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I posted this in the Chinese watch forum some time ago, and it seems to have gathered all the opinions it can. I hope that by posting it in the Luxury section, I can gather some new opinions and insights.
Essentially, the question is as follows: Seagull (which produces a quarter of the world's mechanical watch movements, and has been manufacturing watches and movements since 1955), has recently introduced high-priced tourbillions, which can be bought for $4000-$5000. The watches come with a lifetime guarantee. For example this is one I'm interested in.
At $5000, you're paying roughly the same for, for example, a mid-end Swiss watch like a Rolex or some of the lower-ends of the higher-ends.
The question is simply, is this a wise purchase?
I'll try and summarise some of the main conclusions made in the other thread:
For me, this is a beautiful watch with a beautiful complication. If I can be assured that movement is sufficiently robust, with a lifetime guarantee, I think $5000 is a reasonable price to pay. However, I have to keep in mind that for $5000, I could buy a Swiss watch (albeit without any complications), but with a proven track record.
I hope that this forum can offer me some new insights, especially since the people here are also quite knowledgeable about what can we expect from spending $5000 on a watch (not to say that they aren't in the Chinese section!)
Essentially, the question is as follows: Seagull (which produces a quarter of the world's mechanical watch movements, and has been manufacturing watches and movements since 1955), has recently introduced high-priced tourbillions, which can be bought for $4000-$5000. The watches come with a lifetime guarantee. For example this is one I'm interested in.

At $5000, you're paying roughly the same for, for example, a mid-end Swiss watch like a Rolex or some of the lower-ends of the higher-ends.
The question is simply, is this a wise purchase?
I'll try and summarise some of the main conclusions made in the other thread:
- Other Seagull factories create similar tourbillion movements and sell them to 'mushroom brands'. Essentially, similar tourbillion watches can be had for 1/4 the price, with the same movement. However...
- According to some people, the main Seagull headquarters handles all the high-end stuff. So you can expect the best finish and quality control to come from them.
- A big factor in the price is the lifetime guarantee. Is it worth an extra $3000?
- There is virtually no reliable data on these watches. Few people have bought one, and few people can comment on their long term reliability.
For me, this is a beautiful watch with a beautiful complication. If I can be assured that movement is sufficiently robust, with a lifetime guarantee, I think $5000 is a reasonable price to pay. However, I have to keep in mind that for $5000, I could buy a Swiss watch (albeit without any complications), but with a proven track record.
I hope that this forum can offer me some new insights, especially since the people here are also quite knowledgeable about what can we expect from spending $5000 on a watch (not to say that they aren't in the Chinese section!)