I've previously delved into the fascinating stories of Shanghai and DongFeng watches - from the first self-developed movement to the first Chinese military dive watch. Today, I turn my attention to another compelling narrative in China's vintage watchmaking history: the Beijing Watch 「北京表」.
My journey through Chinese horology has been a passionate exploration of more than just timekeeping devices. These watches are living piece of history, each bearing witness to a complex tapestry of technological innovation, national pride, and cultural transformation.
Unlike its peers, the Beijing Watch emerged from a unique crucible of industrial determination and limited resources. Born in the late 1950s, the Beijing Watch emerged during a pivotal period of China's industrial infancy. At a time when the country's watch manufacturing capabilities were limited and technological sophistication was still developing, this timepiece represented more than just an instrument for telling time—it symbolized national innovation and industrial aspiration.
The first batch of Beijing watches was produced in 1958
The Beijing Watch Factory's ( 北京手表厂 ) origin story is particularly remarkable. In 1958, against seemingly insurmountable odds, a group of determined individuals embarked on an ambitious project. With no factory, no specialized equipment, and virtually no financial resources, they set out to create China's own watch. Their foundation was a modest background in alarm clock production and an ingenious approach: they meticulously mapped a Swiss watch, receiving crucial support from teachers and students at the Beijing University of Technology. By September of the same year, they had achieved what seemed impossible—producing the first batch of 17 watches. This modest number represented a significant milestone, filling a critical gap in Beijing's industrial landscape.
These inaugural watches bore the "Beijing Brand" trademark and were designated as Type I. They were sophisticated for their time, featuring a full steel large three-hand design, 17 jewel movements, and water and shock-resistant capabilities.
Beijing Watch Factory and it's connection with Shanghai Watch Factory
The watch's trajectory intersected with significant moments in contemporary Chinese history. In 1961, Premier Zhou Kai-en purchased his first Shanghai Watch, which he continued to wear until his death. Interestingly, that same year, the Beijing Watch Factory dispatched a 26-person delegation to the Shanghai Watch Factory, seeking knowledge and advanced manufacturing techniques—a strategic move that would prove crucial for their future development.
An upgrade from Beijing Watch Type 1 to Type 2
A pivotal moment came in 1962 when Xu Yaonan, accompanied by 11 classmates from Tianjin University, was assigned to the Beijing Watch Factory. At the time, Xu was likely unaware that he would become a foundational figure in the factory's design and manufacturing processes, ultimately leaving an indelible mark on China's watch history.
Between 1963 and 1969, they produced 166,861 Type II watches. Today, these watches are rare, making them highly prized by collectors for their unique historical significance and craftsmanship.
In 1967, the factory introduced the Type V watch, an innovative design that consolidated the upper and middle watch movement splints—a technical advancement that streamlined production. The Type V was remarkably successful, with 1.5 million units produced, representing a significant achievement during a period of industrial capacity constraints.
A Closer Look: The Type V Beijing Watch - A Symbol of Revolutionary Ideology
Among the most intriguing examples of the Beijing Watch Type V model is this special piece that carries a profound historical significance beyond its mechanical craftsmanship. What sets this particular watch apart is the inscription on the dial: "為人民服務" (Wèi rénmín fúwù) - a phrase that encapsulates the very essence of revolutionary China.
Literally translated as "serve the people," this quote goes far deeper than its simple translation. Its true meaning encompasses "thoughts and actions that work for the people's interests" - a philosophical cornerstone that Chairman Mao first articulated in 1944. This phrase was ubiquitous, adorning everything from street walls in remote villages to the halls of Xinhua Men, the home of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.
The watch's design is a marvel of historical preservation. The red text, allegedly painted using cinnabar, remains vibrantly visible decades later - a testament to the pigment's remarkable durability. Cinnabar, with its ability to retain its intense red hue through countless years, becomes more than just a decorative element; it's a metaphor for the enduring nature of this trans-generational message.
Choice of straps:
- on the Beijing Type 5: Black Alran Leather
- on the Shanghai 1120: Brown Nubuck Leather with White Stitching
- on the Shanghai SS4, Black Nubuck Leather
- on the DongFeng ST5, Grey Alran Leather
However, the watch's historical significance has also made it a target for imitation. The market is flooded with what collectors dismissively call "tourist watches" - cheap replicas often found in popular tourist areas. These counterfeits attempt to capture the essence of the original but lack the authentic historical and cultural depth of the genuine Beijing Watch.
Compared to its contemporary, the Shanghai Watch, which evolved more commercially, the Beijing Watch represented a different ethos—one of national pride, technological learning, and persistent innovation.
