DOU ZHUAN XING YI · CHINESE CALENDAR

斗转星移 · 中华历法

CN ￥99,800  as per web

Brand: Sea-Gull (海鷗). Reference: 218.32.8843G. Launch date: 2024-December-26.

The watch draws inspiration from the Suzhou Astronomical Stone Carving, the world's oldest surviving full-sky stone-engraved star map based on actual observations. This ancient masterpiece reveals the precision with which our ancestors interpreted the mysteries of the cosmos.

Featuring an innovative design that graphically displays the Chinese calendar, the watch showcases the gradual daily rotation of the Big Dipper, harmonizing with the Twenty-Four Solar Terms and Twelve Earthly Branches (Shichen). This exquisite timepiece embodies the profound wisdom of traditional Chinese calendrical systems, seamlessly blending astronomy with horology.

Guided by the philosophy of "observing the heavens to mark time," this exceptional creation transforms the Chinese calendar into a visual representation of time. The elegant daily rotation of the Big Dipper perfectly aligns with the cyclic transitions of the solar terms and time divisions, uniting tradition with cutting-edge watchmaking expertise to present a masterpiece of cosmic and temporal harmony.

The dial layout is inspired by ancient Chinese star charts, while the case sides are adorned with 28 Lunar Mansions, symbolizing the grandeur of the universe and the essence of Eastern aesthetics.

At its heart beats the Seagull ST8242 tourbillon movement, dynamically capturing the mesmerizing beauty of celestial motion with exceptional precision.

(View above description in Chinese on SeaGullWatch.com ↗  Above translated by ChatGPT.)

Chinese character:
The Twelve Earthly Branches. Position: the smallest ring of text on the subdial at 12 o'clock.
子 - Zǐ (23:00~1:00)
丑 - Chǒu (1:00~3:00)
寅 - Yín (3:00~5:00)
卯 - Mǎo (5:00~7:00)
辰 - Chén (7:00~9:00)
巳 - Sì (9:00~11:00)
午 - Wǔ (11:00~13:00)
未 - Wèi (13:00~15:00)
申 - Shēn (15:00~17:00)
酉 - Yǒu (17:00~19:00)
戌 - Xū (19:00~21:00)
亥 - Hài (21:00~23:00)

Position of below twelve month: the middle ring of text.
一月  January
二月  February
三月  March
四月  April
五月  May
六月  June
七月  July
八月  August
九月  September
十月  October
十一月  November
十二月  December

Position of below Twenty-Four Solar Terms: the outter ring of text.
冬至 - Winter Solstice
小寒 - Minor Cold
大寒 - Major Cold
立春 - Beginning of Spring
雨水 - Rain Water
惊蛰 - Awakening of Insects
春分 - Spring Equinox
清明 - Pure Brightness
谷雨 - Grain Rain
立夏 - Beginning of Summer
小满 - Grain Buds
芒种 - Grain in Ear
夏至 - Summer Solstice
小暑 - Minor Heat
大暑 - Major Heat
立秋 - Beginning of Autumn
处暑 - End of Heat
白露 - White Dew
秋分 - Autumn Equinox
寒露 - Cold Dew
霜降 - Frost's Descent
立冬 - Beginning of Winter
小雪 - Minor Snow
大雪 - Major Snow

斗转星移 - Dǒu Zhuǎn Xīng Yí. The Big Dipper turns and the stars shift. Position: on movement plate, visible through case back.

MOVEMENT
Mechanical, manual-winding. Tourbillon. China Made. Caliber: Sea-Gull ST8242. Free-sprung balance spring. Functions: Hour, minute, shichen, month, solar terms. (Central hour and minute hands. The starry subdial, featuring the 北斗七星 (Bei Dou Qi Xing / Big Dipper), completes one counterclockwise rotation per day. The star 瑶光 (Alkaid), located at the end of the Big Dipper's handle, indicates the current 时辰 (Shichen) on the Shichen ring, which has alternating blue and white sections. The Shichen ring itself rotates counterclockwise, completing one full turn every 366 days. The white triangle on the Shichen ring indicates the current Solar Term, month, and approximate date.). Jewels: 38. Frequency: 21600 vph. Power reserve: Around 55 hours.

CASE
316L stainless steel. Plated in rose gold color. Diameter: 43 mm. Thickness: 14.7 mm. Lug width: 21 mm. Water resistance: 50 meters. Luminescence: No lume. Bezel: 18K rose gold bezel material. Dial: Deep blue. Applied 18K gold Sea-Gull watch graphic logo. Crystal: Sapphire crystal. Has anti-reflective coating. Five layers of blue anti-reflective film. Case back: Fixed with screws. Transparent. Sapphire crystal case back. Hands: Dauphine hour and minute hands. Crown: Push-pull. Fluted cylinder shape. Signed with the "S" logo.

STRAP
Blue. Alligator leather. No quick release: Need tool to remove strap from case. Fit for case lug width: 21 mm. Clasp: Pin buckle. Stainless steel clasp.