Watch Review: Guanqin 1868 Legend Automatic Dress Watch - GQ008815

Chinese watches are getting better. With the advent of social media, more and more people are being informed and convinced that Chinese watches are not at all as bad as we think. Of course in buying anything, one must take some risk and I would say much more so for these relatively new and sometimes very generic Chinese watches.

One Chinese brand that caught my attention is Guanqin. I first saw this brand on Aliexpress and I got a bit curious about it. Thanks to Youtubers who have reviewed watches from this brand, I have also pulled the trigger and bought myself a Guanqin watch.

Here it is! The Gaunqin GQ008815 Automatic Watch.

Specifications

Case diameter: 39 mm
Case thickness: 12 mm
Lug width: 19 mm
Lug tip to lug tip: 48 mm

Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Unknown Chinese movement
Hacking: Yes
Manual Wind: Yes
Complications: Date only

Price: Php 2,300 (Approx USD 44)
Purchased Online: https://www.lazada.com.ph/-i135106104-s151282258.html?urlFlag=true&mp=1

The Packaging

The watch comes in a black box with what seems to be like alligator skin design and texture to it.

Contained within the box is the watch, a cleaning cloth, a user's manual, and an international guarantee card. The box has a foam insert that conforms to the shape of the watch and protects it during transport. I'm uncertain if the guarantee card is valid outside China. The box and packaging are not too bad. Although I think that the box is a generic one that fits most if not all of Guanqin's watches.

The watch itself doesn't look half bad. I have worn this for quite a while now and the crystal is still scratch free. The case however has some scratches now since I have worn this almost everyday for three months since I bought it back in November of 2018.

Here are some close up photos of the watch.

Simple, white dial with printed indexes. I'm not entirely sure about the 1868 year on the dial.

The back is beautiful in my opinion. The exhibition case back makes this watch look like a million bucks. It has a gold rotor that has an elegant pattern. However, if you look closely, you will notice that its just attached, probably even glued, on the real rotor. Very sly!

It has a thick case that has a brushed band in the center. The signed crown is well sized and easy to grip.

The crystal is flat. Overall shape is just right for me.

It has a signed buckle. It seems like its laser etched. The logo reminds me of Longines. The leather has chapped over the course of using it.

It has a stamped faux alligator leather strap.

19mm lug width which makes it difficult to find replacement straps and bracelets.

Strangely, the watch looks like the Tissot LeLocle. I would guess that Guanqin was "inspired" by the elegant looks of the LeLocle that they "copied" the looks. Please bear in mind that this watch pushes the line between homage and direct copy. If that bothers you, this watch is definitely not for you.

I purchased this watch not knowing it looked like the Tissot. However, I would still have bought it regardless. Reason being that the Guanqin only copied the looks and is not considered a counterfeit. A counterfeit would have copied everything including the branding and marketed as the real deal.

The watch looks elegant and won't break the bank for the quality you get. I recommend this watch for anyone looking to purchase a dress watch, but is not willing to spend a fortune. The features you get also makes this a good "bang for you buck" watch. It has a sapphire crystal, its automatic, hand winds, and has a date complication. Overall, it's a great watch.

Enjoy!