The Sea-Gull ST1655 (also known as TY2872) is an automatic calibre produced by Tianjin Sea-Gull, one of China's largest and most established movement manufacturers. Based on the Miyota 8200 series architecture with additional calendar modules, it operates at 21,600 bph in a 26mm diameter, 6.4mm thick architecture with 21 jewels and approximately 40 hours power reserve. It carries a triple-date calendar complication alongside a 24-hour day/night indicator and is part of Sea-Gull's ST16 movement family. The V3 designation refers to the third-generation modification of this calibre by replica manufacturers for GMT perpetual calendar style references — specifically the Ulysse Nardin El Toro — where the movement is configured for full multi-complication display.
In its base configuration, the ST1655 carries day, date, month, and a 24-hour day/night indicator — with the 24-hour hand following the main hour hand rather than tracking an independent second time zone. The V3 modification by replica manufacturers configures this architecture for GMT perpetual calendar reference compatibility, adapting the complication display for the El Toro dial layout where GMT function, date, day, and month are all visible simultaneously. All displayed complications in the V3 configuration are functional.
In Practice
- The ST1655 V3 operates at 21,600 bph with 21 jewels and approximately 40 hours power reserve. It is a Sea-Gull calibre — produced by an established Chinese manufacturer with a longer track record than smaller Mingzhu calibres, and with better-documented serviceability within the Chinese watchmaking ecosystem.
- The base ST1655 architecture includes triple-date calendar functionality — day, date, and month — alongside a 24-hour indicator. The V3 modification adapts this layout for the El Toro reference geometry, with all calendar complications functional and advancing automatically.
- Hacking (stop-seconds) and hand winding are both present — consistent with the base ST1655 specification. The crown stops the seconds hand in the time-setting position for precise synchronisation, and the movement can be manually wound when unworn.
- The ST1655 is based on the Miyota 8200 series framework — the same architectural foundation as several Mingzhu DG28 series calibres. This shared lineage means the movement benefits from a proven automatic architecture while carrying Sea-Gull's own calendar module additions on top.
- The V3 designation reflects replica manufacturer modifications to the base ST1655 calibre for El Toro reference compatibility — case fitment, hand sizing, dial configuration, and complication layout adjustments specific to the Ulysse Nardin case geometry. The ST1655 V3 is a closed caseback movement with no visual resemblance to the genuine Ulysse Nardin calibre.
Related Terms
Miyota Movement · Sea-Gull ST2500 V2 · Mingzhu DG3804 V4 · Super Clone · Exhibition Caseback
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For a full overview of movements used in replica watches — including how the Sea-Gull ST1655 compares to other calibres — read: Replica Watch Movements Explained