In 1961, the Tianjin Watch Factory received an assignment to create the official aviation timepiece for the Chinese Air Force. Known as the WuXing (Five Stars), this watch was a simple hand-made piece that had a limited production run. On the 24th of March 1955, the Tianjin Watch Factory successfully created China’s very first wristwatch. This Chinese watchmaking brand started out with just a handful of people, limited tools, a small workshop, and a modest budget. Seagull, which is also known as the Tianjin Watch Factory, was founded in the industrial city of Tianjin as part of this initiative. Brief History of the Tianjin SeagullĪs an order from the Chinese government, a national initiative commenced in 1955 to set up the watchmaking industry in Northern China. Join us as we find out more about Seagull’s history, as well as some of the best Seagull watches available in the market. Despite being the world’s largest manufacturer of mechanical movements, not a lot of people or enthusiasts are aware of this brand. One great example of a not-so-famous Asian watchmaker is the Chinese brand Seagull. That said, there are also other Asian brands out there that can dish out brilliant timepieces too. The reputations of these big watch names are undeniable. These watch brands are home to a vast number of exceptional watches that boast quality, reliability, and heritage. When it comes to Asian watchmakers, people would normally think of Japanese brands like Seiko, Orient, or Citizen.