Is this replica evolution unfolding before our eyes The Zigmeister?
In the early 1960's the Venus watch company sold the design and tools of the aging calibre Venus 175 to the Chinese (SEA-GULL). With a few modifications, a limited run was produced for the Chinese air force. In the early 21st century, Sea-Gull revived the design, upgraded it, and released it as the ST19 (we know this one well and is often horribly misslabeled as Lemania). The ST1940 version adds auto-winding.
Now autowinding is a great addition and to me a very surprising addition to the well known ST19 from Sea-Gull..and possibly enables it to truly rival the different Asian 7750 versions
However because of technical issues some are speculating if the 1940 is actually new variation on the Auto Chronograph theme, despite it being in the ST19 family...but to the eye it seem to use the same parts as the 1901 and Automatic wind is likely an direct add on.
What do you think? is it an improvement? and do any of you already have this movement in your replicas?
The automatic ST19 (aka TY2940) (aka ST1940)
http://www.chinesewr...9/18/234551.jpg
http://www.chinesewr...9/18/234528.jpg
http://www.seagullhk...iXin.asp?ID=691
So a true 1950s Swiss chronograph design and workings, no structural changes to the base movement layout, with auto-winding module added, and still of acceptable size to many applications
it is interesting to note that I have heard that of makers in different countries using the ST19. Sea-Gull (China), Plazeon (Thailand), Riedenschild (Germany), Soyuz (Russia), Invicta (USA) and possibly also Haurex (Italy)...
Distinct Automatic Chronograph Movements know to me:
Seiko 6138/9Heuer/Breitling/Hamilton-Buren/Dubois-Depraz Cal 11Zenith El Primero (3019PHC, 400, 410,etc...)Lemania 1340/1Lemania 1350 / Ebel 137Lemania 5100ETA/Valjoux 7750Piguet 1185Piguet 1285 (Omega 33XX)Rolex 4030Rolex 4130Citizen 8100/10Seiko 7015/6/7/8Seiko 6S27/28Seiko 8R28Sea Gull ST1940Breitling B01ETA A08ETA C01Jaegar LeCoultre 751Glashutte Original 95IWC 89360Patek 28-520Piaget 880PChopard LUC 10FETA Valgranges A07.21 (Concord C1)Guess some are missing like the ones from fromer eastblock countries?