A Chronograph with Shanghai Heritage

The Shanghai Watch Pioneer Chronograph looks back to a lesser-known chapter in the manufacture’s history, when the Shanghai Watch Factory was involved in the development of specialised timing instruments during the early 1960s.

In 1960, the Shanghai Watch Factory established Workshop 608, a specialised facility dedicated to the development and production of military timing instruments. Among its early achievements was the 301 aviation clock, successfully trial-produced in 1961 with standard timekeeping, flight-time and timing functions.

Workshop 608 also developed a 304 chronograph, a rare piece of Shanghai Watch history that provides inspiration for the modern Pioneer Chronograph. The contemporary watch echoes the character of that earlier design through its balanced twin-register layout, Arabic numerals, arrow-shaped applied hour markers and distinctive red-tipped central chronograph seconds hand.

The light-coloured sunray dial is complemented by two recessed, sandblasted subdials, with small seconds and a 30-minute chronograph counter creating a classically proportioned display. Dauphine-style hour and minute hands reinforce the watch’s vintage character.

The 39mm case is crafted from 316L stainless steel and measures 12.65mm thick, giving the chronograph traditional proportions while retaining enough presence for its mechanical display. A domed sapphire crystal adds to its vintage profile, while the stainless-steel caseback features a retro-inspired decorative design.

Inside is Shanghai Watch’s 1901 hand-wound mechanical chronograph movement. The 22-jewel calibre operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and provides up to 45 hours of power reserve. Manual winding adds another layer of interaction, connecting the wearer directly with the mechanical character of the watch.

A black leather strap with a quick-release system completes the design.

More than a vintage-inspired chronograph, the Pioneer reconnects with an intriguing part of Shanghai Watch Factory’s technical past — bringing design cues associated with the Workshop 608 chronograph into a contemporary 39mm mechanical watch.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

REFERENCE
S5003.3801.011.18

COLLECTION
Tribute Series – Pioneer Chronograph

MOVEMENT
Shanghai 1901 Calibre
Hand-wound mechanical movement
22 jewels
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour / 3 Hz
Power Reserve: Up to 45 hours

FUNCTIONS
Hours
Minutes
Small Seconds
Chronograph Seconds
30-Minute Chronograph Counter

DIAL
Light-coloured sunray dial
Dauphine-style hour and minute hands
Red-tipped central chronograph seconds hand
Arabic numerals and arrow-shaped applied hour markers
Sandblasted small seconds and 30-minute chronograph subdials

CASE
316L stainless steel
Diameter: 39.00 mm
Thickness: 12.65 mm
Domed sapphire crystal
316L stainless-steel retro decorative caseback
Water Resistance: 5 ATM / 50 metres

STRAP
Black leather strap
Quick-release system

Shanghai Watches: Where Tradition Meets Modern

Founded in 1955, Shanghai Watch is one of the pioneering names in Chinese watchmaking and has played an important role in the development of the country’s mechanical watch industry. Rooted in Shanghai, the brand draws inspiration from the city’s architecture, culture and evolving identity, combining its watchmaking heritage with contemporary design. Today, Shanghai Watch continues to reinterpret Chinese craftsmanship through mechanical timepieces that connect tradition with a distinctly modern perspective.