When we talk about the "Big Three" of Chinese horology, Sea-Gull is the name that carries the most industrial weight. For decades, they’ve been the engine room of the industry, but in recent years, they’ve been aggressively pivoting toward the "high-art" sector. Their latest release, the Sea-Gull Qin Ultra-Thin Automatic Tourbillon "Year of the Horse" Limited Edition (Ref. 518.92.8850), is a clear signal that the Tianjin-based manufacture is no longer content just making movements for others—they want to compete in the arena of cultural storytelling and ultra-thin complications.
At first glance, this is a "Zodiac watch," a category often crowded with literal, sometimes kitschy interpretations. However, Sea-Gull has taken a more sophisticated, "East-meets-West" architectural approach here. The watch is part of the "Qin" series, and it leans heavily into a specific brand of Chinese romanticism that feels surprisingly contemporary.
The "Guqin" Dial: A Textural Peer to Grand Seiko
The centerpiece of this watch is undoubtedly the "Chinese Red" gradient dial. Sea-Gull describes the texture as being inspired by the Guqin—the ancient seven-stringed zither. Looking at the macro shots, you can see an oil-pressed vertical grain that mimics the "crackle" and fibrous texture of aged lacquer and wood found on ancient instruments.
Grand Seiko White Birch SLGH005 USD 9,800
Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGA211 USD 6,900
This is where I find the most interesting parallel to what Grand Seiko has been doing with their Heritage Collection. When we praise the Grand Seiko "White Birch" (SLGH005) or the "Snowflake" (SBGA211), we are praising the brand’s ability to translate a natural or cultural atmosphere into a physical texture. Grand Seiko uses the forests of Shizukuishi; Sea-Gull is using the visual soul of Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves and the silk-and-wood resonance of the Guqin.
Both brands are moving away from the sterile, sunray-brushed dials of the past toward something "organic." The way the crimson gradient transitions to a deep, smoky perimeter gives the dial a sense of depth that makes the tourbillon at 6 o'clock feel less like a mechanical insert and more like a pulsing heart within a piece of art. It’s a sophisticated level of finishing that proves Chinese watchmaking is finding its own aesthetic voice rather than just mimicking Swiss tropes.
The ST8610: Chasing the "Ultra-Thin" Dragon
Mechanically, the watch is powered by the in-house ST8610 automatic movement. For the movement nerds, the "ultra-thin" designation isn't just marketing fluff. The movement itself sits at 4.3mm, which allows the entire cased-up watch to measure just 9.4mm thick. For an automatic tourbillon with a full-sized rotor, that is objectively impressive.
Sea-Gull has achieved this by rethinking the architecture—aligning the barrel, rotor, and tourbillon on a disciplined three-point axis. The movement beats at a modern 28,800 vph, which is a step up from the slower beats often found in entry-level Chinese tourbillons, offering better rate stability.
Flip the watch over, and the sapphire caseback reveals a rose-gold-plated rotor featuring a sculpted "Winged Pegasus," inspired by the murals of Dunhuang Cave 249. While the rotor decoration is quite literal compared to the subtle dial, it’s executed with a level of detail that collectors expect at this $4,999 price point. The bridges underneath feature a mix of circular Geneva waves and perlage that shows Sea-Gull is paying attention to the "layered" finishing that enthusiasts crave.
Wearability and Context
On the wrist, the 42mm 316L stainless steel case wears slightly smaller than its diameter suggests thanks to the slim 9.4mm profile. It’s a "tuxedo-thin" watch that still has significant presence due to that fiery red dial. The use of a "no-regulator" design for the tourbillon is a nice technical touch, theoretically increasing longevity and accuracy by reducing friction—a claim Sea-Gull backs with a 30% efficiency increase.
The question for many collectors will be the price. At $4,999, this is at the high end for Sea-Gull but remains a "value proposition" when compared to a Swiss automatic tourbillon of similar thickness, which would easily command five times that amount.
Final Thoughts
The Sea-Gull Qin Ultra-Thin Automatic Tourbillon is more than just a commemorative "Year of the Horse" piece. By leaning into the "Guqin" aesthetic, Sea-Gull is tapping into the same vein of cultural heritage that has made Grand Seiko a global powerhouse. They are proving that Eastern watchmaking doesn't have to be a budget alternative—it can be a distinct, high-concept choice. If you appreciate the "textured narrative" of a Snowflake but want the mechanical drama of a tourbillon, this Sea-Gull offers a very compelling argument for your wrist time.
Tech Specs:
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Case: 42mm diameter, 9.4mm thickness, 316L Stainless Steel.
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Movement: In-house ST8610 Automatic Tourbillon, 43-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph.
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Dial: Crimson gradient with "Guqin" oil-pressed texture.
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Crystal: Sapphire front and back.
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Price: $4,999.00.
- Learn More on Sea-Gull Watch Website
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