My VCMs – Part 79: Budlet & Chunlei

[saskwatch]

I bought this Budlet because I like the pattern of the indices.



The batch number, 202, indicates that it is an early model.







Under the balance: BC SS7 above 中国 上海 (China Shanghai), dating it to March 1975. According to a price list I saw at watchstore.com.cn, a Budlet cost RMB 125 in April 1975. It probably was a huge amount at the time.

Chunlei automatics were manufactured considerably later than the old Budlet. I found one I particularly like.



It came in a red Shanghai box…



…and on a brown Shanghai strap.





The automatic movement looks like the movement in my But(ter)fly, and I think it has been established that it originated in Xian. Wilderbeest posted an excellent teardown of the Butfly's movement.

There is a difference, however.





The rotor is inscribed with SHD7ZS. Soviet mentioned this designation is printed on the dial of a manual day/date Butterfly of his.

It’s interesting that the dial and all references to the movement I’ve seen say 26 jewels, but the rotor says 28. Unlike my Butfly, the quickset date and day can both be adjusted by turning the crown in the middle position.

[soviet]

Congratulations! I particularly like the day/date automatic Chunlei. It is a rare bird. I wonder why Xian developed this new movement? Is it a fast beat 28800/h version?

The price of RMB 125 for a Chunlei in 1970's is a big sum! It was about 3 months wages of a young worker.

[saskwatch]

Congratulations! I particularly like the day/date automatic Chunlei. It is a rare bird. I wonder why Xian developed this new movement? Is it a fast beat 28800/h version?

Thanks!

It ticks away very nicely at 21600 bph.

[AlbertaTime]

Beautifully presented Budlet. Clean, and I agree about the indices, and the Chinlei is straight up gorgeous. Love the crown.