Sea-Gull Polaris 6180 Red

Reference: 816.52.6180 Crystal: Sapphire crystal Water resistance: 50 m / 5 ATM Dial: Red three-dimensional wave-pattern dial with applied baton hour markers and contrasting black chapter ring. Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds at 6 o'clock Bracelet: Original stainless-steel bracelet with butterfly clasp

I bought this Sea-Gull mainly out of curiosity. I wanted to have a proper Chinese Sea-Gull on my wrist and see for myself how it felt, rather than judging the brand simply by its reputation or price.

The Polaris turned out to be a particularly attractive way to do it. The star of the watch is undoubtedly the red three-dimensional wave dial. Depending on the light, the pattern changes considerably, from quite dark and restrained to a vivid metallic red. The small seconds at six gives the dial a slightly unusual balance and makes the watch more interesting than a conventional three-hander.

Inside is Sea-Gull's own ST17 automatic movement, a 17-jewel caliber running at 21,600 vph. The specifications are also quite respectable for an affordable watch: a 40 mm stainless-steel case, sapphire crystal and 50 metres of water resistance.

This isn't in my collection because it is rare or particularly valuable. I bought it because Sea-Gull is an important name in Chinese mechanical watchmaking and I wanted to experience one for myself. And that is really what my Daily Watches section is for: watches that don't necessarily need an elaborate story or collector pedigree to be enjoyable on the wrist.