My two week review of the Beijing Beihai 36MM

Patsfan1001

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Its been about two weeks or so since I received my Watch and I must say It hasn't left my wrist but is it worth it?
First, before I jump into the specs and give you my honest opinion I want to say this don't expect Rolex, Patek or even VC quality
more like Tissot or Hamilton Quality. OK now that I got that out of the way onto the specs.

First I'll start by giving my unbiased opinion when I first received the watch I wasn't blown away like I would have been if
I was buying a Rolex. I did my research watched reviews on the brand before finding a trusted dealer online plus it was my first
time actually buying a watch from China glad I did cause there are a lot of good watches like Seagull, Red Star, and even the Perpetual brand.
The size isn't what I usually buy in fact if you watch Invicta shows you will never or rarely ever hear them say 36mm is a man's size which I find laughable cause some of the most expensive men's watches come at or around 36mm. Anytime I hear someone on tv say 36mm is a women's watch I cringe. Anyways I'll go over the features, specs, and pics


Case size is a tad on the smaller side for some but at 36mm I believe its perfect for not just as a dress
watch but maybe even for an everyday watch depending on your preference. I would go as far and say it's the perfect
case size for men and women I'm 5'11, 280lbs and have 8'' wrist and pull it off well and ladies it's the perfect size for a tiny wrist think
of the Rolex Air King in that 34-36mm

Dial features a Guilloche pattern but I can't tell if its the real deal or stamped? If it is stamped they did one
hell of a job they also do cloisonne hand-painted dials so it could be the real deal. My favorite part isn't the pattern but the Chinese Building logo under the 12 O'Clock and says Made in China at the 6. Sadly no lume.

The date is on the smaller side when I say small I mean small so if you wear glasses or contacts you will have
to squint to see double-digits.


Case finish is all polished not one surface is brushed which would make sense since its a dress watch and
features teardrop lugs which can be found on vintage and some higher-end watches.

Non Screw down Onion shaped crown 30m=100Ft so don't do any swimming but hand washing should be OK.


Sapphire Crystals front and back? I'm not 100% sure since the seller and the companies website don't
say.

Movement is the hand-assembled handmade in-house B18 which features 18 jewels, Geneve Straps, Gold Chaton's and
a Swan Neck regulator think of brands like Patek, Lange, and Glashuette Original to name a few. Power Reserve is somewhere
between 48 on the low end up to 60 on the higher end. I'm averaging around 48-50.

The band is a genuine Lizard which is nicely made I decided to switch it for a silicone for the following reasons
1) It gives it a sporty feel 2) It's comfortable and 3) I don't have to worry about sweat or getting it wet but I'll
probably end up switching it back sometime later down the road. It also features the logo under the buckel sought of
like an easter egg in a video game.


In conclusion and the million dollar question would I recommend this watch? The answer is yes I would
but only if you can feel comfortable getting over the 36mm case size the Made In China
Insignia, smaller date wheel, non-screwed down crown lesser known brand again this isn't gonna be recognizable
like a Seiko but I believe that could change in the next few yrs. It's sad that people still look at Chinese Watches as
crap yes I will agree Chinese watchmaking 10-15 yrs ago wasn't anywhere near on par where it is today. I mentioned
on the Invicta PD TTV thread that one watch I've always wanted was the Patek Philippe Calatrava a watch that cost between
18k-30k I won't say what I spent but will say it was under a $1000 and worth the cost. The only time I've taken the watch off was
when I was doing yard work, helping my uncle install a water heater and of course, showing other than that I just have a hard time
taking it off.

Specs

36mm/38-40mm with crown

Sapphire Crystals front and back

In-house and hand assembled B18 movement that features 18 jewels
Geneve Straps, Gold Chatons and Swan Neck regulator.

30M WR or 100ft

All 316L Stainless Steel case

Onion style crown non screw down

Genuine Lizard Starp

Pics

w9bkuo.jpg



2w1z501.jpg




2jaaiol.jpg
 
A very nice review indeed. Thanks for taking the time, and posting it up.:good::cool::applaud:
 
it's a thorough review good & bad, not a lot of ugly but guess the date would be better legible size or sterile-

but i will say big guys wear 36"...if an offensive line man 5'11" 280 lbs. can do it i'm sure most wits can over come their size phobia ( what would DR. Freud say ? )...the dial opening on 36"mm is the same as a larger diver-

I do like the tear drop lugs...and RW gave a clinic on that-

- I bought a bunch of dressers couple years ago when prices fell hard and it triggered a binge...but they all stayed in the dresser until I gave or traded away...'cause i hate to dress-

-wear it long tyme in good health wit
 
Great review !
Congrats on the new timepiece !
Wear that puppy in the best of health !
 
it's a thorough review good & bad, not a lot of ugly but guess the date would be better legible size or sterile-

but i will say big guys wear 36"...if an offensive line man 5'11" 280 lbs. can do it i'm sure most wits can over come their size phobia ( what would DR. Freud say ? )...the dial opening on 36"mm is the same as a larger diver-

I do like the tear drop lugs...and RW gave a clinic on that-

- I bought a bunch of dressers couple years ago when prices fell hard and it triggered a binge...but they all stayed in the dresser until I gave or traded away...'cause i hate to dress-

-wear it long tyme in good health wit
I wasn't expecting the date wheel to be as small as it was I wear glasses 24/7 and even I have to squint or do a double take.
But it is a well-made watch for the price the fit and finish is up there with brands Like Tissot, Hamilton and I would say with maybe
even Shinola?
 
Sapphire Crystals front and back? I'm not 100% sure since the seller and the companies website don't
say.

This site http://www.good-stuffs.com/Beijing-...hanical-watch-silver-water-ripple-_p_246.html
reads :
Sapphire on both front glass and display case back

Description
Beihai 3.0 is created to carry forward the tradition of Beihai limited edition commemorating the 55th anniversary of Beijing watch factory 1958-2008.

Virtually everything remains same as the 1st generation Beihai except a date window is added at 3 o’clock; English "Beijing watch" logo is changed to Chinese; Lizard leather is down-graded to calf leather.

The front face is silver, decorated by visible water ripple patterns.

Black small second hand at 6

Silver hour, minute hands. Silver long wedge-shaped hour indices.

Silver Tiananmen image below the big silver 12 o’clock

Sapphire on both front glass and display case back

SB18 hand-winding movement. Classic 3/4 plate decorated by Geneva stripes, golden chatons, ruby jewels and blue screws, engraved in golden words “made by BWAF China 18 Jewels, B18”

Black calf-leather strap

Measured 38mm in diameter without crown, 9.5mm in thickness, 50 grams in weight, this watch is designed for the privileged individuals to dress for success. Where else can you find a classic time piece with noble elegance, yet priced only $370

This other listing one-Bay is $5.00 more.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Beijing-Beihai-3-0-classic-SB18-hand-winding-mechanical-watch-/273112817099

s-l1600.jpg

s-l1600.jpg
s-l1600.jpg


They have a red dial version also

http://www.good-stuffs.com/Beijing-...ng-mechanical-watch-red-sunny-ray-_p_245.html
 
Too small, uninspiring, and plain for my taste..but if the wearer likes it, that’s all that matters.
 
This site http://www.good-stuffs.com/Beijing-...hanical-watch-silver-water-ripple-_p_246.html
reads :
Sapphire on both front glass and display case back

Description
Beihai 3.0 is created to carry forward the tradition of Beihai limited edition commemorating the 55th anniversary of Beijing watch factory 1958-2008.

Virtually everything remains same as the 1st generation Beihai except a date window is added at 3 o’clock; English "Beijing watch" logo is changed to Chinese; Lizard leather is down-graded to calf leather.

The front face is silver, decorated by visible water ripple patterns.

Black small second hand at 6

Silver hour, minute hands. Silver long wedge-shaped hour indices.

Silver Tiananmen image below the big silver 12 o’clock

Sapphire on both front glass and display case back

SB18 hand-winding movement. Classic 3/4 plate decorated by Geneva stripes, golden chatons, ruby jewels and blue screws, engraved in golden words “made by BWAF China 18 Jewels, B18”

Black calf-leather strap

Measured 38mm in diameter without crown, 9.5mm in thickness, 50 grams in weight, this watch is designed for the privileged individuals to dress for success. Where else can you find a classic time piece with noble elegance, yet priced only $370

This other listing one-Bay is $5.00 more.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Beijing-Beihai-3-0-classic-SB18-hand-winding-mechanical-watch-/273112817099

s-l1600.jpg

s-l1600.jpg
s-l1600.jpg


They have a red dial version also

http://www.good-stuffs.com/Beijing-...ng-mechanical-watch-red-sunny-ray-_p_245.html


I didn't even notice that about the crystals thanks for clearing that up, and now they have a newer version :headbang:
 
I almost got a blue one off watchrecon. I was hoping it would go down more and someone else got it. I still keep an eye out for the blue though, one day I will get one. I’ve heard a lot of good stuff on this, they hardly come up for sale on the used market.
 
I almost got a blue one off watchrecon. I was hoping it would go down more and someone else got it. I still keep an eye out for the blue though, one day I will get one. I’ve heard a lot of good stuff on this, they hardly come up for sale on the used market.

Check out the newer model. It's a little pricey but check eBay in a few months since its fairly too new

http://www.good-stuffs.com/Beihai-collection-BG010001-wristwatch-B18-limited-edition_p_459.html
 
http://www.good-stuffs.com/Beijing-blue-Hong-Ru-automatic-wrist-watch-_p_228.html

It's not the same watch, but you get the same blue and the pattern isn't bad at all for $149.00. It also has a sapphire crystal.

img_6481.jpg
IMG_6488.JPG

IMG_6485.JPG
IMG_6487.JPG


Movement: Beijing automatic
Diameter: 39mm excluding crown
Thickenss: 10mm
Weight: 140 grams (previously was 63 grams when installed with leather strap)
Crystal: sapphire
Case back: display
Band material: solid stainless steel (previously was blue leather)
Dial color: blue

Beijing blue Hong Ru automatic wrist watch

Price
Your Price: $149.00
Availability:
In Stock



 
http://www.good-stuffs.com/Beijing-blue-Hong-Ru-automatic-wrist-watch-_p_228.html

It's not the same watch, but you get the same blue and the pattern isn't bad at all for $149.00. It also has a sapphire crystal.

img_6481.jpg
IMG_6488.JPG

IMG_6485.JPG
IMG_6487.JPG


Movement: Beijing automatic
Diameter: 39mm excluding crown
Thickenss: 10mm
Weight: 140 grams (previously was 63 grams when installed with leather strap)
Crystal: sapphire
Case back: display
Band material: solid stainless steel (previously was blue leather)
Dial color: blue

Beijing blue Hong Ru automatic wrist watch

Price
Your Price: $149.00
Availability:
In Stock



That's not bad and especially for the price on a bracelet.
 
A big congrats PF, that is 1 beautiful watch, the rear view is beautiful, enjoy it often!!
 
Wow! Some very beautiful watch flesh there!! China is a source of fine timepieces that has finally started to get the accolades it so richly deserves, which has really made me appreciate the small collection of vintage Sino pieces in my collection. Many thanks for showing us yet another cool design in your review... :wink:
 
One sweet dial with that circular pattern. I agree the Chinese are no slouches in watch making
industry.
 
Nice review. That TIMEpiece look rather large on your 8" wrist. But it looks great. As for the dial, well it's stamped if done by hand it would cost big.
Congrats on a beautiful TIMEpiece and enjoy.
 
Nice review. That TIMEpiece look rather large on your 8" wrist. But it looks great. As for the dial, well it's stamped if done by hand it would cost big.
Congrats on a beautiful TIMEpiece and enjoy.

Too late Woody, he's gone... R.I.P.
 
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