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Strela re-issue watches

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1.7K views 13 replies 8 participants last post by  lewjamben  
#1 ·
Hi to all,
I'm trying to make my mind up about a Strela re-issue space watch (and have a £500 limit). There are many variations of the sea-gull containing model from Germany, and I'm trying to work out which has more appeal (as pictures only go so far!), whilst also considering the representation of the Tribute and black Cosmos model - interesting stories linked to them. It's also interesting to see that there are limited numbers of the bronze variations on sale.
What are the opinions of people who either own some of these models (or the originals), with regards to on the wrist experience, or relative authenticity of particular models vs future desirability?
 
#4 · (Edited)
I preferred the original, because they are the original, and they are smaller than the new homage/reproduction models. However, if you buy one from a reputable source like Julian Kampmann, the Seagull powered watches are probably going to be more reliable than the originals. I wouldn't even bother thinking about "future desirability" if you're meaning value retention or increasing in value, if you like it, buy it and wear it, and if it's coming from outside the UK remember to check for/include tax and handling fees.

These Seiko powered autos are bigger and the sub dials position look a bit weird given the extra space between their centers and the bezel, compared to the originals.

 
#5 ·
A Seagull Strela is essentially a Chinese watch reportedly assembled in Germany it's about as Russian as chicken chow mein and has zero connection to the Russian space programme. The more expensive version with the new old stock / refurbished Poljot / Maktime 3133 movement are more interesting, at a price.

But as Wrench says it is probably more reliable or at least as reliable as the original chronographs, which incidentally were marketed outside of the Soviet Union mainly as Poljot and Sekonda, so if you like the design of the Seagull version get one but you are not buying something with a heritage.

A vintage Strela/Poljot/Sekonda with an original Poljot calibre 3017 column wheel chronograph is worth having or even the late 1960's / 1970's versions with the Poljot calibre 3133 but personally I would give the new versions a miss
 
#6 ·
Hi,
Great to have some feedback of your opinions, and not surprised about the preference of the originals! I am limited to the £500 budget and this was as close as I could get to a cool looking watch with great history; I'm wondering if there are any alternatives that I would be able to afford without big maintenance bills. Just for reference I did give the Bulova Lunar Pilot a spin and it was too large on my wrist!
 
#7 ·
In your position I'd consider one of the many re-issue versions of the Chinese Tianjin Project 304 or "Seagull 1963" which, to all intents and purposes, is a Chinese chronograph akin to the Soviet Strela/Poljot/Sekonda.

Just like the Strela there are now a confusing number of options with some debate about what constitutes an "original" re-issue or an "official" re-issue but, so long as you pick an established and widely accepted variant, you should get a nice watch well within your budget.

Here are pictures of an original Sekonda "Strela" and a re-issue "Seagull 1963" to give you an idea:


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#9 · (Edited by Moderator)
In your position I'd consider one of the many re-issue versions of the Chinese Tianjin Project 304 or "Seagull 1963" which, to all intents and purposes, is a Chinese chronograph akin to the Soviet Strela/Poljot/Sekonda.

Just like the Strela there are now a confusing number of options with some debate about what constitutes an "original" re-issue or an "official" re-issue but, so long as you pick an established and widely accepted variant, you should get a nice watch well within your budget.

I had been doing that over the past months, but had been overcome by when a 1963. variation sometimes becomes a glorious mishmash (and weirdly pleasing :LOL: :rolleyes:}
This whole area of "buying heritage" in the form of a "reissue" is fraught with difficulty if one is buying specifically for that reason rather than because one actually likes the reissue as a watch in its own right. I think some good advice has been given by Forum members in this thread and I hope you manage to find and purchase a watch that will give YOU pleasure at a price you can afford, dear @Obsessed.:)
I agree it may be more realistic for me to stick to the Chinese heritage trail if going for more authenticty, however I am now more aware that if I am smitten with a design of a watch, then not to be bound to such rules baring in mind my budget.
Thanks to you both, and here's my glorious mishmash 1963 'variation' ....cheers me up every time I see it!:LOL:
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#8 ·
This whole area of "buying heritage" in the form of a "reissue" is fraught with difficulty if one is buying specifically for that reason rather than because one actually likes the reissue as a watch in its own right. I think some good advice has been given by Forum members in this thread and I hope you manage to find and purchase a watch that will give YOU pleasure at a price you can afford, dear @Obsessed.:)
 
#10 ·
The Seagull movement is at least closely related to the Poljot 3017 calibre, and I love my automatic version - it is very accurate and practical.
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Below is a favourite 3133, a bit smaller than the sea gull, a bit bigger than the original, but maintenance is a thing - probably needs a new mainspring as it slows down slightly when the date changes - possibly 1980s.
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My original white dial Strela was service and runs great

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My black dial Sekonda not serviced by me, but still running fine.
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I don't really wear my old ones ...
When I did I managed to crack a crystal. Re-issue watches are often Sapphire.
JJ