Shanghai Military Re-issue....

In the early 1970s, the Shanghai Watch Factory produced about 30,000 military dive watches for People's Liberation Army commanders and divers. Here's an example of one of the 24 jewel "SS4 movement" original versions from Joel Chan's wonderful Micmicmor collection (there was also a 29 jewel version):



Since that time, these pieces have become prized by collectors of vintage Chinese watches although most (although not all) of the surviving watches are well used and in rough condition.

Recently, the Shanghai Watch Factory produced a small run of a commemorative re-issue (evidently far less than 30,000 pieces) using a 22 jewel 2813 movement by Dixmont Guangzhou instead of one of their own movements. This actually makes sense since, according to WUS moderator Chascomm--who has an encyclopedic knowledge of these things--the 22 jewel DG is closer to either of the original 24 or 29 jewel movements than anything the Shanghai Watch Factory currently produces since the DG 2813 has "unidirectional auto-winding and centre seconds run indirectly off the 3rd wheel".

So, after the explanation/history...here's my much-prized re-issue...and I'm thrilled because this watch was a true GRAIL for me







...and, yup, it does look a lot like the 62MAS...

. . . Again!!! I have yet to see one posted by you that I don't like!!!!!!!

. . . Getting weaker every time you do it. Keep it up, I'll cave in and have another level of compulsion to deal with . . .

very nice Ron! big hour markers look great on this, what's the lome like? Enjoy it

Pretty awesome looking watch, I'm glad you got one!!

Holy MOLY Ron !!!! ..What a neat looking watch ! The job
they did on the new re-issue is astounding ! The characteristics are
basically identical to the original. Those cool large markers, the hands,
dial, bezel and bracelet are flawless. I think the only difference I can
see is the second hand ! Which by the way, looks AWESOME ! The
watch is NICE, both inside and out sir, and your pictures show why
this is a GRAIL for you !..Congratulations on getting this, and of course
..Enjoy !!!

Hey Ron, congratz on obtaining one that you've been salivating for! Looks awesome and quite a story.

Thanks for the kind words, everybody:

the lume is there but, in all fairness, it's not superluminova . I wouldn't say it's the watch's strong point.

Pretty cool! Seeing lots of reissues of classic pieces from a number of companies, that's another winner, congrats!

Very cool watch Ron, it caught my eye yesterday!