Seagull Caliber ST2130

The Tianjin Sea-Gull caliber TY2130 (aka ST2130) is an automatic 3-hander movement with a date. This movement is available in silver or gold tone, with varying finishes.

As with most Made in China watch movements, technical documentation for the TY2130 is basically non-existent.

Popular 2824-2 Clone:

This caliber is based on the TY21/ST21 family of Seagull watch movements and is known for being an ETA 2824-2 clone – therefore, it shares the same dimensions and dial feet locations as the 2824-2 framework, as well as compatibility with parts such as dial and hands. Keep in mind that does not mean all components are interchangeable.

Unlike the 2824-2 and other clones such as the Sellita SW200-1, the 2130 does not come in different grades.

TY2130 VS TY2100:

There is a similar caliber TY2100 (ST2100) with the difference being that the 2100 has a day date calendar complication and the 2130 just has a date.

There is not a true no-date version, so no-date watches using the 2130 will likely have a phantom date position (for example, the CIGA Design Blue Planet which runs a modified ST2130 apparently with a phantom date).

2130 VS NH35?

You may be wondering if it’s worth it to upgrade from the NH35A to the ST2130 (TY2130). Both movements are solid performers when treated right, but some things to consider are:

• Both have hacking seconds and manual-winding capability.
• The beat rate is different between the two. NH35A beats at 21,600 vph and the ST2130 beats at 28,800 vph.
• The country of origin is different: While the manufacturing location of the NH35 has become dubious in recent years, it’s likely that you will obtain a movement made in Malaysia. The ST2130 is made in China. The NH35 was designed in Japan, and the ST2130 is based on a design from Switzerland.
• Both have bi-directional winding: the NH35 uses Seiko’s Magic Lever system, where the ST2130 uses a reverser wheel system.
• Both have a date – however, it’s important to note that you can get the NH35 without a date (Seiko NH38).
• Both use ETACHRON style regulating systems.
• For timekeeping, both can be regulated quite well, but the NH35 is more likely to arrive fully ready to go, clean and oiled. There have been reports of ST2130 movements not being oiled before leaving the factory, and showing up with debris or fingerprints and other smudges (this may have improved over the years and may depend on the seller).
• You may get slightly more runtime from the NH35 on a full wind, but they are similar.

One of the first questions you should ask yourself when deciding between buying a watch with an NH35A or ST2130 is: do you already own a watch with one or the other. It’s find to have multiple watches with different movements to compare.

As far as building or modding a watch, making this decision should be based on the available parts for each. Which movement has parts availability that closely matches what you’re looking for?

Things to note:

• The NH35A is a larger diameter and thicker movement. You may find a case that works with either one, but the Seagull will need a movement spacer.
• The NH35 should at least be marked with a jewel count and manufacturer’s name, the ST2130 will have no markings (it’s so bad that neither sellers nor reviewers can ever seem to agree on a jewel count).

2130 Ebauche Swiss Made?

Believe it or not, the Sea-Gull ST21030 is actually used as the basis for a few “Swiss Made” movements – this is all made possible thanks to Swissness laws that allow brands to peddle China-made goods as Swiss. This does not mean that the Swiss Made versions are not of higher quality and therefore hold a higher value. For example, the Swiss versions would likely be regulated at multiple positions, cleaned and lubricated, have a better finishing, etc.

Are there Fake 2130 Movements?

The problem with made in China movements like the Seagull ST2130 is that there are so many different factories producing similar movements without markings (although some may be marked “ST2100” – please comment below if you have proof of this), yet they all call them by the same caliber number. Are you getting a genuine ST2130? What even is a genuine ST2130? Who knows. The question is what would Sea-Gull deem as a fake 2130? Perhaps the best way to mitigate this is to try buying the movement directly from Sea-gull.

But one thing for sure is that the ST2130 is used to make fake ETA 2824-2 movements with a similar finishing and a laser engraved ETA logo and caliber number under the balance wheel. Examples have been found with date codes: BM / ZV22. Just because a movement has this date code doesn’t mean it’s a fake ETA, but be aware.

Just to be clear: Clone = same design and framework (ok because the patents expired on the 2824). Fake = not a genuine ETA but has ETA markings/logo,

Replacement Prices:

At the time of this caliber listing, replacement prices for individual raw movements were found as low as $38.41, all the way up to $109.99 USD from a Sea-Gull distributor. The average price will be in the +/- $60 range.

Additional Resources:

• Tianjin Seagull on Wikipedia
• More made in China calibers
• Competing Caliber: HKPT5000