30 days, HK$445,000 raised, 79 backers. Seagull's first crowdfunding launch for a high-end mechanical chronograph exceeded every internal forecast.
As of late June 2026, Seagull's Kickstarter campaign for the Meteorite Dial Rattrapante Chronograph has officially concluded. Final numbers: 148% funded, HK$445, 000 raised, 79 backers worldwide.
In terms of volume, this is not a mass-market campaign. But in the high-end mechanical watch segment—particularly the rattrapante chronograph category, one of the most technically demanding complications—these figures tell a meaningful story. More importantly, this marks the first time in Seagull's 71-year history that the brand has directly launched a high-end product to a global audience via a crowdfunding platform.
This post reviews the project from three angles: product, market, and brand.
I. Product: Why a Meteorite Dial + Rattrapante?
The rattrapante (split-seconds chronograph) is one of the most refined forms of mechanical timing. Unlike a standard chronograph, it uses two seconds hands to capture intermediate times—press the button at 10 o'clock to stop one hand while the other continues running; press again, and the paused hand instantly catches up. This "catch-up" action relies entirely on mechanical precision, achieved through a column wheel, horizontal clutch, and layered seconds-wheel construction.
The Seagull ST1961-2 manual-wind movement is the technical backbone of this project. Developed in-house at the Tianjin watch factory, it beats at 21,600 vph (3Hz) with a power reserve of approximately 45 hours. Housed in a 42.5mm Grade 5 titanium case, it balances weight and durability for daily wear.
The dial is cut from Muonionalusta meteorite from Sweden. When acid-etched, it reveals natural Widmanstätten patterns—crystalline structures that are unique to each slice. No two dials are identical, making every finished watch a one-of-a-kind piece.
Key Specifications:
Specification Detail
Movement Seagull ST1961-2 manual-wind rattrapante chronograph (column wheel + horizontal clutch)
Power Reserve Approx. 45 hours
Frequency 21,600 vph (3Hz)
Case 42.5mm, Grade 5 titanium
Dial Swedish Muonionalusta meteorite (natural Widmanstätten pattern)
Caseback Sapphire crystal exhibition back
Water Resistance 50 meters
Limited Edition 200 pieces worldwide
Early Bird Price From US$4,549
One backer commented that it's "the cheapest rattrapante on Earth." That claim may be debatable, but it points to an undeniable fact: in the US$3,000–4,000 price range, a mechanical watch combining a meteorite dial with a rattrapante movement has virtually no direct competitor in today's market.
II. Market: What 79 Backers Really Mean
79 backers. almost HK$450,000. By crowdfunding standards, these aren't headline numbers. But in the context of high-end horology, they require a different reading.
The average ticket price for watch projects on Kickstarter typically falls in the hundreds of dollars. This project started at US$4,549 for early birds, with a higher retail price thereafter. Attracting 79 backers at this price point suggests that the target audience was correctly identified and effectively reached.
More importantly, backers came from multiple regions—including Hong Kong, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Singapore. For Seagull, a Chinese watchmaker with deep domestic roots, this response from overseas collectors provides real-world market data for future product planning.
Crowdfunding is not about "selling out"—it's about validation. At 148% of its goal, this campaign confirms that the product definition—rattrapante + meteorite dial—works at this price point.
III. Brand: A Strategic First Step for Seagull
Founded in 1955, Seagull is China's oldest mechanical watch manufacturer. For decades, the brand's core market has been mainland China, with overseas sales largely conducted through distributor networks.
This Kickstarter campaign marks Seagull's first direct-to-consumer launch via a crowdfunding platform, targeting high-end collectors globally. It bypasses traditional distribution layers and establishes a direct line to end users—a significant shift in both channel and communication strategy for an established manufacturer.
Following the campaign, orders will be fulfilled in the order of payment received, with deliveries scheduled to begin in July 2026. Because each meteorite dial is cut from a different section of the stone, production timelines vary slightly by piece. The project page and email updates will track progress throughout.
IV. What's Next
This campaign is limited to 200 pieces and will not be reproduced once sold out. However, Seagull has confirmed that the rattrapante movement's R&D and production capabilities are now validated, and additional models based on this calibre are under consideration. The meteorite dial will also remain an option for future high-end collections.
For those who missed the campaign, follow Seagull's official website and social media channels for updates on future releases.
About Seagull
Founded in Tianjin in 1955, Seagull is China's oldest mechanical watch manufacturer. With a vertically integrated production chain—from movement R&D to final assembly—the brand produces manual and automatic mechanical watches, tourbillons, minute repeaters, rattrapante chronographs, and other complex timepieces.
