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Importing Watches from China: A Complete Guide
Posted on — 203 CommentsSuggestion: Watch the 20 minutes video tutorial before reading this article
Planning to import watches from China? In this article, we explain how you can implement our framework to go from design drawing and prototype to mass production and quality control.
This is covered
- Product Specifications
- Watch Movements
- Design Customization Options
- Straps
- Product Packaging
- Tooling Costs
- Unit Prices
- Prototype Development
- Watch Standards and Regulations
- Quality Control
- Watch & Clock Trade Shows
Product Specifications
Watch Case
The biggest price factor is the watch case material. You have two options: Stainless steel or Zinc alloy. The latter is only used in low-quality watches, retailing for less than $50. Watches sold for above that price are almost always made of Stainless Steel, if exclude other less common watch case materials, such as plastic and silicon.
As for the case design, you also have two options, as explained below:
- ODM = An existing watch case design, based on a ‘ready-made’ mold.
- OEM = A custom designed watch case, requiring the supplier to open a new mold.
Most Watch manufacturers can provide an extensive list of existing ODM products, which can also be modified (i.e., custom logo, back case engraving, custom designed hands, and crown). However, if you intend to have an entirely new case design made, you need to provide one, or more, of the following:
- CAD file
- 2D design file (ISO or ANSI standard)
- Physical prototype (i.e., 3D printed replica)
We can help you manufacture products in China, Vietnam & India?
- 1. Product design and material selection
- 2. Finding suppliers in Asia
- 3. Product samples and payments
- 4. Quality control, lab testing & shipping
Movement
The movement is the essential component in a watch. Most Chinese manufacturers offer both low cost Chinese made movements, and the more common, Citizen Miyota movements. Some Watch brands prefer other movements, for example, Ronda movements.
However, it tends to be quite hard to find suppliers that can provide such high-end movements, thereby forcing the buyer to arrange the movement purchase from the maker itself. That being said, most movement makers have representative offices in Hong Kong or in Mainland China.
Buyers based in the European Union must also ensure compliance with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive), which restricts heavy metals in electrical components. Quartz movements are electrical components, hence covered by the RoHS scope.
Most brand name movements, including Citizen Miyota movements, which are RoHS compliant, thereby making it easier to ensure compliance. I am, however, not aware of the same applies to low-cost movements, from smaller manufacturers.
Design Customization Options
When importing watches from China, OEM refers to custom designed watch cases. ODM, on the other hand, refers to factory standard watch cases (i.e., cases for which a mold is already made). In addition to the watch case, there are various design elements and components, that can be customized:
Clock face
- Plating
- Logo
- Indexing
- Hands
Glass
- Sapphire
- Mineral
Other
- Backplate engraving
- Crown
- Wristband
- IPX Standard (i.e., 10 ATM)
However, customized components require additional tooling (i.e., injection molds), which are without exception paid for by the buyer.
Why ODM watches are not always what they seem
Notice that many suppliers have extensive product catalogs on their Alibaba.com or Globalsources.com page. However, many of these ‘designs’ are not actual ODM products that they can offer. There are a few different scenarios that apply to so-called ODM products:
a. The supplier has an ODM mold for the product. However, they cannot allow other importers to use the mold, as it’s owned by another company.
b. They only added the product based on a photo they found online (this is very common)
c. They designed the watch, but its only a rendering, and they never actually made the mold
In many cases, I’ve found it too complicated to work out of a watch actually exists as an ODM product, or if it’s a rendering or random image they took from Google. Given that an OEM mold is only costing around $500, it’s often not even worthwhile to spend time trying to find a suitable ODM mold.
But, that’s not the case when selecting ODM hands and indexing
It’s actually faster to select ODM hands and indexing, rather than ordering the supplier to make it based on a custom design. Further, you can also save around $200 to $300 in tooling costs.
Most suppliers don’t have proper hands and indexing catalogs. Instead, you can simply provide them with an image, and let the supplier match it the best they can. Just make sure they confirm the actual design, before making the sample.
Straps
Most watch suppliers don’t manufacture straps ‘in house’, but purchase wristbands from specialized subcontractors. The Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) requirement (50 to 200 pcs) for straps tend to be lower than the Watch MOQ when buying factory standard straps.
However, custom designed (OEM) straps result in a higher MOQ, often set at 500 to 1000 pcs – and, a fixed tooling cost at around $400.
Further, if you intend to purchase OEM wristbands, you need to prepare the following to the supplier:
- Bill of Materials (Component list, material specifications)
- Design drawings
- Dimensions and size table
You can avoid the tooling cost, and lower the MOQ per design and color if you select an ODM strap.
Product Packaging
Product packaging is also subcontracted to specialized packaging suppliers. Not manufactured by the Watch Supplier. ODM packaging, i.e., a standard gift box with the buyer logo, tends to be offered with a lower MOQ (500 – 1000 pcs per design) while OEM packaging requires the buyer to purchase 2000 to 3000 pcs per design.
The Watch manufacturer can mostly offer a number of standard ODM designs for the buyer to select, thereby reducing the need for OEM packaging.
Tooling Costs
The tooling cost is based on the number of custom designed components. Every custom designed component, be it the watch case or the hands, require new tooling, which is, with very few exceptions, paid for by the importer. Below follows a few reference prices:
- Watch Case Mold: $200 – $300
- Crown Mold: $120 – $200
- Custom Hands: $80 – $150
- Custom Indexing: $100 – $150
- Custom Clock Face: $40 – $100
- Custom Back Plate Engraving: $20 – $40
The tooling cost for OEM watches is, in relative terms, very low. However, the tooling production time must also be factored into the cost calculation. The waiting time for new tooling can be up to 45 days, and that’s only for the first batch.
When considering the, very likely, revisions, the total prototype development time can easily run up to 4 to 5 months.
Unit Prices
However, customization has a small impact on the unit cost, which largely depends on the materials and components, rather than specific design elements:
- Stainless Steel Case w. Ronda Movement: $19 – $24
- Stainless Steel Case w. Miyota Movement: $16 – $22
- Stainless Steel Case w. Noname Movement: $14 – $20
- Zinc Alloy Case w. Miyota Movement: $6 – $8
- Zinc Alloy Case w. Noname Movement: $4 – $5
There’s no right or wrong when selecting materials and components. However, most Watch manufacturers consider it unwise, and rightly so, to combine a Stainless steel case with a low cost movement – or even vice versa. Zinc alloy watches rarely retail for more than $50, while a Stainless Steel watch, costing just a few dollars more, can retail for $200 to $300.
Hence, a small investment in quality can vastly improve your profit margins. That being said, in the end, it’s all about the price segment your company wants to target.
Prototype Development
The role of the watch supplier is to purchase and assemble components, not to assist with design. It’s your job to ask ‘the right questions’, concerning the suppliers’ production capabilities and customization options, and to provide the information required by the supplier to produce an OEM or ODM sample:
| ODM | OEM | |
|---|---|---|
| Watch Case |
1. ODM SKU
2. Photocopies
|
One (or more) of the following:
1. CAD file |
| Clock Face |
1. Indexing
2. Plating
3. Logo file (.ai)
|
1. Indexing
2. Plating
3. Logo file (.ai)
|
| Back Plate | Engraving Logo File (.ai) | Engraving Logo File (.ai) |
| Strap | 1. ODM SKU 2. Photocopy |
1. Bill of Materials
2. Design Draft (ANSI or ISO)
|
| Crown | n/a (standard crown on selected SKU) |
CAD file |
| Hands | Select from catalog | Design file (.ai) |
As in every industry, it’s critical that you provide the supplier with clear, and consistent, product specifications and files. Don’t assume that the supplier will spot errors, fill unspecified gaps or report conflicting information.
Vague information on the product specification can result in misunderstandings, and thereby cause severe quality issues later in the process.
Lead times are, as mentioned, another critical factor to consider whether to custom design the watch case and other components. Below follows a basic lead time comparison:
| (Days) | ODM | OEM |
|---|---|---|
| Tooling | 0 | 30 – 45* |
| Sample | 10 – 15 | 10 – 15 |
| Production | 25 – 45 | 25 – 45 |
| Total | 35 – 60 | 65 – 105* |
*Excluding additional mold revisions.
Notice that the listed lead times don’t take price research, additional sample revisions, contract negotiation, lab testing, quality control and shipping into consideration.
Watch Standards and Regulations
Buyers based in the United States and the European Union must ensure compliance with various product safety standards and directives. Below follows an overview:
| Market | Regulation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| US | CA Prop 65 | Regulates more than 800 substances in consumer goods. Compliance is when selling in, or to consumers in, California. |
| US | CPSIA | CPSIA compliance is mandatory for Children’s products sold in the United States. Hence, CPSIA applies to children’s watches. |
| EU | RoHS | RoHS restricts heavy metals in electronic components and metallic parts in contact with said components. Hence, RoHS compliance is mandatory for both the watch case and the movement. |
| EU | REACH |
REACH regulates substances in consumer goods. Compliance is mandatory in all EU states.
|
| EU | EMC Directive | The EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Directive is applicable to all electronics products. |
| EU | EN 71 | EN 71 is mandatory for toys and certain children’s products sold in the EU. |
Compliance testing can be carried out in China, by a third party company, such as SGS, Asiainspection or Bureau Veritas. However, I advise you to hire a quality inspector to collect batch samples, rather than letting the supplier do it for you. There’s always a risk that they send a ‘compliant sample’, in order to pass the test.
Quality Control
A Quality Inspector can offer much more than just a batch sample collection. The only way to avoid high defect rates is by inspecting the cargo on site, prior to balance payment and shipment.
Common Watch Quality Issues
Some quality issues are more common than others in Watch manufacturing. Here’s are a few things you should be aware of during a quality inspection:
- Scratches, bad polish, and marks on the case, crown, strap clasp, and other metal parts
- Electroplating shadows on the case, crown, strap clasp, and other metal parts
- “Slow hands” (Caused by hands weighing more than the movement maximum)
- Depleted batteries (Caused by suppliers assembling used batteries in the watch)
- Skewed indexing (Caused by poor manual assembly during production)
Checklist Sample
| Part | Checklist |
|---|---|
| I. Visual inspection |
1. Scratches
2. Damages
3. Plating
4. Logo
5. Engraving
6. Glass
7. Strap
8. Movement |
| II. Dimensions | 1. Case Diameter 2. Case Thickness 3. Strap Width 4. Strap Leangth |
| III. Functional | 1. Movement 2. Battery |
| IV. Packaging | 1. Logo print 2. Dimensions 3. Material Weight 4. Damages / Dirt 5. Export Packing |
| V. Physical Properties | 1. Water Resistance 2. Glass Strength |
Watch Trade Shows in Mainland China and Hong Kong
Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair
- Location: Hong Kong
- Website: Click here
Canton Fair (Phase 2)
- Location: Guangzhou
- Website: Click here
China Watch & Clock Fair
- Location: Shenzhen
- Website: Click here
You can read this article for a more comprehensive overview of Watch Trade Shows in Asia.
We can help you manufacture products in China, Vietnam & India?
- 1. Product design and material selection
- 2. Finding suppliers in Asia
- 3. Product samples and payments
- 4. Quality control, lab testing & shipping
Co-founder of Asiaimportal (HK) Limited and based in Hong Kong. He has been quoted in and contributed to Bloomberg, SCMP, Alibaba Insights, Globalsources.com, China Chief Executive, Quartz Magazine and more.
203 Responses to “Importing Watches from China: A Complete Guide”
Comments are closed.
These days, people want to get more features in their watches. Everyone wants to get superior and updated quality in everything. So, it is better to deal with updated and quality watches.
Thank you for sharing all this.
I am reading your blog and I get the right information about watches. Branded watches are very expensive. It is a very supportive and useful post. I would like to visit the post once more of its valuable content. Thanks for sharing.
I want to purchase watch to resell not interested in a brand yet just want to get customers first. where can i get quality watch.
I want to purchase some wrist watches and some materials plz cantact me
Very good article. I recently purchased a watch from China on eBay. Was very impressed with the quality, especially for the price I paid – which was a mere £10.
I have since been very interested in setting up a small business of my own, importing watches and selling them online .
Could you please assist me with a list of contacts/suppliers that I could contact with a view to importing a bulk order of watches ?
I would be highly grateful.
Hi, I am looking for watch manufacturers in China for my oversea client, can you please help? please contact me via email and we will discuss the package there, many thanks
Hello Zaywne,
We provide supplier lists as part of our Starter Package: http://www.chinaimportal.com/watches
Hi, I’m interested in starting my own watch brand company. I need quality watches. Not sure yet if we’ll go ODM or OEM? Mechanical movement (manual), Saphire glass or hybrid?, Good quality finish case and bezel. I’m new in the industry and I would like your help if possible. Thank you from Montreal, Canada
Hello Johnny,
We’ve contacted you by email!
Hi. Thanks for the article. Could you provide me with the manufacturer list?
Best regards,
Thomas
Thanks for this great article !
I would like import watches from China and I’m looking for reputable manufacturers, do you have a list of them ?
Thanks & Best regards
Hello!
Thanks for this great article!
Would be very thankful if you could share some informations about high quality watch suppliers from china.
Hi Nikolay,
We will contact you by email
hello
Thank you so much for this insightful Article..i understand that China can and produces anything all one has to do is come up with Specifications and prototype…Now the thing is getting a trusted company that will be able to stick to Specifications and also a credible company that will not Scam one of his or her hard earned money…This can only be avoided if you know someone who knows Credible company there in china..Now this is what i need your help on Pls
can you recommend a credible and trustworthy company that one can send money to to help in the production of wrist watches
loooking forward to your reply…
Hello,
I have been working with a manufacturer in Shenzhen and I have encountered many issues with them meeting timelines etc. I am considering changing manufacturers and also considering ordering my own movements as I believe it might be cheaper and some companies complain of having difficulties obtaining higher end movements. Can you provide a list of manufacturers that are reputable and capable of producing custom designed watches as well as resources where I can purchase movements directly?
Hi Ella,
We have contacted you by email with more information.
Hello!
Can you please share me information of suppliers of chinese watches. Intention is to start an online good quality watches business.
Thanks!
Hello Luis,
We will contact you by email
Would you mind contacting me about bulk ordering ODM and OEM watched from a Chinese supplier
Hi Anthony,
We contacted you by email last week. Hope you received it.
Hello.
Great article.
I need a trustworthy contact who will assist in some decisions regarding suppliers from china.
Is this something you would be able to help with ?
Hey,
Very very useful blog & article, thank you! I was quoted $30,000 for my watch molds, your tooling costs seem to be much better!
Can you please put me in touch with several quality smart watch producers (I am producing GPS tracker in the form of a watch),
Thank you!
Nataliya
Hi Nataliya,
The prices in this article are not based on molds for a Smartwatch, but for a typical quartz watch. $30 k sounds like a lot for a small mold, but perhaps there are many different parts covered in that price, all with relatively narrow tolerances. However, you should always get quote from more than one supplier.
Hi
i would like to have some informations, i’m looking for a chronograph production with Seagull ST19 Caliber
Please can you contact me ? Thx
Good morning Vincent,
We’ll send you an email later today
Hey there,
First of all, great article. I thought it was great! I’m looking for some suppliers of ODM & OEM watches. I have an exact desgin I would like with my own logo added to the watch face and genuine leather wristband. I have some exact specifications I would like as well. I’m from Australia so they need to be able to post to Australia.
Thanks
Grace
Hi Grace,
You should have received our email by now
Hi want you guys number
We’ll contact you by email
Looking to start my own wristwatch line soon. But i am still hesitant on the company to use.
I need recommendations. Email me
Hello,
We’ll get in touch with you
Nice blog! I’m from Amsterdam and would like to
create my own brand. Have some designs and ideas, now looking for some developpers en fabrics who can build my design. Do you have a few contacts who i can contact?
Hi,
You should have receiuved our email by now
Hello, Good day!
I want to build my own watch brand. I have some design in my head. But I have no stock-in-trade for MOQ and Production RUn, so i have to find Angel Investor.
I’m looking for economical wristwatch and watch mechanism manufacturer in China or Hong Kong. Appreciate you can send your recommendation.
Hello, great read! Thank you for the info!
Would you be able to give me a few recos for someone looking to import quality watches with my custom designs?
Looking forward to chatting.
Thanks
Tom
Hi,
Good day! I’m looking for wristwatch manufacturer in Guangzhou and ShenZhen. Appreciate you can send your recommendation.
Thank you.
Hi Summer,
Did you receive our email?
Hi
I am looking for the manufacturers who makes the copy of designer watches but to be printed under my companys name. The peice range would be somewhere from $5 -15. Please get in touch with me
Hi,
This article has been very helpful for people to start entrepreneurship! Thanks for the helpful information.
I happen to find this blog while searching up the Internet with the idea of creating a watch brand to sell locally in my home country. I’m a student currently and I have a group of partners ready to start a wrist watch entrepreneur journey.
Is it possible to connect us with trustworthy (quality) watch manufacturers from China? We have searched up a few companies but we aren’t sure of which manufacturers we can trust. We are aiming to have at least the quality similar to DW, but with our own design.
We would also like more information on the ways and operations of providing warranty services for our customers in the near future.
Do hope that we can an email from you soon! Many thanks!
Sincerely,
Thomas
Hi,
Inspired by your article, I’m considering to visit the Canton fair this October. I’ve got designs, and specs laid out. Could you share with me your favourite or recommended watch manufacturer?
Hi,
Great article. Can you please get in touch as I have difficulties finding the right manufacturer for my watches.
Thanks,
Marte
Hi Marte,
We will contact you by email
Great article. I am getting on a flight to Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong this week! My goal is to find a wristwatch manufacturer who will work on a new line of watches for my company http://STARLINGwatch.com I will be there July 7 to 25, 2016. I need to meet you and 6-8 manufacturers who will work with me on a custom design. -Frank
Hi Frank,
We emailed you last week, hope you received it. We can help you with this.
Hey there!
I am looking for a suitable manufacturer from China or HongKong, who can help me manufacture Daniel Wellington like slim and elegant watches with top notch quality and more premium materials.
Can you refer some names and help me out with the same?
I look forward to hearing from you on the same ASAP.
Thanks in advance. :)
Hi Varun,
Please use this form to contact us: https://www.chinaimportal.com/contact-us/
Hello im looking for a manufacter for producing my watches, can you put me in contact with some factory?
Hello,
We will contact you by email
Great article, exactly what I needed! I’m currently working on producing my own watch and for the past couple of weeks I’ve contacted a lot of suppliers, talked with them and learnt a lot. However, sometimes I feel as if I still lack knowledge and not sure if one or another thing is common practice or just some shady tactics. If you could give me a hint about which manufacturer is reliable and would not cut on the quality, I’d be more than a happy man :)
Hello,
We will contact you by email
Hello,
I am interested in creating my own brand of watches .kindly email me with more information regarding supplier sourcing.
Josh…
Hi Josh,
We will contact you today or tomorrow
I have some questions about producing a mostly ODM watches with custom dials. Can you please help me?
Hi Matthew,
We will contact you by email
Hello,
We are looking for high quality watches to be distributed via our e-commerce and stationary stores in USA and European Union.
We’d like the watches to be brandable – possibility of the custom logo placement.
Are there any manufactures supplying also a dropshipping functionalities?
Please contact us if it’s possible.
Thanks
Hi Filip,
We will contact you later today
I’m currently looking at the idea of making my own watch brand….
I have some designed I’ve made and I’m looking for a quality factory in China that could produce the product with good quality.
TimPaker
Hi Tim,
We have contacted you by email.
I also suggest you check out our Buyer’s Guide: Watches
You can read more about it here: https://www.chinaimportal.com/watches/
I worry about the time/ quality of what is being imported. I mean if you want to do it properly you need to have a presence out there or waste additional time getting samples. I worry that too many people are compromising on quality for price. I personally wouldn’t touch a watch if i didn’t recognize/trust the brand. But really good article explaining the logistics of the situation.
Hello,
This is a great read, Thank you for this.
I am looking for a supplier for 400 watches 100 of each face which is different.
Do you have a list of supplier available?
Hi Nicola,
Yes, we do have supplier lists. We will contact you for more information.
Hi Frederick
Im living in Detroit and looking for an ODM manufacturer in stainless steel with sapphire glass
someone in the Shanghai area would be to prefer but whatever you can help me with, thank you !!
Hello Ronnie,
We’ve already contacted you by email. Did you receive our reply?
Hi Fredrik,
First of all, this is just exactly what I needed to keep me on track with my next venture. Second, I’m glad that not only the article is recent, but the comments and replies are too. Give me much more confidence.
I’m planning to start my own line of watches not only for business but also for charity. So I’m scouting out for watch suppliers online as there are none in my immediate locale. Do you think you could shoot me an email so we could talk in further details?
Best regards,
Khairool
Hi Khairool,
Sure. You should have been contacted by now. If not, you can email us directly on info@chinaimportal.com.
Hi Fredrik,
Can you please advise me as to which suppliers would be most suitable for my needs. I am looking for a simple face, probably zinc alloy, face diameter of 40mm, strap is not important. Look forward to hearing from you.
Hi Michael,
We will contact you by email
Hey Fredrik,
Great article and very useful website! I am about to order my samples for a new watch brand. I have spoken to a couple of suppliers but am curious if you have heard of these. I will not mention them on this forum out of privacy reasons but would be great if you could get back to me per email.
Thanks mate
Hi Timothy,
We’ll get back to you!
Hi,
I’m trying to start up a small wrist watch company. I’ve designed a plan on how they’re going to look, have wrist straps ready to be ordered, however I’m struggling to find a reliable manufacture in China for shipping quartz movement, Stainless Steel 316L (multiple colours), with a Diameter of 55mm, with branding availability on the base, similar to that of Andreas. Could you please help with me some manufacturers that will be able to assist me in my time of need.
Many Thanks Daniel
Hi Daniel,
Sounds strange. What kind of issues did you face? The specs you mentioned are very ordinary.
Hi Fredrik
I am a Business student creating a marketing plan on developing a new watch brand (luxury watches) and came across your article. I was wondering if it is possible for you to give me a rough estimate of how many units a starting out business would order from a supplier including the cost in order to help me complete my assignment please? Your help would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you
Hi Sam,
We recently published an article on that topic: https://www.chinaimportal.com/blog/costs-importing-china-guide/
Fantastic read Fredrik!
I’ve been in touch with different suppliers from China for a while now. Unfortunately most of them fail at early stage since they can not meet European standards or proof their quality. Is there any chance you could liaise my team with reliable, experienced suppliers?
Kind regards,
David
Hello David,
We will get in touch with you. However, it’s true that the majority of the suppliers cannot ensure compliance with EU and US standards. We have experience with non-compliance issues relating to both the watch case (excessive amount of heavy metals) and straps (DEHP and other pthatalates). While we knew of such risks, we actually underestimated how severe the compliance issue is.
Hey,
Awesome article. We are a micro company that we are looking to OEM a watch and start our own line. Any idea where i can find a manufacturer in China that will provide maybe at least the following? :
-Stainless Steel 316L
-Miyota 9100
-PVD plating
-Genuine Leather Straps
-Luminova hands
-Design the watch based on idea/reference
Thanks a lot and keep up the good work!!
Hi Andreas,
These specifications look quite standard. There are many suppliers in Shenzhen that can make a product according to those specs.
Hello ,
i m recently Planning For Import Only Watch Dial From China So please Suggest me How Many Diffrent Quality do you keep & send me Prices Detail …Basically i am looking For Watch Dial Range Under 10 RMB Per Dial …so Kindly Waiting for Your Reply
thanks
NeiL
Hello, I am in need of a reliable supplier in in 1688.com…..
Please it urgent.. Thanks in advance for your help
Hi Solomon,
Why do you source suppliers in 1688.com?
HI Fredrik, thanks for the information, definitely a great read. I’m wondering if you can send me some information on which factories you recommend to make high quality watches like the ones made by DW, Michael Kors, and Marc Jacobs and others. We are a team of few people and have great knowledge on watches but can’t seem to find a factory that can meet our standards. Any help will be much appreciated, looking forward to your email or message. Thank you, Nelson
Hi Nelson,
We will get in touch with you
Hey Frederik,
I am after a contact for a known watch supplier from china to supply to Australia.
Please let me know asap.
Hi Fredrik ,
Thank you for such insightful sharing.
i am new to the business, i am looking for reliable and good ODM and OEM companies in china and HK so that i can sent the design to ODM company for availability and quotation.
And in future will try OEM,thanks.
Request to link me up,please.
Thank you
Hi Chan,
We will contact you
Hey Fredrik.
Me and my friend have started a watch company and have already ordered 2 samples. But we are a little bit insecure if the company we are coroporating with are a legit company or just someone that wants to trick us. Would be much appreciated if you took contact with us on the email i used here.
Thank you.
William
Hi Fredrick,
Good day and Happy new year,
i am interested in starting a small wristwatch company in nigeria, could you please recommend me a very good chinese manufacturer that is reliable and one that i can trust. Looking forward to your reply. Thanks.
Dear Fredrik,
Good Day & Happy New Year
We are very much interested in exploring the possibility of get good chinese OEMs and ODM for development of watches and electronic gear focused to sell in the Middle East Market.
Quality is very important
Would request you support in helping us in finding the right people.
Regards
Shankar
Hi Fredrik,
Would you mind to intro some of the good quality and reliable watch manufacturers in China (mainly in Shenzhen) to me? Thinking to start from small first, probably ODM and put in my own brand logo.
Thank you
Regards,
John Pang
johnpang2388@hotmail.com
Hi Fredrik,
We’re based in Sweden and we are looking to have a ODM watch manufactured (custom watchface ). We previously looked in Switzerland, but were not happy with the pricing offered.
Please get back to us via email for further discussion,
Best regards,
Richard
Could you share the best manufacturer?thank you in advance
Hi Fredrik,
Thank you for your great articles on this website. We, as many others, are so thankful for the valuable information you provide us.
My team and I are thinking to start our own watch brand with several models. We have the business concept already and we’re in the design process now. We would like to have contact with you for further information about manufacturers. We have found some but would like your expertise in that matter. Please contact us by email, we speak English and Swedish.
Happy New Year!
Best regards,
Robin
Hi Frederick
My name is Mahiar and i am from Sweden.
We are based in Dubai since 14 years`
We have created a design for a watch and want to move now to production
We need to work with the best ones because quality is our first priority
Is this something you can help us with ?
Regards
Mahiar Afrooz
Hi, Thank you for the article. Im really interested in starting a small watch company like Daniel Wellington. Could you please recommend me some really reliable and good chinese supplier that I can trust? thank you very much!
Hi Frederick,
I’m looking to identify a reputable watch manufacturer who can build an ODM Automatic watch using either a Miyota or ETA movement. Would you be able to provide me with some information?
Thank you
Best regards!
Hi I would like to start a small business, and for that I’m thinking of nice one hand wrist watches quartz. do you know where can I find it in China…
HI Fredrik,
I am looking for a good watch manufacturer who can use Japanese Miyota and/or Swiss movements in the watch with certification. The design is OEM and is a bit technical, but I’d like to see if I can pursue some fancy material such as Titanium to build the watch.
Can you please connect with me so I can discuss the design and you can help me hook up with a good watch manufacturer?
Dear Madam,
I need your advice! We’re looking for Miyota movement supplier in China.
But we still not find out which suppliers is qualified and trusted. Could you pls help me this issue?
Hi!
Great article with many useful tips. I am looking for a reliable OEM Chinese watch factory. I would be grateful if you could provide some reliable companies Fredrik. Thanks
Fredrik,
Could you email me a company that can do the above named? I have an idea for a custom watch!
Kind regards,
Ron
Hi Fredrik
We are watch designers here in the states looking for a reputable manufacturer in Hong Kong. We have been in contact with a few already and have some price quotes and lead times all of which seem to be MUCH higher and longer then anticipated. We have our designs, preferred movements and cad files ready and just need help with sourcing. If you could contact us directly that would be very much appreciated thank you.
Best
Daniela
Hi Fredrik,
Great read. I am looking to design an OEM chronograph. Any advice to who I can reach out to for putting together a design and then any advice on which factories in China are best to work with?
Thanks!
Dear Fredrik, what a great information.
I’m seller of jewelry in Brazil and we’ll start on watch Market now, so we’re looking for watch seller in China which produce small quantity (100 pieces) with our logo and it’s so hard to find.
Can you help me in some way, suggesting suppliers who could do it for me?
Thanks!!
Hello, Is it possible to import sealed wrist watch machines to Srilanka? Pls reply in details.
Hi Fredrik! I’am looking forward to start my own watch brand. Could you please help me with some questions.
Hi Fredrik,
thanks for this highly interesting article! I’m comparing suppliers for 2 months now and it’s really hard to make a final choice. Going to the Hong Kong Fair in last month did help a lot but I still have this strange feeling about the whole story… Do you have a recommendation for a reliable and sincere supplier for watch casing?
Thanks and best regards from Germany, Aimo
Hi,
We are interested in ordering watches with a few costum options.
Can you possibly to send me an e-mail for further discussions?
Best regards
Robin
Hello Robin,
We will contact you shortly!
Hi Fred.
I am interested in wrist watches importation.
Kindly advise on the trusted and reliable suppliers in Guangzhou.
Also I plan on visiting in january.
Any info before then will be highly appreciated.
Hi Fredrik I’m still in the research phase of creating a custom oem watch and want to have it built in China. This post was very helpful but I would definitely like to have a chat about the details of such an endeavor. Would you be able to email me so we can chat a little more in depth? Thanks
Gil
Hello Gil,
We will get back to you by email!
Hi Frederik,
I am searching for a stainless steel manufacturer who is doing custom manufacturing for other products than watches. The CAD drawing is already in place but it’s hard to find a good manufacturer without in depth insight into the market.
Best regards
Nick
Hello Frederik
I am planning to start a watch company here in germany.
And I need you to connect me with a watch manufacturer.
So if you can help me out, please contact me.
Best regards
Milos
Good day sir,
Thank you for the article. I would like to start my watch brand. Could you please connect me with the reliable watch manufacturer companies.
Thank you
Hi,
We will contact you by email
I want to start importing watches, now I want to know in terms of importing brand watches is the quality as good as the pics that are shown, and please advice on which suppliers to go for, and lastly with customs what is required please reply thank you
Hi,
I kindly wonders if there are any Chinese factories for watch glasses, dials and watch hands that have good working conditions for their employes.
Am in Nigeria, I would love to invest in wrist watch business, pls I need a concrete idea about the importation, branding, originality and life span, gain and lost of the wrist watch business. Pls kindly link me to a good and dependable manufacturers
Hi Fred
How would i go about getting custom made watches in China, I have a target market that i would like to supply. Is there an email i could reach you on?
Thanks for the article
Hi Fredrik,
Thanks for your best article. I am looking for a reliable watch manufacturer and brand. Can you help me?
Regards
andy
Hi Fredrik,
Excellent post, good read!
I am interested in import of watches from China, for my own personal collection.
Looking to source quality watches.
Would appreciate it if you could guide me as to who to contact in China.
Regards, Thomas
Am from India, am looking regular supplier for the cheap and best watches for my distribution network, including kids, gents and ladies wrist watches.
please suggest with details .
regards,
Suvasis
Hello dear
Thanks for this insightful article. I intend starting my watch brand and I will love you to please introduce me to the best companies that can manufacture great watches in China with low MOQs.
I am starting my brand and I will love every insight from you.
Many thanks.
L
Hi Fredrik,
A very interesting read.
I am looking at having some watch made up (approx 15 different styles – both ladies and mens (predominantly mens)) and mainly mechanical using the chinese seagull movements if possible and have our logo printed on the dials.
I would like to have approx 10 of each style (don’t want to invest in 300 of each style).
Can you give me a list of suppliers that are willing to accommodate such number and make of watches.
i look forward to hearing from you.
regards
Kevin.
Hello im locking for some watches to import, it have to in a good quality to a fair Price. So if thats something you Can help me whit then please sent me a mail
hi..please email me information on wholesale suppliers of chinese watches.
high quality imitation such as tag heuer, panerai and audimars piguet model..thanks
Hi Fredrik my name is Mirriam and i am situated in south africa. i am very eager to start my own brand of wrist watches, i already have a logo and some designs. i just cant seem to find a reliable manufacturer in china.
Would you please send me some manufacturers and some extra information regarding affordable watches). I really found your article very informative
Thanks
Hello Frederik,
Thanks alot for the great article about watches. I’d like to start my own line next year and visit the Canton Fair this year in autumn.
I’m also gonna order the starter package soon. Looking forward to get more insights from you :).
Tobias
hey tobias, how is your watch business going so far?
I got precise words for one of my many needs.
It goes thus, can I place order for watches whose handle/strap/bracelet will be customized to carry company logo and text (engrossed, de grossed or printed) on them? I am thinking about doing this for leather and plastic watches and hoping to get watches that can last 12 to 24 months. Thanks.
Hi, I am looking forward to importing customized watches from China. I don’t know how flexible the options are when it comes to customization. How do I go for a quality that can last 24 month under sahara Africa wheather condition? Please I will appreciate if we could communicate privately, as I have lots of question to ask.
Hi Fredrik,
Your articles, but mostly your willingness to help seem too good to be true. Thanks a lot.
For a the common reasons my partner and I want to start a customisable watch brand. We’re looking for quality steel cases with domed sapphire of acrylic ones that fit a miyota 9015 for example. Also a dial manufacturer.
Would you have some information,
Best, Paul
Hi Fredrik,
Just read this article about watch manufactorer in China. I am looking for a reliable watch manufactorer and hope you can help me. I am interested in a company that can design my ideas and prodcing wristwatches in stainless steel case with leather and nylon straps.
Hope you can help me
Regards
Kasper
Hello Kasper,
Chinese manufacturers never offer design services to new buyers, unless the buyer shows a serious commitment from start (e.g. visit their factory). You will need to provide your supplier with a complete design and product specification.
Hi Fred,
Pls guide me to good watch manufacturers, where i want to start my e-com online selling portal. i am very confused on how to import watches , whether we need to apply of Import -Export licence( IE Licence No) and rules to import with percentage of custom duty to be paid , as i do not want to fall in wrong hands and loose my hard earned money.
Thanks
AK ( INDIA)
Greetings, iam looking for a wrist watch manufacturer who can provide a consistent service for my new business. iam looking forward to being a wholesaler
Hi,
i am looking to source a Watch making manufacturer for a watch brand i am starting in Australia. any help would be greatly appreciated
Hi, please I need information on a wristwatch making company that can customize my designs IInternet bulk , just came accross this site . Thanks,
From china to be precise!.thanks
Hi,
I’m looking for reliable watch producers from China who would be able to prepare watch following the design directions. Any ideas where I could try?
Best regards,
Kasia
Hi Fredrik,
I would say a BIG thank you for this article. However, I wish to be guided on reputable/reliable Chinese wristwatch manufacturer where I could be importing from without compromising standards and without falling into wrong hands.
Cheers.
Tcharlx, Nigeria
Hi,great article and goodjob,I am looking for acgood watch manufacturer,kindly assist
Hi am also looking for a good company tht can manufacture watches for me. I am in South Africa.
Hi Fred,
I will like to get a reliable and factory where I can manufacture quality smart watches in china, Shanghai. I intend to make wrist watches with new idea. Please connect me with a reliable source, contact and how to get started thanks.
Hello Tee,
Not that many, if any, watch manufacturers in Shanghai. Most are based in Guangdong province in the south. I’ll send you an email with a few questions.
It doesn’t really matter were they are located, as long as they are reliable. I mention Shanghai because all my research pointed to the city. I’m looking for manufacturer not supplier.
Ok, I see. However, a supplier may refer to any company supplying goods. Thus, the definition also includes manufacturers. A wholesaler is something else though.
Hi fred,
Am an upcoming wristwatch designer, I need a company that can manufacture my designs. Please can you let me know my options. Thanks, will be expecting your reply
I Am also looking for information on a manufacturer to start my own custom watch label.. all that is necessary at this point in time is a contact ! any help finding a manufacturer would be greatly appreciated.
Hello
I’m looking to expand my brand and add wrist wear….I’m looking for a factory in China that could produce the product with good quality. And will a sample prior to doing mass production. I’m looking to do stainless steel watches
Hello David,
I’ve sent you an email!
Hello Fredrik,
My name is Rafael, I´m from Spain,and I’m very interested in creating my own watchbrand. I already have the designs and an idea of how I want it to look like with all the features.
Until now I have been looking for providers in Alibaba.com (Sky Ma, Oviya, Rock Lee, and others). Please, would you tell me a good watches manufacturer in china?
Kind regards and very thanks….
Rafael
Hi Rafael,
I’ve just replied by email!
Hello Fredrik,
I already ordered a sample of minimalistic wrist watch and feeling of disappointed knowing the fact that I putted a lot of effort making it in the best quality and giving them very specified details.
We looking forward to make the best watch in market using Chinese suppliers. The best I meant really competitive watch. In design & quality.
Would You consider to give some advice for me and also if You have any recommended watch suppliers which are the best at the moment.
Thanks a lot.
Hi,
I’m currently looking at the idea of making my own watch brand….I’m looking for a quality factory in China that could produce the product with good quality.
Let me know if you have some input…
Regards
Yan
Hello Fredrick
Thankbyou very much for such a eonderful post, even iam plannig to imoort watches and sell in inda, could you help us with some genuine suppliers, whom we can trust and reply for good quality and with money, as we will not be visiting china, will b ordering online.
Your guideance will really help us take a wise decision.
Thank you in advance.
Awaiting your response.
Hi Fredrik,
Great article. I am also looking to import watches with my own brand name. I am looking to get watches similar to that of “Daniel Wellington” watches. Minimalistic is the look I am aiming to create. Would you please be able to send me some manufacturers and some extra information on this topic if you have any :) Thankyou very much. You are very knowledgable and informative.
Dom
i am interested in importing wrist watches from china to india.will you help me to find the right suppliers.
I am interested in finding a supplier who can make a novelty watch with a custom face and a backwards movement of the hands. Is that possible?
A custom face is possible. However, i’m not sure if it’s possible to find a supplier for a reversed movement. I assume this means that the hands are supposed to move in the opposite direction?
Exactly. Could you helpe find some people so I can ask them?
Hi Mark,
I’ll send you an email with more information
I would like to get contacts with watch manufacturer in order to start a business I have logo and ideas to develop.
Hello,
I’m currently ordering a sample for my watch company and plan on making a big 500piece order soon. My stumbling block is the importing/shipping itself. What’s the cheapest and easiest route as far as getting through US customs. Also do goods get taxed on the value I pay for them or the value I plan to sell them?
Thanks!
Hello Vadim,
I recommend sea freight, it’s probably the cheapest alternative in this case. In the US, the customs and additional taxes are calculated from the FOB value of the products. This is basically the product value plus delivery to the Port of Loading in China. However, shipping to the US is not included.
You can read more about customs and taxes here:
https://www.chinaimportal.com/blog/customs-taxes-importing-china-ultimate-guide/
Thank you for the info! My watch order is EXW and not FOB. Also with 9.8% + 1.53 per unit it seems like a lot. Is it even worth it? Or is importing watches a rip off sometimes? Thanks!
Hello Vadim,
Well, even if you order EXW you’ll need to pay for shipping to the Port of Loading in China, plus export clearance documents. These shall also be included in your declared value.
In fact, ordering EXW is more complicated than buying FOB directly from the supplier. That way you’re less likely to run into issues with the Chinese customs.
If it’s worth it or not completely depends on your potential profit margins. You’re not at a disadvantage though, all US importers of watches are paying the same import duties and taxes.
Hello i’m very interested in creating my own watchbrand. Can you please give me information on manufacturers? I already have the designs and an idea of how I want it to look like.
Thank you for this article!
Kind regards,
Kevin
Hello Kevin,
I’ll send you an email with more information.
Please I want you to link me with a wrist watch manufacturing company in china. I would like to start mini Importation business by importation of wrist watches. thanks
Hello, I’ll send you an email with more information regarding supplier sourcing.
Hi Fredrik,
Excellent post, good read!
I am interested in import of watches from China.
Looking to source quality watches with some product development.
Would appreciate it if you could guide me as to who to contact in China.
FYI, I will be traveling there in a week so it’s possible to visit various factories.
Thanks a bunch!
Regards
Hello Mustafa,
We can certainly help you out. I’ll send you an email with more information.
Hi.
Very good article. I recently purchased a watch from China on eBay. Was very impressed with the quality, especially for the price I paid – which was a mere £10.
I have since been very interested in setting up a small business of my own, importing similar watches and selling them online from the UK.
Could you please assist me with a list of contacts/suppliers that I could contact with a view to importing a bulk order of watches ?
I would be highly grateful.
Many thanks.
Perm.
Hello Perm,
Yes, that is part of our Starting Package which you can read about on our start page (chinaimportal.com). I’ll send you an email right away!
Hi,
I will like to get a reliable and factory where I can manufacture quality wristwatches. I intend to make wrist watches with text and sound.
Can you please point me to the right direction?
Thanks.
Jen
Hello Jen,
I’ll contact you by email!
Hi Frederik,
I want to brand an odm automatic watch and get some text on the face.
Shipped to possibly Poland or Britain.
Can you help me get a quote from a reputable organisation.
Hi Jason,
We will get in touch with you
Hello,
Nice blog! Thank you so much for providing this huge specification about this wrist watch. I really need these suggestions in order to get valuable details about importers.
Really A product is more than its name. Great Article . Thanks For the information.
Very informative article thank you very much be blessed.I am an African man who is very much keen to import watches from China for my soon to be business.I liked that concept of branding your own watches and your emphasis on quality.I intend to import watches for companies who will be having their promotions etc.I have a whole list of suppliers but i cannot separate quality from rubbish suppliers.Are you able to recommend a list if Chinese companies.Thank you.
Hello Ndangi!
There are certainly opportunities for local consumer product brands in Africa. I’ll send you a message by email right away.
I would be interested in information on wholesale suppliers of chinese watches. This is with a view to making up a range of products for an e-commerce site without investing in hundreds of each model.
Hello George!
I’m sending you an email right away
I need you hook me up with the same thing (with quotes pls). am also looking into dropshipping to Africa (Will need your advice on that). Hope you do not mind my picking that brain of yours. Its a foreign market. Will need your guidance.
I need you to hook me up with the same thing (with quotes pls). am also looking into dropshipping to Africa (Will need your advice on that). Hope you do not mind my picking that brain of yours. Its a foreign market. Will need your guidance.
I need help.
I want wholese supplier in china with ready disign and packinging just want to put my logo and my name quality cheap watches.
Something to last a year or two and to show correct time.
Thank you
I need help.
I want wholese supplier in china with ready disign and packinging just want to put my logo and my name quality cheap watches.
Something to last a year or two and to show correct time.
Thank you
Hi, kindly connect me with wrist watch manufacturer that produces good quality imitation of designer wrist watches.
Thanks
What type of wristwatches are you looking for?
Hi. I am a Ghanaian lady looking to import quality wristwatches customised on the dial with African print fabric; actual fabric. Can you help me get a genuine company who can customise with actual african print fabric? I’m eager and awaiting your reply. I hope to hear from you soon. Thank You.
Hello Barbara,
Sure, we can help. I’ve sent you an email.
HI Fredrick,
Amazing read.
I am due to be sent a my prototypes for my new watch brand and there are a few questions I really need your advice with.
If you find time please email or all me and I will be delighted to send you a 1st edition watch of ours as a thank you.
Regards,
Scott Lancaster
Hi Fredrik, I’m looking to manufacture wrist watches in a certain theme which can be discussed via e-mail. I will be starting up a new business. Export to Thailand.
Please contact me via e-mail at ekapholnarula33@gmail.com
Hi Ekaphol,
Did you receive our email?
I’m looking to import kiddies wrist watches between ages 2-7 please can you email me the details.
Hello Chinedu,
Please fill out the contact form and we will get back to you shortly: https://www.chinaimportal.com/contact-us/
Hi fredrik,
i would like you to link me with a wrist watch manufacturing company in china.
Hi Fredrik!
I guess you come from sweden so i will take this in swedish.
Hej.
Jag är intresserad utav att designa ett fler tal egna klockor, och därefter vänder jag mig till dig och undrar om du kan hjälpa mig.
All brand watches and price send mi to my whatapp no plzpolice gucce rado roles armani
Hi. I too wish to be connected to a wristwatch manufacturing company that can customise the dial of quality watches using African Print fabric. Can you help me, please? Thank you