Model : A-581
Manufacturer : Shanghai Watch Factory (上海手表厂）
Year of Production: 1962
Case Diameter :
Weight w/o strap: g
Movement Model : A-581 (17 jewels)
Type : Hand Wind
This Shanghai A-581 is my second watch in Shanghai 581 series. The first 581 is Shanghai A581 (the post is here; also see the same post for more information about Shanghai 581 series). The difference between the two models is the "-" between the "A" and "581". This A-581 has all the six authentic features of Shanghai 581 as outlined in the post.
The caseback is engraved with "QUAN GANG" (全钢) which literally means all stainless steel, i.e. both the watch case and the caseback are in stainless steel. A-581 with this caseback is the first full stainless steel watch in the series.
The caseback is engraved with "QUAN GANG" (全钢) which literally means all stainless steel, i.e. both the watch case and the caseback are in stainless steel. A-581 with this caseback is the first full stainless steel watch in the series.
Ascertaining the time of production of this Shanghai A-581:
- the caseback of type #6 of this post of micmicmor website and according to the post it should be produced in 1962 - 1963;
- the Zuan (jewel) in Chinese had been in simple form "占“ until about 1964; this watch has "占“ printed on it;
- it has a date code of 6210A under its balance wheel which means the first batch of production in October 1962;
- the balance wheel is not screw compensated; it was screw compensated in earlier Shanghai 581. According to the micmicmor's post this improved movement should be produced from about 1964.
This watch in its original form is as below:
I stumbled upon the 581 dial in taobao.com which was, according to the seller, a NOS (I believe it is a remake rather than a NOS) and replaced that 'overly cleaned' old dial with this new face. Voilà, its glorious days are restored!
