Heritage mechanical watchmaking across distinct design expressions
How to Explore SHANGHAI WATCH
SHANGHAI WATCH is one of China’s earliest mechanical watchmakers, and spans a wide range of expressions - from military tool watches to sculptural, design-led pieces. Explore the collections below based on how you wear and what you value.
Browse by Design Approach
Modern & Balanced Clean, modern designs with practical complications → Pioneer
Tool & Military Tool watches rooted in Shanghai’s military history → Commander
Refined & Minimal Texture-focused pieces centred on finishing and detail → Magnolia, Visionary
The Shanghai Watch Pioneer Moonphase Salmon Edition brings a softer, more expressive tone to the brand’s contemporary dress watch line.
It combines a clean, modern layout with a traditional moonphase complication, anchored by a salmon dial that adds depth without excess.
Inspiration & Design
The Pioneer series reflects Shanghai Watch’s shift toward a more refined, contemporary design language while staying grounded in its mechanical roots.
This edition introduces a salmon dial - a colour historically associated with higher-end watchmaking - used here in a restrained way to complement the watch’s balanced, architectural layout.
Dial & Case Details
The salmon dial is the defining feature, offering subtle tonal variation depending on lighting conditions.
The moonphase display is integrated cleanly into the dial, maintaining symmetry and avoiding visual clutter.
Markers and printing are kept precise and minimal, allowing the colour and complication to carry the design.
The 39mm case is proportioned for versatility, sitting comfortably between traditional dress sizing and modern preferences.
Movement & Mechanics
Powered by an automatic mechanical movement with moonphase complication, the watch focuses on practical reliability.
The inclusion of a moonphase adds functional interest while remaining easy to live with as a daily mechanical watch.
Strap & Wearability
The watch is paired with a leather strap that complements the warmth of the dial.
Its moderate case size and balanced proportions make it suitable for extended wear across both casual and formal settings.
Final Impression
This is where Shanghai Watch becomes more interesting.
The Pioneer line already offers a cleaner, more contemporary base — and the salmon dial pushes it further into collector territory without losing restraint.
Technical Specifications
Case size:
39mm
Case material:
316L stainless steel
Case back:
Stainless steel
Movement type:
Automatic
Movement no.:
Seagull 1818
Power reserve:
Approx 40hrs
Dial:
Salmon with silver hands, indices and numerals; moonphase display
Glass:
Sapphire crystal
Water resistance:
5ATM
Strap type:
Strap
Strap material:
Black calf leather
Buckle:
Stainless steel
Warranty:
2 years
The Shanghai Watch Commander Sniper traces its lineage to the Type 114, the brand’s first military diving watch.
Developed in the 1960s in response to requirements from the Chinese military, the Type 114 combined automatic winding, a date complication and enhanced resistance to shock, magnetism and water. Some examples were issued to senior military officers, earning the watch the informal reputation of an officer’s watch or general’s watch.
The modern Commander revisits that history in a more compact form. The Sniper pairs a 37.5mm gunmetal steel case with a dark sunray dial, titanium diving bezel and 300m water resistance - retaining the utilitarian character of its predecessor while bringing the construction firmly into the present.
Inspiration & Design
The Commander collection draws directly from Shanghai Watch’s Type 114 military diving watch.
Its origins can be traced to the A641 project of 1964, an experimental high-grade slim watch that provided a foundation for subsequent development. Following a requirement for an automatic watch with a date display and enhanced shock, magnetic and water resistance, Shanghai Watch further developed the design and in 1965 produced the 29-jewel Type 114 military diving watch. A later 24-jewel version powered by the SS4C movement followed in 1968.
The contemporary Commander retains recognisable elements of the Type 114 while refining them for modern proportions. Shanghai’s calligraphic signature remains at 12 o’clock, the date window sits at 3, and the original wedge-shaped hour markers have been streamlined without losing their distinctive geometry.
At 6 o’clock, the two-bar, four-star insignia references military rank and provides the most direct visual link to the Commander identity.
Dial & Case
The Sniper takes the darker of the two titanium-bezel Commander executions. Its black sunray dial is designed to reveal subtle changes in texture under changing light, while tonal hands, indices and the two-bar, four-star emblem reinforce its deliberately subdued appearance.
Pencil-shaped hour and minute hands are joined by a slender seconds hand with a broadened tip. The three-dimensional wedge indices and hands are treated with Super-LumiNova® for visibility in low light.
The 37.5mm case is made from 316L stainless steel with a gunmetal finish and measures 13.45mm thick. Satin-brushed surfaces maintain the tool-watch character, while a domed sapphire crystal protects the dial.
Around it sits one of the more interesting updates to the historic design: a unidirectional titanium diving bezel, selected for its strength, corrosion resistance and reduced weight. The bezel itself incorporates Super-LumiNova®, extending nighttime legibility beyond the dial.
A screw-down crown and solid steel caseback contribute to a substantial 300m / 30ATM water-resistance rating.
Movement
Inside is Shanghai Watch’s ST2130 automatic movement, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour / 4Hz.
The 28-jewel calibre provides central hours, minutes and seconds together with the date display at 3 o’clock, and delivers approximately 42 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
Rather than using an exhibition caseback, Shanghai Watch has chosen a solid steel back for this Commander - an appropriate decision for a watch whose identity is rooted more firmly in military utility and diving capability than movement display.
Bracelet / Strap
The Sniper is supplied on a 20mm black nylon-and-leather strap with a pin buckle. Its quick-release construction makes changing the watch’s character particularly straightforward.
Also included is a 20mm gunmetal stainless-steel bracelet, fitted with a turtle-back clasp and its own quick-release system. The darker bracelet creates a more integrated, monochromatic appearance, while the nylon-leather strap emphasises the Commander’s field and military character.
Final Thoughts
The Commander Sniper succeeds because Shanghai Watch has resisted simply reproducing an old military watch.
The historical cues are still there - the calligraphic signature, date position, wedge indices and military insignia - but the 37.5mm proportions, titanium bezel, sapphire crystal and 300m water resistance make this a genuinely modern tool watch.
Its Type 114 lineage gives it a story worth knowing. Its compact dimensions and dark gunmetal execution mean you don’t need to be a history enthusiast to appreciate it.
Technical Specifications
Case size:
37.5mm
Case material:
Gunmetal 316L stainless steel
Case back:
316L stainless steel
Movement type:
Automatic
Movement no.:
ST2130
Power reserve:
Approx 42hrs
Dial:
Black sunray; applied wedge-shaped indices with Super-Luminova; pencil hour/minute hands and linear seconds hand with Super-Luminova
Glass:
Sapphire crystal
Water resistance:
30ATM
Strap type:
1x strap; 1x bracelet
Strap material:
Nylon and leather strap; gunmetal stainless steel bracelet
Buckle:
Stainless steel
Warranty:
2 years
The Shanghai Watch Commander Scout traces its lineage to the Type 114, Shanghai Watch’s first military diving watch.
Developed in the 1960s in response to military requirements, the Type 114 combined automatic winding and a date complication with enhanced resistance to shock, magnetism and water. Some examples were issued to senior military officers, contributing to its reputation as an officer’s watch or general’s watch.
The modern Commander revisits that history through a compact 37.5mm case, 300m water resistance and a unidirectional titanium bezel. For the Scout, Shanghai Watch combines those functional foundations with a silver-grey sunray dial and beige nylon-leather strap for a softer, more understated interpretation.
Inspiration & Design
The Commander collection draws directly from Shanghai Watch’s Type 114 military diving watch.
Its origins can be traced to the A641 project of 1964, an experimental high-grade slim watch that contributed to subsequent development. Following a requirement for an automatic watch with date display and enhanced shock, magnetic and water resistance, Shanghai Watch developed the 29-jewel Type 114 military diving watch in 1965. A 24-jewel version using the SS4C movement followed in 1968.
The contemporary Commander retains recognisable elements from the Type 114 while refining them for modern wear. Shanghai’s calligraphic signature remains at 12 o’clock, the date window occupies the traditional 3 o’clock position, and the characteristic wedge-shaped hour markers have been streamlined.
At 6 o’clock sits the distinctive two-bar, four-star insignia, providing the most immediate visual reference to the Commander identity.
Dial & Case
The Scout is distinguished by its silver-grey sunray dial, whose brushed surface shifts subtly with changing light. Grey-toned hands and indices maintain the restrained palette, while the steel-coloured two-bar, four-star insignia sits above the “Made in China” signature at 6 o’clock.
Pencil-shaped hour and minute hands are paired with a slender seconds hand with a broadened tip. The three-dimensional wedge indices and hands are treated with Super-LumiNova® for low-light visibility.
The satin-brushed 316L stainless-steel case measures 37.5mm across and 13.45mm thick, topped by a domed sapphire crystal. Shanghai Watch pairs it with a silver-grey unidirectional titanium bezel, which also incorporates Super-LumiNova®. The material brings strength and corrosion resistance while reducing weight around the perimeter of the watch.
A screw-down steel crown and solid steel caseback help deliver a substantial 300m / 30ATM water-resistance rating.
Movement
Inside is Shanghai Watch’s ST2130 automatic movement, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour / 4Hz.
The 28-jewel calibre provides central hours, minutes and seconds together with the date display at 3 o’clock, with approximately 42 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
A solid steel caseback keeps the emphasis on durability and the Commander’s tool-watch character rather than displaying the movement.
Bracelet / Strap
The Scout is supplied on a 20mm beige nylon-and-leather strap, chosen to complement the cooler silver-grey dial and case. It uses a conventional pin buckle and quick-release construction.
Also included is a 20mm stainless-steel bracelet, fitted with a turtle-back clasp and quick-release system. This effectively gives the Scout two distinct personalities: more relaxed and field-inspired on the beige strap, or more conventionally dive-watch oriented on steel.
Final Thoughts
The Commander Scout demonstrates how effectively Shanghai Watch can use its archives without becoming constrained by them.
The Type 114 provides genuine historical substance, but the modern watch stands on its own: compact dimensions, sapphire crystal, a titanium diving bezel and 300m water resistance make it a capable contemporary tool watch.
Of the two Commander executions, the Scout is the quieter choice. Its silver-grey palette and beige strap soften the military influence without erasing it - making the watch particularly easy to wear beyond its historical context.
Technical Specifications
Case size:
37.5mm
Case material:
316L stainless steel
Case back:
316L stainless steel
Movement type:
Automatic
Movement no.:
ST2130
Power reserve:
Approx 42hrs
Dial:
Silver grey sunray; applied wedge-shaped indices with Super-Luminova; pencil hour/minute hands and linear seconds hand with Super-Luminova
Glass:
Sapphire crystal
Water resistance:
30ATM
Strap type:
1x strap; 1x bracelet
Strap material:
Nylon and leather strap; stainless steel bracelet
Buckle:
Stainless steel
Warranty:
2 years
The Shanghai Watch The Bund Magic Formula Xuanyun (玄云), reference S7003.2412.011.08, rethinks the conventional relationship between hands, numerals and the dial.
Its wandering-hours display places three transparent hour discs around the centre of the watch. Each carries four hour numerals and rotates on its own axis while simultaneously orbiting the central mechanism. As the active hour enters the 120-degree minute sector across the upper portion of the dial, its position along the scale indicates the minutes.
The result is a display in constant motion: mechanically expressive, visually distinctive and surprisingly intuitive once its logic becomes familiar.
Inspiration & Design
For the Magic Formula Celestial series, Shanghai Watch draws upon water and clouds, two recurring auspicious motifs within traditional Chinese visual culture.
Xuanyun takes its inspiration from clouds. Its curling cloud pattern evokes forms associated with good fortune and upward progress, while the black mother-of-pearl beneath it introduces shifting iridescence as the watch catches the light.
The traditional motif sits in deliberate contrast to the contemporary architecture of the wandering-hours mechanism. Rather than recreating a historical watch, Shanghai Watch uses established Chinese decorative language within a thoroughly modern mechanical composition.
Dial & Case
The black dial uses mother-of-pearl marquetry to form an auspicious cloud pattern. Its natural iridescence changes subtly with viewing angle and light, allowing the pattern and colour of the dial to continually shift.
Above it, three transparent hour discs form the wandering-hours mechanism. Each disc carries four numerals and both rotates independently and orbits the centre of the dial. The active hour travels across a 120-degree minute scale, allowing the time to be read from the numeral's position within the sector.
The case is made from 316L stainless steel and measures 41.5mm in diameter and 13.7mm thick. An anti-reflective domed sapphire crystal covers the dial, while water resistance is rated to 5ATM.
Movement
The watch is powered by Shanghai Watch's FWS-F01 automatic movement, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) with 28 jewels and up to 38 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
Through the full sapphire exhibition caseback, the movement reveals fish-scale finishing across the bridges and linear finishing on the rotor, which is also signed with the Shanghai Watch name.
Here, the movement is more than an engine hidden behind the dial: it provides the mechanical foundation for the wandering-hours display that defines the watch.
Bracelet / Strap
Xuanyun is fitted with a 20mm black leather strap, keeping the overall presentation restrained against the iridescent black dial.
It is equipped with a butterfly clasp and quick-release construction, allowing the strap to be removed without conventional spring-bar tools.
Final Thoughts
Magic Formula Xuanyun works because its unusual display isn't simply decorative. The wandering-hours mechanism fundamentally changes how the watch communicates time, giving the constantly moving dial a purpose beyond visual theatre.
Black mother-of-pearl and the auspicious cloud motif then give that mechanical architecture a distinctly Chinese identity. It is a strong example of Shanghai Watch looking forward rather than relying solely on its considerable historical archive.
Technical Specifications
Case size:
41.5mm
Case material:
316L stainless steel
Case back:
Sapphire, exhibition caseback
Movement type:
Automatic
Movement no.:
FWS-F01
Power reserve:
Approx 38hrs
Dial:
Black mother-of-pearl marquetry with auspicious cloud motif; wandering hours with 120° minute scale
Glass:
Sapphire crystal
Water resistance:
5ATM
Strap type:
Strap
Strap material:
Black calf leather
Buckle:
Stainless steel deployant clasp
Warranty:
2 years
The Shanghai Watch The Bund Magic Formula Yilan (漪澜), reference S7003.2407.031.08, reimagines the conventional watch display through a wandering-hours mechanism.
Three transparent discs are suspended around the centre of the dial, each carrying four hour numerals. The discs rotate individually while simultaneously orbiting the central axis. When the relevant hour reaches the 120-degree minute sector across the upper portion of the dial, its position against the scale indicates the minutes.
The result is a watch in continual motion - an unconventional yet readable approach to timekeeping that turns the mechanism itself into a central part of the design.
Inspiration & Design
For the Magic Formula Celestial series, Shanghai Watch turns to water and clouds, two longstanding auspicious motifs within Chinese visual culture.
Yilan takes its inspiration from water. Traditional wave patterns are arranged across the dial in overlapping concentric semicircles, evoking ripples spreading across the surface of water. Shanghai Watch associates the motif with continuity and enduring good fortune.
The blue-green colour palette reinforces that aquatic inspiration, while the wandering-hours mechanism brings a distinctly contemporary dimension to the composition. Rather than reproducing a historical design, Yilan uses traditional imagery as the foundation for a modern mechanical watch.
Dial & Case
The blue-green fumé dial transitions from lighter tones towards a deeper outer edge and is finished with a sunray effect that responds dynamically to changing light.
Layered across its surface is the traditional water-wave motif, formed from repeating concentric semicircles. Above it, three transparent hour discs form the wandering-hours mechanism, with the active hour moving across a 120-degree minute scale to indicate the time.
The case is constructed from 316L stainless steel with a rose-gold PVD finish, measuring 41.5mm in diameter and 13.7mm thick. An anti-reflective domed sapphire crystal protects the dial, while water resistance is rated to 5ATM.
Movement
Yilan is powered by Shanghai Watch's FWS-F01 automatic movement, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz).
The movement uses 28 jewels and delivers up to 38 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
It can be viewed through the full sapphire exhibition caseback. Shanghai Watch finishes the movement with fish-scale decoration across the bridges and linear finishing on the signed rotor, adding visual interest to the mechanical side of the watch.
Bracelet / Strap
Yilan is paired with a 20mm brown leather strap, adding warmth against the blue-green dial and rose-gold-tone case.
The strap uses a butterfly clasp and quick-release construction, allowing it to be removed without conventional spring-bar tools.
Final Thoughts
Yilan takes the mechanical theatre of the Magic Formula wandering-hours display and gives it a warmer, more expressive personality.
The interplay between blue-green fumé, traditional water-wave imagery and the rose-gold-tone case makes this the more colourful of the two Celestial interpretations. More importantly, those decorative elements aren't disconnected from the watch's mechanical concept: both the rippling dial and orbiting hour discs are built around movement.
For collectors looking at contemporary Shanghai Watch beyond its heritage-inspired pieces, Yilan offers a particularly distinctive expression of where the brand is heading.
Technical Specifications
Case size:
41.5mm
Case material:
316L stainless steel, rose gold PVD
Case back:
Sapphire, exhibition caseback
Movement type:
Automatic
Movement no.:
FWS-F01
Power reserve:
Approx 38hrs
Dial:
Blue-green fumé sunray dial with water-wave motif; wandering hours with 120° minute scale
Glass:
Sapphire crystal
Water resistance:
5ATM
Strap type:
Strap
Strap material:
Brown calf leather
Buckle:
Stainless steel, rose gold PVD deployant clasp
Warranty:
2 years
SHANGHAI WATCH offers a different perspective on mechanical watchmaking - combining historical roots with a wide range of design approaches, from functional to expressive.
A Broader Approach to Watch Design
Rather than following a single design language, SHANGHAI WATCH spans multiple directions - allowing each collection to express a distinct identity while remaining grounded in mechanical tradition.
For Different Types of Collectors
Whether you’re drawn to tool watches, refined dress pieces, or more expressive designs, SHANGHAI WATCHoffers options across multiple styles and use cases.