:00

China Airforce 1963 re-issue

Original China Airforce 1963 (picture borrowed)

Rare Seagull Factory 50 Anniversary Watch

2007-12-27T22:41:00.000+08:00

海鷗50周年紀念版

Seagull ST-7

2007-12-27T22:33:00.000+08:00

ST-7 21J Handwinding regular model

ST-7 21J Handwinding Date-day model

ST-7 29J Automatic Date-day model

Another info on 29J Auto, please refter to follow link

http://micmicmor.blogspot.com/search/label/Rare%20Sea-Gull%20ST-7

Seagull ST-6

2007-12-27T22:24:00.000+08:00

Seagull ST-6

1974, the first Chinese made international watch making standard ladies movement

Handwinding lady movement (picture borrowed)

Automatic 23J movement

Seagull ST5D Automatic 29J calendar watch

2007-12-22T22:07:00.000+08:00

Seagull ST5D

ST5-D 29石自動日歴 ....當時嘅最高級机種

Automatic calendar 29J movement. This is the traction version of Dongfeng 29J. It carries a 29J ST5-D Dongfeng movement but with Seagull Dial.

TianJin & Lanhua - Seagull ST-5

2007-12-22T22:03:00.001+08:00

Dosmetic Sub-band of Seagull ST-5 watch

Left Tianjin; Right LanHua

Seagull ST-5

2007-12-22T21:38:00.000+08:00

SEAULL - ST-5

1973 Dongfeng renamed as "SEAGULL", and ST-5 had became the first lot of China exported watches model.

1973年，在“東風”表基礎上創立“海鷗”品牌（中國第一隻出口的手錶）

ST5 SEAGULL Early non-date version (still using DongFeng movement)

Upper-Left : ordinary ST5 Seagull with date

UpperRight : Railway issue ST5

Lower-Left: Military ST5 for PLA

Lower-Right : National Map Drawing Bureau

左上:海鷗ST-5日歴.....右上:鐵路局定制板

左下:八一軍解放軍定制板.....右下:国家繪圖局定制板

Dongfeng ST-5

2007-12-22T20:41:00.000+08:00

DongFeng ST-5

1966 100% China designed and made watch "Dongfeng ST-5 19J" is launched

1966年，“東風”牌手錶研製成功（中國第一隻自行設計製造的手錶) 机芯编号 ST-5Quoted from internet "...中国第一只被保留为全国统一机芯的手表。第一只东风手表的问世，带来了国内手表业的高速发展。我国钟表协会为规范技术，组织了全国的制表业专家研究生产统一机芯的问题。确定哪一种机芯适合作为标准来推广是影响到我国整个手表行业的重大事情。所以，专家们把讨论意见上报给国务院，希望有关领导给予批示，时任国家总理的周恩来的答复是“东风表要保留……”。

Early Dongfeng ST-5 (gold and silver pie-pan dial version) 早期東風, 金, 銀字(拱表面)

ST-5 movement ST-5 機芯

variety of early ST-5 case-back 早期東風後盖

Early Dongfeng ST-5 pie-pan dial calendar早期拱面東風日歷

Later Dongfeng ST-5 calendar & flat dial version後期黑面, 日歷..."東風"

"New" Dongfeng ST-5 with "new" English local version最後期換咗新LOGO嘅東風

"Served the People" Dongfeng 原压"為人民服務"東風

Special Dongfeng with "Served the People" slogan on dial. A bit faded out but 100% original. Please aware, there are a lot of aftermarket STP solgan dial DongFeng had found in the market recently!As you can find, the original dial on 6 o'clock area should have nothing printed except the STP slogan.

Other Special Wu-yi

2007-12-22T15:50:00.002+08:00

ST-2 to ST-2A, Transcation peroid WuYi

ST2 過渡 ST-2A過渡期雜種版

Unknow ST-2 Wuyi with special marked "YI" on dial (above 6 o'clock location)

ST2A "乙"版

Tianjin ST-2

2007-12-22T15:50:00.001+08:00

Rare Tianjin (not Wuyi) ST-2 with 18J movement

ST2的極品......"天津 ST-2 "估計係改廠名出嘅特别版

BUXIUGANG HOUGAI = Stainless Steel Case Back

呢個底盖仲好玩, 叫"BUXIUGANG HOUGAI".....不銹鋼後益

Wuyi –ST-2 & ST-2A

2007-12-22T15:49:00.002+08:00

The thrid generation of Wuyi –ST-2 , ST-2A

ST-2 Wuyi

ST-2 17J movement had upgrade to anti-shock system. Early ST-2 share the dial and case of 62-A but case back. May be the factory want to finished those stocked dials & cases before new ST-2A is launched?

ST-2 比以前62A進步咗少少, 就係多咗個防零系統, 表、殼都同62A一樣

ST-2A Wuyi

The watch case and LOGO are redesigned. Printing emble are more often found in the market.
ST2A凸LOGO板,自始以后五一 LOGO就不再用, 全線手表表殼換新压

Movement

Movement had upgraded to 18J with anti-shock system. Later Wuyi ST-2A had also undergo the anti-magnetic process before left the factory.

Case back

Upper - early chrome plated watch-case case back
middle - early stainless steel watch-case case back
Lower - later stainless steel watch-case case back (with antimagnetic marked)

Crown

Please note, ST-2A is the last model of "Wuyi" band. "Dongfeng" had take place of the Wuyi band on 1966.

Wuyi – Model # 62-A

2007-12-22T15:49:00.001+08:00

The second generation of Wuyi – Model # 62-A

It still carry a non- shock protected movement but have stainless steel version available.

第二代五一表，型號 62-A

Only 17 "Zuan(J)" print under the logo 表面 LOGO 下只寫 “17占”

Movement

Non-shock protected balance with slightly difference than #58001

62A 一样用不防震58001机芯（有点不同）

Case back 底蓋

Early 62-A S.steel case back 不銹鋼 62-A 底蓋

62-A chrome plated model 半鋼(黃銅鍍鉻)62-A 底蓋

Crown

Wuyi – Model # 58-001

2007-12-22T15:47:00.000+08:00

The first generation of Wuyi – Model # 58-001

1958 Tianjin Wuyi watch factory is found

1958 “Wuyi”is named for the whole product line.

A 17 jewels handwinding Non-shock-protected movement (A.Schild copy) with chormed plated watch case and stainless steel case black.

第一代五一表，型號58-001

1958年，建廠，定名為“天津五一手錶廠”
1958年，產品改為“五一”商標“

模仿瑞士A.Schild 17石不防震機芯, 半鋼(黃銅鍍鉻)殼

Movement 機芯

The movement is not standardized until later model ST-2 is made. Even early 58-001 have variety on movement as well as the watch case back

3 different case back is identified as Wuyi 58001 model watch

表底蓋有3款

Early “Made in Tianjin, China” model 天津製造平底版58001

Traditional-Chinese writing case back with Wrench hole on edge繁體字版(帶開表牙位)

Simply-Chinese writing case back. 58001簡體字版

Movement Spacer 機芯壓圈 ”c”

Crown 表"的"

Dial

“17 jewels Water-proofed watch” under the Wuyi emblem can only found in those very early 58-001 dial.

First Chinese watch - Seagull Wuxing (FIVE STARS)

2007-12-22T15:46:00.000+08:00

Wuxing (FIVE STARS)

24th March 1955, the First Chinese made watch is made and named “ Wuxing ( 5 Stars)”. This watch has 15J movement and 100% handmade by the former Seagull watchmaker.

1957, Preliminary office of Tianjin Watch Factory (former Seagull Watch Factory) is formed

五星表

1955年3月24日，第一隻手錶仿製成功（中國第一隻國產表），取名“五星”牌。　
1957年，成立天津手錶廠（即海鷗手錶廠前身）籌備處

Picture borrowed

拿著放大鏡看古董表在看什麼??

2007-12-22T15:44:00.000+08:00

很多朋友可能也會發現那些人一手拿著放大鏡一手拿塊手錶左看看右看看，又打開表蓋左擺右擺，到底在看什麼？那我現在就大概說說從拿到一隻手錶開始該看的程式（僅是個人的習慣，當然可能會有些朋友會有自己的一套辦法或手法）：

1.先檢查表面是否原莊

一隻古董手錶的價格，可以說有一半是花在表面上；如果一隻表殼、機芯完美同型號的手錶，表面完美的價格可高於較差的高出50%或更多。為了市場需要，不少古董手錶賣家，想盡一切辦法，對破舊的表面進行翻新，以求得到更高的利潤。
表面的分類：
一級：原莊面沒有氧化發黃
二級：原莊面發黃，但好平均無斑點形成
三級：原莊面發黃，但部分表面出現斑點
四級：原莊面，但字體、秒格部分翻新
五級：整塊表面翻新重造
現時市場上普遍翻新手法不離絲網印刷或直接手寫兩種-----以全只翻新及舊面翻新的方式。（隨著科技的進步，有部分高格表已用電腦鐳射列印進行翻新）

2.檢查表殼：

a.查底蓋銘文及品牌是否與表面一致（K金買殼表例外）
b.查底蓋開表的齒口有沒有被粗魯的開啟過導致嚴重劃傷
c.查底蓋與上身介面位置是否吻合、平整、顏色是否一致
d.有沒有過分的“拋光”翻身等動作導致表殼出現表耳大小不一，棱角盡失
e.如果是包金表，要查看包金層是否已破損、脫落
f.如果是K金、銀表，則要檢查有否修補過的痕跡， Hallmark是否對板，會不會是後加

3.表殼表面作比較：

a.如果是包金或K金，要查看表殼黃金的顏色是否與表面上的指針一致
b.檢查表面的新舊程度與表殼的情況是否匹配，若表面新束束的但表殼非常殘破，則表明表面或表殼式後配的可能性極高，因為只有極好密封性能的表殼（包括表冠（表的）/膠蓋）才會把表面保持到最好的狀態（同時在判斷機芯和表殼是否一致也用此辦法）

4.檢查表冠
檢查表冠是否帶有原廠LOGO或標記

5.檢查機芯、功能

a.檢查機芯是否帶“品牌”名字的印記對不對，會不會是後加
b.檢查機芯的新舊程度，會不會有發黴生銹的現象
c.檢查“擺輪”的擺動是否“生猛”，拿著手錶在不同的水準角度觀察機芯的擺動是否受角度的影響而變慢又或停頓
d.檢查機芯上的螺絲有沒有被磨平（由於粗暴開啟導致）
e.上緊發條檢查是否發條尾部已斷裂（如發條尾部斷裂，就會像正常手錶一樣可以上發條但你會感覺到會有上不盡的感覺）
f.如果自動手錶的話，應把表蓋關好後搖打一下外殼，感覺一下自動陀的擺動是否流暢、有沒有陀刮到底蓋所出現的異聲
g.調整一下時分針，察看調整時是否順暢，如發現有卡住的問題即離合輪或中心輪可能損毀、生銹
h.如日曆、日月星、CHRONO手錶，必須試好各彈跳、回零等各功能工作是否正常

Zuanshi - SB1ZB

2007-10-21T23:22:00.001+08:00

SB1ZB slim calendar movement

Zuanshi - SM2H??

2007-10-21T23:19:00.000+08:00

SM2H??? automatic day-date

Zuanshi - SBS prototype

2007-10-21T23:16:00.000+08:00

SBS slim movement prototype

Zuanshi- 19J Calendar prototype

2007-10-21T23:10:00.000+08:00

19J high beat, quick set calendar prototype

Zuanshi - SM1A Calandar 1980 early model

2007-10-21T22:59:00.000+08:00

Shanghai Stopwatch Factory case back

Zuanshi - SM1A-K

2007-10-21T22:56:00.001+08:00

Left : Shanghai Stopwatch Factory case back

Right Shanghai 4th Watch Factory case back

Zuanshi - SM1A

2007-10-21T22:42:00.000+08:00

SM1A piepan dial

SM1A prototype, with S marks on the case back. S Means "Shiji" (prototype)

SM1A movement. The prototype movement have smaller Jewel in size than later movement

Zuanshi - Jin Xing Pocket Watch

2007-10-21T22:35:00.000+08:00

Jin Xing (Golden Star) Clock Factory pocket watch

Shanghai Zuanshi (Diamond) Watch Info

2007-10-20T03:04:00.000+08:00

I have read a book about the history of Shanghai Zuanshi(Diamond) Watch Factory recently.
Since there is not much info existed for this Chinese famous band. I would like to share the following info to all of you:

1932 The original founder of Diamond Watch Factory – Koo Hai Zheng Opened up a Clock factory by the name of his son and called “Tak On Clock” factory

1937 Factory bombed and destroyed when Japanese invaded Shanghai

1938 Factory rebuilt and renamed as “Jin Xing (Golden Star) Industrial Association”, mainly products – Clock

1950 Factory renamed “:Jin Xing Clock Factory”

1951 First pocket watch had made on April

1952 First stopwatch model# 593 had made

1958 Started produce Military use stopwatch for PLA

1966 Factory renamed as “Shanghai Stop Watch Factory”

1969 1st April, Fist wristwatch model SM1A prototype is born , first lot of internal sells 1400pieces SM1A had made in the year.,

1972 March, whole wristwatch product line changed to 21600bph fast-beat SM1A-K movement
Awarded national No.1 wristwatch award

1974 some prototype had launched to the market

1975 Military use stopwatch production line transfer to Shanghai 2nd Watch Fatory.

1978 Factory renamed as “ Shanghai 4th Factory”
Model SM2H (28800bph automatic date-day-watch, with quick set and hack second function) launched to market. SM2H production ended on 1980 and only 487 pieces had made.

1980~83 The SM2H left behind parts had reproduced 23660 pieces of 19J calendar hand winding watches to the market

1980 1st lot of 7650 pieces, SM1A calendar watches had launched to the market

1982 Total number of 130600 pieces SM1A calendar watches had launched to the market. Join-venture with Shanghai Watch Factory producing SBS1, SBS2 (Slim Movement), SBS1C, SBS2C (Auctomatic Movement) prototype.

1983 The Tenth time of Zuanshi Watch, to get national No.1 award.

1984 September, SBS1B(Calendar movement), SBS3(3.95mm movement), 5250pieces launched to the market. SBS is the prototype is the general name for this slim movement, SB1Z & SB1ZB were used on Zuanshi’s product.

1985 SB1Z SB1ZB launched to the market

1986 13 September, Factory renamed to “Shanghai Zuanshi Watch Factory”

Recent China PLA Military Diver

2007-06-27T01:21:00.001+08:00

A most recent official PLA Navy diver, 21j, day-date automatic“Miyota”movement, mineral crystal, one way rotated bezel with solid stainless steel oyster strap. It is a very Rolex Submariner look alike watch.

This a very special presentation watch to the particular person (Awarded? General?) in the navy. The original owner's name is printed on the dial above the 6 hour marker. I have also found another version with navy unit number and some commercial version with nothing imprint on dial instead.

Omega - China Railway Pocket Watch

2007-06-27T00:37:00.000+08:00

The China Railway Bureau had ordered a lot of ? pieces cal.161 pocket watch from Omega Watch Company on 1951. It has white porcelain dial with 44mm chrome plated watch case, each case back has Railway Bureau symbol and 4 digits serial number engraved.
Even those, they are not chronometer grade or real railway grade movement watches, but they are the fist lot of official-ordered timepiece from the People Republic of China. Thus, they are highly collectable since not many piece has existed and survived. These watches were only delivery and assigned to those high ranking leader in the old days.

China Railway Bureau symbol and a officer badge

Omega cal.161 movement

Shanghai Watch model 611's series

2007-06-12T19:06:00.000+08:00

This is quit tough to categorized the whole Shanghai 611's series, since 100% original, untouched 611 are hardy found in the market. Uncounted movements or oldest dials had transformed to high value model 581 or had replaced the more reliable 1120's regulator unit in the old day.I can only identify each model by my own theoretical theory and the actual pieces on my collection....

A-611

A611

A611a

611

Super Rare 14K Rose-gold“YouYi - Friendship"

2007-06-11T18:19:00.000+08:00

OK, This is not a Chinese watch! It is a 1954, Soviet Union made show-piece watch, carries Chinese character "FriendShip" & number 1~12 on dial.

Story behind:
On 2nd October 1954, “Exhibition of Economic and Cultural Achievements of USSR” was held in Moscow Exhibition Centre Complex, Beijing. This was the first international? exhibition take place in China when new China is born. It introduce & display the heavy & light industry material & products, cultural & art of USSR to public. USSR Chairman Khrushchev and Premier Zhou held the ribbon-cutting ceremony on the opening day.
This 14K rose gold “Youyi – Friendship”watch was made by 1st Moscow Watch Factory and as one of the display item at the exhibition.

I got this watch from an Israel collector year ago. Compare with the later mass production “Youyi – Friendship. It carries a 15j, dated 54-2 movement and of course it’s beautiful handmade solid gold-case. The number of production is unknown, but sure is very limited.

The above is the mass prooduct 17J, chorme plated "Youyi-Friendship" by Chistopol Watch Factory on 1957/58. You can identifly both watches by the date-stamp on the movement and also the difference of printing artwork of the dial. Although, it was a mass production, but it's already hard to found in China now a day. Please beware, most of the "Youyi - Friendship" are redone dial by the common "Kama" on the market.

The common "Kama" watch shared the same watch case "Youyi-Friendship" by Chistopol Watch Factory on 50's.

Rare SS4 24J AUTO, Shanghai Military Watch

2007-06-09T03:10:00.000+08:00

From 1970 to 1976, Shanghai Watch Factory had produced about 30000 piece of SS4 24J automatic military watch for PLA commander.

The most popular model out of the whole Shanghai Watches series. Original and mint condition is very hard to find, but I would say the original stainless steel strap is more hard to find than the watch in fact.

When you have a chance to catch this gem stone, you should check the following features:

1. the dial must original dial as well as the calendar

2. the calendar should be in red color

3. the bezel has no-crack or re-glued situation- can rotate freely

4. the crystal must have calendar window

5. the crown should lock freely

6. of course the movement should in good condition, engraved with SS4 and follow with 2 alphabet

BS2 Beijing with Slogan

2007-06-09T02:58:00.000+08:00

A rare Beijing model BS2 with Gold Tiananmen logo, silver marker and "Served the people" on dial

Shanghai City Government Record About Shanghai Watch Factory Early Produts

2007-06-08T19:14:00.000+08:00

Since there is no official document has left from former Shanghai Watch Factory, the only reliable and available document is the record from the Shanghai City Government website about their light industry history. http://www.shtong.gov.cn/node2/node2245/node68930/node68935/node68960/node68972/userobject1ai66697.html

I have translated a small paragraph here, I think it may good for Chinese vintage watch collectors to share.

Quote..

“From 1965 onward, Shanghai Watch Industry had invented and developed, model 591 automatic movement watch, model 611, 631, 657 mid-size men watch and the high grade A641 24J mechanical men watch. The movement power-reserve had increase to 45hrs from 40hrs since model SS1A had launched. The 1st million production was in 1968 and had increase to 2.28 million on 1970. The factory had also produced SSI/1 mid-size men watch, SS4, SS4H-K 19J mechanical men watch, SS4B 19J calendar men watch, SS2C 29J automatic men watch, SS4C 24J automatic calendar men watch, SS6P automatic calendar men watch & SS2B 29 automatic calendar watch, etc. On 1972, SSI had enhanced to SSIK high beat movement from 18000 bph increased to 21600 bph; daily average error had improved from 45s/day to 30s/day and it also reached the National 1st grade standard.”

Shanghai Watch Factory Product 1958~68 updated

2007-06-04T13:37:00.000+08:00

Rare 19J Zuanshi

2007-06-04T13:15:00.000+08:00

Why it is rare?
- pie-pan dial with golden marker
-19J movement, look like a SS1 movement
-A 1120’s alike S.Steel watch case, and it doesn’t look like the sharp of Zuanshi elder members SM1A or SM1A-K chrome plated case
-There is no factory name marked on either the movement or the watch case

I am wondering it may be the recorded “19J, SS4 –K” movement and a prototype Zuanshi watch made from Shanghai Watch factory before the Shanghai Stop Watch factory adopted the Zuanshi name. It just like the story of Shanghai Watch Factory made old “Seagull” band.

It could be the SM1A prototype or those unknow prototype produced on 1974?? couldn't find any information on my book....edited on 21 OCT2007

Rare Shanghai 581's "#7" s/n movement

2007-05-20T02:38:00.000+08:00

This is a rare prototype #7- 581's movement.

Please find the comparison of regular 581's and my #7 581's movement as follows:

1.The normal 4 digits serial number under the balance wheel are found replaced by a #7 instead.
2.#91 is stamped on the other side of the main-board.
3.The old type barrel click & regulator index are found.
4.The copper-tone minutes wheels and mainspring barrel are found
5.Stainless steel hour wheel is using instead
6.More drill holes and the mainspring barrel cut are found on the main board

Please note!
Except the number markings on this movement (above pt.1&2), These are also the comment features for those No-serial-number 581's movement, but may not all appear on the same movement.

Rare 29J Sea-Gull Day-date Automatic

2007-05-07T00:51:00.000+08:00

Rare 29J Sea-Gull automatic watch dated 70's. ST-7 movement with hacked second and quick-set day-date function.

The movement marked 28J, but still have no idea why its show 29j on the dial?

More discussion on Chinese watch forum about this watch as bellows:

http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=70089

http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=61704

70's & 80's Shanghai watches purchasing coupon

2007-04-25T15:55:00.000+08:00

From 60's~ earliest 80's, watches were listed to Expensive Consuming items and selling price were all under the control of Government. People should apply a designated coupon together with a recommendation letter issued from their employed unit (and of course RMB) before getting his watch. All watch shops were running by the Government with no exception. The said pricing control were released on 1986

Shanghai watches were selling at rmb120 fixed price on 60's which equitant to a normal worker's 15months salary. At the time being, Shanghai Watches was the number one band watch in China, represented to high quality and the symbol of wealthy! You may ask about those imported band watches? Sorry, they were all charged with a high import-tax and as a normal civilian, nobody would take the risk to wear imported watch during that red revolution period.

Here, I found the official coupons issued by the province Government for purchasing Shanghai watch on 70's, and a couple of coupon for purchasing Shanghai wooden clock and watch issued on 80's from Shanghai Department Store.

581's black dial identification

2007-04-25T11:35:00.000+08:00

Since a lot of redone black dial 581's found in the market. My frined - Kent has raised-up a question about the identification of black dial 581's in the watch forum and I have made the following comparision:

There is so cheap for reprint a 581 or any Shanghai watch dials in Shanghai. I was told by a vintage watch seller, to reprinting a black 581 is cost about 20rmb and a white one is cost 15rmb. (It depends on the quantity). The reprinting shop are still using the same workmanship to print the dial as most of them are retiled SH watch factory workers. The only way to identify these dial are observing the mod and the dye for what they were using for print.

“A” is a redone 1120 dial which I bought a year ago.

“B” is a original 581 black dial.

“C” is a original (oxidized) 581 black dial

“D” is a original 1523 black dial.

“1” is a redone 24J military dial

“2” is a original 24J military dial

“Z” is a redone 1120 normal dial (you can find the black dye are still on the second -marker)

“X” is a original 1120 normal dial

-- Please compare the dye of A, B & D using on the dial, the original dye dial should be very dark and solid in color and has thickness dye layer. Since the factory painted the dial as the first step and then press the logo/markers onto the paint dial by the sequence of printing, so you can see the edges of logo and makers have extract dye floating on it (see sideview).

-- I have only found black dials on early 581, 611 or color dials on 1523,1524,7120 series, but never found a real thing on 1120 series as well as 623 or 1123 series. For the whole 1120 series, I am suspected the existing of its black dial.

-- Please have a look of the side view of ABCD and check the light reflection of each dial. You could find bunches of light beam reflection on the redone dial. I can only find latest SS4 24J military are using this method to paint their dial (see photos 1 & 2).

- Please check the following are the comparision of Kent provided watches dial

-- Please also note, the way of print the Chinese words "Zuan" (B) in simply way is found form 1964 onward.

Rare Shanghai 1120's miliraty watch

2007-04-25T10:56:00.000+08:00

A rare military 1120's military watch. It marks "Jun Yong - military use" above the 6 o'clock position.

NanJing - ZiJinShan

2007-04-25T10:48:00.000+08:00

One of the most collectable series for early Chinese vintage watch - ZiJinShan watch.

Rare numeral Shanghai A-581

2007-04-25T10:44:00.000+08:00

A rare numeral A-581 dial, one of the most hard to find dial in 581's series.

HongQi - 8.1. military watch

2007-04-25T10:33:00.000+08:00

8.1. (1st of August 1927) - the formation day of Chinese PLA and also the symbol of PLA. This Honqi has a Chinese numbers "8.1." above the 6 o'clock position and considered as a military watch.

Antique Chinese made Sundail

2007-04-15T12:56:00.000+08:00

A 100years old antique wooden Sundual.

Accessory of Shanghai Watches

2007-04-15T12:47:00.000+08:00

Diamond, Shanghai,Shanghai(ladies), Chunlei buckle

Original Shanghai S. Steel Band

Vintage Watch Shopping in Shanghai

2007-04-12T09:49:00.001+08:00

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

will be updated shortly...15OCT2008

Rare Shanghai Factory 30 Anniversary Watch (17J, SS8 movement) - Employee gift

2007-04-08T03:59:00.000+08:00

Stainless Steel version

Gold plated version

Rare Shanghai Factory 50 Anniversary Watch

2007-04-08T03:51:00.000+08:00

A-581 reissued, 500 limited edition

1000pcs Domestic automatic limited edition

- Automatic with power reserve indication, 500pcs with serial number, 500pcs without

Shanghai A 581 original dial identification

2007-04-04T22:21:00.000+08:00

Rare Shanghai Watch Factory 40 Anniversary Watch

2007-04-01T03:08:00.000+08:00

Rare watch for internal Souvenir only (Quartz movement)

Rare Shanghai double dragon

2007-04-01T03:01:00.000+08:00

Rare Shanghai 1120 - ZheJiang made Shanghai

2007-03-31T23:38:00.000+08:00

Rare ZheJuang made 1120 with old pinyin " 17 Zhan" instead of "17 Zuan"

Both version of ZheJiang made Shanghai - 1120

Due to the massive demanding of Shanghai watches for the people in China on 60's~70's, Shanghai Watch Factory had sent some of its products to its neighbor province ZheJiang to assemble and have further processing. But even now a day, there were still not much collector knew what model it should be or how their look likes. I was only aware until I found this Zhe Jiang Zhi(made) 1120.

A lot of collector still classified these kind of Shanghai watch dials(without ZJZ mark) as the rare A-581 dials, since most vintage watch seller put this dial on A-581 movement and ask for higher price. This JZ Zhi dial would be a good evidence for those collectors who still persist on this identity.

Shanghai - AiJian 愛建

2007-03-31T23:25:00.000+08:00

Factory ----unknow

Rare Shanghai S3-2 prototype

2007-03-30T10:01:00.000+08:00

The Shanghai 3rd factory made cal. S3-2 model on 1982. 17jewels, diameter 17.2mm.(Prototype mark on case back)

Rare Shanghai A 591 movement

2007-03-30T09:57:00.000+08:00

A-591 was a transition or experimental product of A-581's next production of 611 series. The factory modified the 581 movement for non-screw balance or anti-shock unit features. Somehow, may be the accuracy can’t met the factory standard, it stopped its production and that’s why not much of 591 had made.
The prototype which I have, it has a non-screw balance wheel with early type regular index. The balance wheel is so rough; I suspected it was hand made by the factory maker.

Shanghai - ChunLei/Budlet 春蕾

2007-03-22T23:31:00.000+08:00