The ingenious invention form over two centuries ago that is the wristwatch proves itself practical until modern times. Although watch sales went downhill around the early 2000s, came the smart phones, watches made a comeback after almost a decade.

Why is this so? Despite there are smart phones at our disposal, there are still many reasons why people still buy it for themselves and as gifts to loved ones. They’re functional, convenient, stylish, collectible, and can serve as a status symbol and heirloom.

But if you don’t know how and where to start watch shopping, no worries, for we’ll guide you on how to choose a watch. Also, we suggest that you should first be familiarized with the basics of watches, which will also be covered here in this article.

Here is the steps:

Step 1:Know About Types of Watch Movements

Step 2:Figure out Watch Styles

Step 3:It is time to Choose A Watch Now

Step 4:Best Places to Buy Watches

Let’s get started.

Step1:Know About Types of Watch Movements

A watch movement is the watch’s engine that allows timekeeping as well as the watch’s other complications to function. There are two types of watch movements, namely quartz and mechanical. And there are two types of mechanical movements, which are manual and automatic.

Quartz

The quartz movement is powered by battery. As compared to its mechanical counterparts, it is more accurate and requires minimum maintenance, as all it needs are battery replacements every after some years. Quartz movements would either come with an analog, digital, or analog-digital dial.

Mechanical

Mechanical movements are often admired for the stunning display of its intricate details usually shown through a skeleton dial and exhibition case back. These movements are assembled by watchmaking experts and are composed of a complex arrangement of tiny parts that work together for the watch to operate.

Types of Mechanical Watches

• Manual – Manual movements have to be hand wound for it to store energy. Their power source is a mainspring, which once wound, will unwind and release the energy for the watch. This type of movement causes a smooth sweeping motion for the second hand.

• Automatic – Another term for automatic movement is self-winding movement. This type of movement obtains energy to power the watch through the wearer’s own wrist movements. It’s less hassle as compared to the manual type, as it doesn’t need to be constantly wound.

Watch Complications

There are some watches designed with other functions aside from timekeeping. These are called watch complications. Examples are the calendar, alarm, moon phase display, GMT, power reserve indicator, and etc.

Then there are also watches designed with complications for specific activities. There’s the chronograph watch, which serves as a stopwatch; the sport watch that has handy features for athletic activities; the aviator watch that has useful tools to help pilots in their flights; and etc. Those are just to name a few examples.

Step 2:Figure out Watch Styles

Men’s Watch Styles

There are several types of watches for men. But basically, for stylish men’s watches, there are five go-to types to add class to your outfits. They are the dress watch, field watch, dive watch, aviator watch, and racing watch.

Dress Watch

The dress watch has a timeless appeal with its minimalist style. It doesn’t have too many embellishments. Rather, it’s simple and sophisticated, which makes this type a classic.

It has a clean background for its dial with a plain design for its hour markers and hands. Usually, it comes with a leather strap. Although there are some that also come with a metal bracelet, the leather strap would be the more classic option.

Moreover, dress watches only have few or no complications at all. When they do have, it would include the day and/or date display and moon phase display. And this type of watch is designed thin to allow it to easily slip in and out of a dress shirt cuff. Its thinness also makes a sleek look that is good for a more dressy style.

Field Watch

The field watch is a tough and reliable watch originally designed for soldiers during World War II. The main purposes of this type of watch at that time were for coordination of attacks, readability in all conditions, and to endure the rigors of battle. Moreover, they also make stylish timepieces.

It has a clean; easy to read; high contrast dial, usually featuring a white on black or black on white design with luminous hands.

The field watch is a rugged timepiece that boasts a solid case either made of stainless steel or titanium usually going along with a sturdy Nato or Zulu strap made of either canvas or leather.

You can also find some with a plain canvas or leather strap but never metal, as they’re quite heavy and easily scratch.

In terms of complications, it usually has none, but some field watches include the day and/or date display. There are also some field watches that have a hacking seconds feature, which makes it possible to stop the second hand by pulling out the crown. Such feature allows the setting to a reference signal and synchronizing with ease.

Dive Watch

The dive watch is the second to the field watch as the most commonly worn type of watch by men. This type of watch has been popularized by James Bond, as the character is seen sporting dive watches in the series of James Bond films.

Obviously, this type of watch is designed to cater to those who love to engage in water activities. A good dive watch has to have at least 200-meter water resistance.

It’s typically designed with corrosion-resistant metals, such as stainless steel or titanium. There are also those that are made with a rubber and silicone strap, but they’re not so classy as metal. Some dive watches have dive extensions attached to their bands to expand in length so that it can fit on a diver’s wrist when wearing a wet suit.

An additional protection for going underwater is its strong crystal made of either sapphire crystal or hardened mineral crystal.

Its dial is characterized by large and luminous hands and hour markers for readability underwater. It also usually has a luminous pip on the 60-minute position of the unidirectional rotating bezel attached to its case. The unidirectional rotating bezel rotates only counter-clockwise for the purpose to let a diver know how much time he’s spent underwater.

The day and/or date display is usually its only complication or none at all.

Aviator Watch

As it’s designed with pilots in mind, the aviator watch is mainly designed for easy readability, especially in the dark cockpit. They’re quite large and usually featuring a black dial with white, luminous, and legible hour markers as well as luminous hands.

Aviator watches commonly have a leather strap. And the length of its strap is longer than the typical watch’s, as it’s worn over the pilot’s jacket.

Complications usually included in an aviator watch are the day and/or date display, chronograph, and GMT.

Other features for aiding pilots in their flights are also added in this type of watch. They are as listed below:

• Flyback Chronograph – helps record multiple elapsed times consecutively with ease.
• Red Marker on the Fluted Rotating Bezel – serves as a count-up or count-down bezel.
• Rotating Bezel and Algorithmic Scale – allow inflight calculations, such as fuel consumption; speed; distance; flight time; and unit conversions.
• Onion Crown – a substantial crown, which makes for easy operation of the watch, while wearing gloves.
• Hour Angle – a rare function that helps determine the pilot’s geographic position.

To add to that, they are also rather stylish timepieces that are as good-looking as they are good for flying. But they could also be perfect for casual wear.

Racing Watch

An excellent example of racing watches would be those from TAG Heuer that boasts the chronograph and tachymeter features, which race car drivers wear for measuring speed and distance. One of their watches, the Monaco 1133 was even sported by Steve McQueen in the 1971 film about racing, Le Mans.

Racing watches are designed with large dials, giving space for the chronograph and has clear Arabic numerals. Oftentimes, it comes with bright, contrasting colors.

For the case, the materials commonly used for racing watches are either stainless steel or titanium for withstanding the rigors of auto racing. As for the band, it is made of either metal or leather that sometimes is perforated, which makes for a comfortable, breathable wear.

The chronograph is a necessary complication in racing watches. Sometimes the day and/or date display are also included.

Women’s Watch Styles

Women, too, can wear the aforementioned watch styles for men. Only, women’s watches are designed smaller in proportion to their wrist. But there are also other classy, gorgeous styles with a more feminine appeal like the bracelet watch, wrap watch, boyfriend watch, and fashion watch.

Bangle Watch

A bangle watch is a stunning timepiece that also makes a very elegant piece of jewelry. It is designed with a bangle-style bracelet and would often be embellished with crystals or diamonds either on its case, dial, or bracelet. Typically, it is made of stainless steel.

It’s beautiful on its own but can also be good for mixing and matching with other pieces of jewelry. This type of watch would sometimes include the day and/or date complication.

Wraparound Watch

The wraparound watch is a fashionable timepiece designed with a very long strap that wrap around the wrist, which creates a layered style. Its strap is usually made of leather. The date complication is sometimes present in this type of watch.

Boyfriend Watch

As compared to the usual women’s watch, the boyfriend watch is typically large in size as well as in wrist presence. This type of watch comes with a bold yet classy design. The name, itself, suggests that this type of watch adapted from the men’s style of watches.

Sometimes, this watch would include complications, such as the chronograph and day and/or date display.

Fashion Watch

Some of the most fashion-forward timepieces are, of course, the fashion watches. Basically, fashion watches are watches that are crafted with more focus on the design and have only generic movement. These watches usually have the most striking designs including crystals or diamonds embellished on them, prints, patterns, bold colors, and etc.

Some fashion watches would include the chronograph and day and/or date complication.

Step 3: It is time to Choose A Watch Now

At this point in this article, you have now learned some background on watches. You can now use this knowledge to make your choice. To help you make your choice, here are some guidelines on how to choose a watch that suits you whether you’re a man or woman or how to choose a watch to give as a gift for someone.

Get to Know About the Wearer

It’s easier to choose if it’s for you because you can decide for yourself what it is you exactly want.

Pick what style you want to go for. We’ve discussed this earlier in this article.

If you’re a man, will it be the more formal-looking dress watch that would also be good to wear anywhere, the sleek and multi-functional dive watch, the rugged field watch, or whatever? Choose what is best for you.

If you’re a woman, you can go for the feminine options, or if you want something more rugged and functional, you may also choose from the aforementioned styles for men in the women’s version.

If it’s a gift for someone, think carefully what is the best style for him/her. Make sure to choose something he/she will most probably like. Base it in their personal style and personality.

Some other factors that will have to be considered are:

• Will it be for work? Does the work tend to get rough? If it does, then a tough timepiece will be needed.
• Will it be for particular activities like water activities, hiking, racing, and etc? Then you will have to find a watch that has the necessary features for such activities.
• And for women, age is also a factor. This can help determine the style and color.

For a lady, an elegant timepiece with a small face together with a leather or metal strap would be suitable. And silver, gold, or rose gold tones would be perfect.

For a younger girl, the best kind of watch would be a fashionable one embellished with gemstones and comes with a bracelet-style strap. A girl will definitely appreciate a watch in her favorite color.

Choose the Movement

For a no-fuss option with long battery life, quartz is the way to go. They’re also more affordable than a mechanical movement. Plus, there are also digital quartz watches or analog-digital watches that can provide the most bang for your buck with their plethora of nifty features.

Mechanical is what the real watch enthusiasts go for because of its skillful craftsmanship. Automatic is the less hassle type of mechanical watch as compared to its manual counterpart that needs to be wound.

Choose the Material

Stainless steel is the most popular among materials, as it’s elegant and good for casual wear and sometimes also formal wear. Moreover, it complements the wearer’s skin tone. The most preferred tones for stainless steel are rose gold and silver, as they can perfectly match a wearer’s complexion.

For a sporty style, there are watches made with resin; rubber; and silicone. Those materials are sturdy, comfortable, and won’t get soaked. If you’re going for a classy look, get one in black. It will also go well with any sportswear.

The cover of the watch’s dial, called crystal, can be made of either three materials: sapphire, mineral, or acrylic.

Acrylic is an inexpensive material used in lower-range watches. It can get scratched, but shallow scratches can be buffed out of it.

Mineral and sapphire are durable materials that can resist scratches. These materials are used in higher-priced watches. Mineral is second to sapphire when it comes to durability. Sapphire is the hardest and most expensive.

Choose a Brand

There are various brands to choose from. Each brand has something unique to offer in the market that can cater to the needs and suit the preferences of different consumers. Whatever kind of watch you wish to get, you can find a watch brand that can provide exactly what you need.

Step 4:Best Places to Buy Watches

To find the right watch, you have to look in the right place. Below, you will see where to find watches whether for individuals, watch retailers, or watch wholesalers.

For Individuals

• Amazon – Amazon has a large online marketplace providing all sorts of goods, and you can find there, a wide range of watches to choose from. Just type in the search bar the specifics of what you want in a watch, e.g., watch brand; watch style; color; and etc.

• Online Stores – You can check out online stores like Jomashop, WatchShop, and World of Watches. If you’re looking for luxury watches, then you can go to Ashford and AuthenticWatches.

An advantage you can get from buying from online marketplaces like Amazon and online stores is that items would be sold for much cheaper. So you can find there, the best affordable women’s watches and men’s watches.

For Watch Retailers

If you’re a retailer on the look for a source of watches to sell, you can search for a wholesaler that can provide you the watches for your business or a watch factory and order watches from them in bulk. You can go on online directories like Alibaba, SaleHoo, Toptenwholesale, Worldwide Brands, and etc. to search for wholesalers. For watch manufacturers, you can search on Global Sourcing Specialists (GSS), Alibaba, and MFG.com. You can also search on Google.

For Watch Wholesalers

If you’re a watch wholesaler, it can be a great idea to contact a custom watch manufacturer to have them design and produce watches for you under your own brand. You can then offer your watches to retailers so that your business can expand and your brand can be made available to and be recognized by many consumers.

You can find custom watch manufacturers in online directories like Alibaba and Global Sources. You may also try searching on Google.

So you’ve decided to start a retail business by creating an eCommerce watch brand. Good idea, as this kind of business gives you a huge demographic including males and females of all ages. Not to mention watches’ rising popularity.

Starting up a retail business through eCommerce can be exciting and promising. You get to make money on your own terms as your own boss. For your business to be successful, it is vital to have an excellent plan that is thoroughly thought of. And one of the first essential things to consider is the supplier or watch vendor, in other words.

A watch vendor is your business partner that can help you kickstart your business as well as maintain your business in the long run. A good watch vendor is one that is suitable for your business model. You may wonder, “What is a business model?” We’ll touch on that later in this article.

You may also be clouded with questions like:

“Where can you find watch vendors?”

“How can you tell which is the best one?”;

“How can you contact them?”

“What about scams, and how can you avoid them?”

“Is it possible for a watch vendor to customize a watch according to your ideas for your own brand?”

No worries, for we’ve got you covered with the low-down on finding the perfect watch vendor for you.

What Is Your Business Model

Before anything else, you need to come up with your business model. Once you’ve got that figured out, you can narrow down your choices in your search for a watch vendor to carefully select a suitable one for your startup business. So what is a Business model?

Simply put, a business model is like a blueprint for your business that points out the direction you’re going with your business. Comprising a business model is the products or services to be sold, which, in your case, are watches; how the products will be sold; the target market; the expenses required; and how to make income.

Choosing the Right Watch Vendors That Fit Your Business Model          

Now, you know what a business model is. It’s also important to note that there are different business models. Each business model has its own advantages that can suit different retailers. And the perfect watch vendor, of course, is one that complies with your business model, e.g., dropshipping; wholesale; manufacturer; and private label.

Below, you can read about the corresponding suppliers for the different business models.

Watch Dropshippers

Brief Explanation of a Watch Dropshipper

A watch dropshipper stores the watches for the watch retailer, and once the watch retailer receives an order from a customer, the watch dropshipper ships the order directly to the customer. The watch dropshipper is to be notified with the necessary information to fulfill the delivery, which includes the customer’s order and shipping details.

Step by Step Procedure

1. On your preferred eCommerce platform, put up the watches you have for sale.
2. Once a customer purchases from you, you forward the order along with the shipping details to your supplier.
3. You pay your supplier the wholesale price of the watch that was sold, which is a fraction of the watch’s retail price. Also, there is likely a small dropshipping fee that your supplier will require you to pay.
4. As you’ve instructed your supplier, they package and ship the order to your customer.
5. Although you had nothing to do with the package, you are responsible for communication with the customer.

Retailer Compatibility

For first-timers new to eCommerce and just starting their own online store, the best way to go would be dropshipping. It is for the reason that in this business model, there is no need for you to invest a big amount of money for bulk goods that may not sell nor to have storage space for stock. All you need to do is place your products on the eCommerce platform and just standby for the sales. That being said, there is less risk and expense for sellers in the dropshipping business model.

The downside of the dropshipping business model, however, is the lower profit margins since you won’t have the convenience of the discounts when purchasing in bulk, and there’s also the high per-item cost.

Moreover, there are two kinds of dropshippers. There are the “true” dropshippers and the pre-purchase dropshippers. “True” dropshippers are those who only ship items when you made a sale. This is the more convenient kind for its practicality, especially for a new business. Pre-purchase dropshippers, on the other hand, are those who require the pre-purchase of products.

However, you still won’t receive and stock products. The storage of products will still be done by the dropshipper. In this kind of dropshipping, you will pay a certain amount for your inventory, and once a customer orders it from you, it will be automatically shipped to your customer. 

If you’re going for the dropshipping business model, make sure to chose a dropshipper with an arrangement that works for you.

Where to Find Dropshippers

AliExpress

AliExpress is a wholesale and dropshipping platform with millions of products from suppliers that are categorized in 40 niches. It’s an easy-to-use platform, making it convenient, especially if you’re a beginner. And on top of that, you can sign up for it for free.

SaleHoo

SaleHoo is a supplier directory, where you can have easy access to over 8,000 tried and true suppliers that have been verified to ensure authenticity and legitimacy. Among the multitude of suppliers, you can simply filter to dropshippers. SaleHoo has a $67 sign up fee per year with a 60-day money back guarantee.

Doba

Doba is a dropshipping platform that has millions of products from hundreds of suppliers that are all placed in a single streamlined catalog with upgraded search technology and relevant filters, making your search for products a breeze. It allows a 14-Day free trial, and thereafter, you can choose a plan.

Those are just a few examples. You can find more here.

Watch Wholesalers

Brief Explanation of a Watch Wholesaler

A watch wholesaler buys watches from a watch manufacturer in bulk, which comes at the lowest price. After purchasing from the watch manufacturer, the watch wholesaler sells to watch retailers or watch distributors for a slightly higher price. A watch retailer or watch distributor, then, sells the watches at retail prices.

Step by Step Procedure

1. The watch wholesaler buys watches in bulk from watch manufacturers in the lowest price, which they, then, list for sale.
2. You source the watches from the watch wholesaler, which can come with a cheaper per-item price when more is bought in bulk.
3. You settle the payment for those watches up front and have them shipped to you.
4. You list your inventory for sale on your preferred eCommerce platform.

Retailer Compatibility

Money for investing upfront on bulk goods, a place for storage, experience in selling, and confidence that your products will sell are included in the checklist when it comes to sourcing from wholesale suppliers. If you can tick the boxes off on the aforementioned, then the wholesaler business model will work well for you. And through this, you may be able to have the advantage of negotiating with the wholesaler to get the products for a lower price, which, in result, makes a higher profit margin for you.

Where to Find Watch Wholesalers

In Your Local Area

When you source locally, it allows you to communicate easily with suppliers as well as be able to inspect goods. Google can come handy in searching for suppliers. You just type in “(your area) + wholesale market/wholesale mall” for your search. Another means to help you find suppliers are wholesale directories and magazines for your area; if there are available.

Trade Shows

At trade shows, wholesalers and manufacturers put up their latest products for display. You can search for upcoming trade shows online.

Online Directories

There are several online directories that can provide tons of wholesalers. Examples are SaleHoo, Toptenwholesale, Worldwide Brands, and etc.

Watch Manufacturers

Brief Explanation of a Watch Manufacturer

A watch manufacturer produces watches and sells them to watch wholesalers with a minimum order requirement (MOQ). In the watch manufacturer business model, you buy the watches in bulk at a low price, which you can sell to customers at a much higher price.

Step by Step Procedure

1. The watch manufacturer produces watches.
2. You purchase the watches by bulk, which comes at a low price. However, there is MOQ usually required by watch manufacturers.
3. After acquiring the watches, you list them for sale on the eCommerce platform of your choice.

Retailer Compatibility

If you’re a retailer who is up for a serious investment with considerable experience in selling, then sourcing from a manufacturer would be suitable for you. As manufacturers rely on economies of scale, they’ll require you to buy in bulk for cost efficiency. That would mean hundreds or even thousands of items for your inventory. You’re also going to need storage for your stock. This system gives you the benefit of high profit since you can purchase the products at a very low price, as you’ve bought them in bulk.

Where to Find Watch Manufacturers

In Your Local Area

The upside of sourcing locally is that you can easily take a visit to the factory and check out the goods. However, this gives you limited options.

Overseas

In contrast to sourcing domestically, when you source overseas, you get more options to choose from. Online directories like Global Sourcing Specialists (GSS), Alibaba, and MFG.com are some excellent resources with suppliers from all over the globe.

Private Label Watch Suppliers

Brief Explanation of a Private Label Watch Supplier

A private label watch supplier produces watches offered to businesses, wherein they can have their brands placed on them. In other words, the watches they produce are made for others, not under their brand but to bear clients’ brands. They provide pre-designed watches services and can also customize watches services according to the preference of clients.

Step by Step Procedure

1. You can choose from the private label watch supplier’s pre-designed watches or have them customize watches as you please.
2. Pay your supplier your dues for the production as well as customization of the watches, wherein there’s also MOQ required.
3. The supplier, then, ships the watches to you.
4. You list your watches for sale on your chosen eCommerce platform

Retailer Compatibility

Private label is the solution for those who aim to establish a brand of their own. With the help of a private label supplier, carrying out your business with your very own brand would be a breeze. You just have to come up with your brand, contact a private label supplier to have your products produced for you, pay for them in bulk, have them shipped to you, and you’re ready to sell.

However, it’s more costly as compared to other business models, with the customization; production; and bulk purchase involved in it. Nevertheless, going for a private label product gives you long-term benefits, which include powerful branding and marketing; product ownership; and the higher price you can sell the products with as compared to generic ones.

Where to Find Private Label Watch Suppliers

Google

You can always count on Google to give you answers. Just enter “private label watch supplier” in your search.

Forums

You can find discussions regarding private label suppliers and other related relevant information in forums like Reddit, Warrior Forum, and SaleHoo Forum.

Online Directories

Online Directories give you a wide range of options for private label suppliers. You just filter your search to find the right supplier for you. Popular online directories for private label suppliers are SaleHoo, Alibaba, Amazon, and eBay.

In Your Local Area

Visiting trade shows allows you to discover a suitable private label manufacturer for you, firsthand. Making contacts in your area also helps.

How to Contact Watch Suppliers

1. Contact at least 5 suppliers. This will get you a better chance of having the best deal as well as the best business partner suitable for you. Although it can be time-consuming, it’ll be very rewarding, for you can learn a lot, and it can better your business.
2. Call them. It’s more efficient than simply emailing them. Actually conversing with them allows you to ascertain legitimacy and trustworthiness.
3. Project good qualities that suppliers are looking for. It’s also important to note that there must be mutuality in terms of benefits in a business partnership. In the same way that you expect reliability and trustworthiness on a supplier, a supplier also expects a fair and professional client.

A serious buyer mentality is one of the suppliers’ expectations. You should have a firm approach with your business and eCommerce. It is important to do your research on the supplier, be prepared, and be committed to following through.

Another is clear and concise communication. You have to be straight to the point to the supplier as well as clarify everything with them, including matters on price; MOQ; turnaround time; payment terms; product samples; and other necessary questions. You must also be polite when communicating with them.

Lastly, suppliers want long-term clients, for they seek predictability in their income. To assure them a long-term partnership, you can provide them links to your online store and share with them your plans in your business. It also helps to have confidence.

How to Avoid Watch Supplier Scam

1. You find out how old their website is. If it’s new, it could either be the company is new, or it’s a fraud. You have to be cautious when it comes to new websites. But don’t be too quick to judge. Just be sure about other aspects. Moreover, you can check the age of a website using the domain age checker tool.

    2.Google searching the supplier + ripoff, fraud, or scam. Feedback on scams; fraudulence; and ripoffs regarding companies can be found on the internet, as people tend to post complains, which can be useful in making your decision.

   3. Find their phone number and call them. This is a quick way to tell if they’re legitimate. Red flags are if they don’t have a phone number listed on their website, they don’t answer calls during business hours, if you hear an automated message that sounds unusual, or if the person you talk to seems shady.

 4. Verify their address. Get their address and look it up in Google Street View. Can you see a building with their business name or logo on it? If you don’t see anything, especially if it’s just a vacant parking lot, ask the supplier why it is so. They may answer a logical reason, but this may also be a red flag. Not having any address is another red flag. Also if they are a US-based company and are not listed on the Better Business Bureau (BBB)’s website, it’s not a good sign. Although it doesn’t always mean the company is a scammer, it’s one detail to consider.

  5. Avoid suppliers that don’t accept credit cards and checks. If they require wire transfers, it’s best not to go through with them. Although there are some legitimate suppliers that only accept wire transfers, there isn’t a lot, and there is a high risk in it.

   6. Search in supplier directories. There are reliable supplier directories that can help make your search easier, as they provide only verified suppliers with authenticated products like SaleHoo; eSources; Toptenwholesale; Chinabrands; and Aliexpress.

How to Build a Relationship With Watch Suppliers

Communicate regularly with your supplier. Keep in touch at least two to four times a week. Even if it’s nothing official, you can share to them about your sales; which product is popular; and how your business is going. Let them feel appreciated and valued. And like in any relationship, you must be polite and friendly.

Address issues immediately. You’re going to encounter issues in your business. When they happen, tell your supplier right away to solve them at once before matters get worse.

Pay your supplier promptly. Not only does it exemplify good business, but it also shows respect and appreciation to for your business partner.

Conclusion

The process of searching for a supplier must be dealt with scrupulously. You must weigh out your options and think thoroughly in making your decision in order to end up with a quality supplier that you can have a good relationship with in the long run and can help bring your business to success. Keep in mind and follow what we’ve shared in this article, and you’ll be well on your way.

For any questions about finding a custom watch supplier in China, please leave a comment below and we will give you our best solution.

If you are looking for private label watch manufacturers in China, you are in the right place.

If you are creating an e-commerce watch brand, these watch manufacturers are the best partner for you to cooperate.

With our years of experience in the watch industry, we have curated almost the private label watch manufacturer in China and picked out 10 best private label watch manufacturers for you as an alternative manufacturer list in your watch business.

On average, the watch business generates lofty margins if dealing with credible producers. The ideal watches manufacturer will boost an assurance to retailers to meet their bottom line.

The manufacturer and the private brand owner must work hand in hand to produce an amazing result. Thus, it is wise to choose the best when it comes to this. Below is the list of 10 best private label timepiece manufacturers in China.

1. 3 Wells

When it comes to Shenzhen watch manufacturers, 3 wells is an alternative wrist watch manufacturer in China.

For more than 33 years since it was established in 1986, 3 Wells has gained reliability for watch production in China and Hong Kong. It has its offices in the aforementioned countries, and in Germany, too. It supplies to global and micro market brands.  The 3 Wells manufactures watches with automatic and quartz movements, to include ISA, Swiss ETA, Miyota, Ronda, and Seiko. The 3 Wells Watch company was accredited with DNV ISO 9001 certification in 1994.

The company finds expertise in high-quality stainless steel timepieces with a wide array of designs for fashion, sports, classic, diamonds and many others. They are experts in semi assembled and complete time gadgets for Certified Swiss Made watch.  From 2D to 3D designs, in-house engineers will gauge every feature for the client’s final approval.  Their staffs are highly certified and educated. The company is managed by Western and Asian timepiece manufacturing experts.

1. Montrichard Group

Montrichard Group is one of Hongkong watch manufacturers.

Producing watches for over 20 years, the Montrichard Group takes its spot in the industry. It has offices in Asia, Europe, and the USA. It is specifically located in Shenzhen, Hong Kong, New York, Philippines, and Switzerland. The company is a customary exhibitor of all significant global events, like Switzerland’s Baselworld and HKTDC in Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair. They specialize in ceramic, gold carats, sterling silver, steel, and titanium watch cases.

The company also offers services like full quality control lab with dedicated personnel. They have 2D and 3D design people that allow prompt prototyping services. Their multi packing systems are equipped with a security tag, bar codes and QR codes. The company also owns a warehouse facility for shipping via pallets.

The Montrichard Group assists clients in reaching goals. It is the only timepiece maker in China that utilizes Just-in-Time Manufacturing. The JIT inventory system is a strategy that allies orders directly with the schedule of production. This manner entails Montrichard to forecast demand with precision.

Moreover, as the industry has gone digital, the company also uses FINS. It is a web-based solution that allows customers to deal with their supply chain effectively. The Montrichard Group has partnered with leading electronic players and suppliers in Asia. It becomes the main player in the smartwatch production in 2014 due to modern technologies they have employed.

1. Bolong Watch

Established in 1993 in Foshan, China, Bolong International Supply Chain Management Group (BLSCM) is the leading OEM and ODM watch supplier. The company specializes in custom timepieces for brand watches retailers and wholesalers around the world. It has evolved into 5 business units to cater to manufacturing needs. This includes the Bolong Watch, Bolong International Supply Chain, Bolong International Logistics, Finance, and 1 Heart Brand Marketing.

In addition, the company owns the Bolong Watch Technology Research Institute and Bolong Business School, as well. It employs experts in the field of watches making for international brands. It supplies to clients all over Europe, the USA, the Middle East, and in Southeast Asia. Bolong brags about helping brands attain significant growth and become leaders in their areas. As a matter of fact, Bolong received sums of accolades and awards for its credibility. For many years in a row, the company garnered the most influential Whole Process Service Provider of International Watch Supply Chain.

Moreover, Bolong sets benchmarks and positions clients in terms of watch branding. It is their strategy design empowerment aspect. The company is also adapt in focusing and empowering on four categories: the product, competitors, users, and trends. They aid clients in enhancing brand value through improved packaging.

Bolong also utilizes an advantage via the integration of a supply chain management system. From information flow to material, fund, logistics, smart data, purchase, production monitoring, quality control, and cycle optimization. It is the company’s mission to help customers develop into regional leaders.

1. Meigeer Watch

Established in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China in 1997, Meigeer Watch Company keeps supplying OEM and ODM watch services for clients in more than 50 countries around the world. This company is always in attendance to major watches exhibition, such as the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair. As specialists in the field of watch manufacturing, the company houses more than 300 skilled employees. They have the capacity to produce a million timepieces annually. Their rigorous system in quality control is an assurance that the product’s dependability is of the highest quality, at all stages of production.

The company swanks of their self-sufficient stainless steel case and modern watch factory. They produce watches from styles to prototypes, quality control, packaging, shipping agreements, and for mass production in one stop solution. The company is well equipped with modern technologies and advanced facilities. Meigeer is known also for its in-house watch brands, Ruimas, Nakzen, and Megir.

Meigeer’s Watch Solution includes 2D watch designing done by expert designers who listen to the client’s ideas and specifications. An accurate quotation after the design’s approval is also rendered fast. After the mass production, the company assists customers to acquire important certifications of CE, RoHS and Reach, to name just a few. Delivery can be done door to door or upon the instructions of customers. Not just that, they render 2 years warranty for all items.

1. Chrono China

Started in 2014, Chrono China’s humble beginning gained credibility at present. It is founded by a group of watch specialists who are in the watch-making industry for 5 to 10 years. The company manufactures customized watches at affordable prices. They produce all kinds of watches but specialize in Chronograph timepieces.  Officially, Chrono China imports movements from Swiss ETA and Swiss Ronda.

This supplier brags about the capability to produce quality timepieces that are certified for stable and much longer watch life. The company guarantees 30 months and up to 60 months on the battery life of their timepieces. Per piece of their watch is assured that it passes clean face condition, timekeeping accurate, and waterproofing test. Their plant passed the production quality tests done by known brands such as Avon, Sedex, Disney, among others. Chrono China is the go-to company when it comes to quality custom watches offered at low cost as compared to bigger brands.

Customers may assign an inspection company at Chrono China’s plant to check for quality. Delivery of orders from Chrono China is done either by DHL or through the customer’s own forwarder. The company gives a 1-year warranty for manufacturing faults.

1. FIYTA

Built in 1987, FIYTA is a leading watchmaker known for its ingenuity. Originally, it is known as Shenzhen Feida Watch Company then dubbed as Fiyta at present. The company is an early pioneer of Hong Kong inspired horizontal business model. Their timepieces undergo the meticulous process to create a multiple functioning and automatic movement. As a fact, FIYTA watches won several awards when it comes to design creativity. Recently, their creations have obtained the Red Dot Design Award.

The company is widely known for its aeronautic collection. They produce automatic timepieces that are ready for the mission. They are manufactured in limited editions per model. The watch is powered by the brand’s automatic 30-jewel movement. Their watches have 45-minute chronograph that is meant for spacewalks timing.

FIYTA watches matches the classic design with sophisticated and modern technology. Their collections can also be seen in the aeronautic, motor, and sports industries due to their precision and dependability. The revolutionary breakthrough in 2007 brought about the invention of the ATiC method, which makes FIYTA materials sturdy.

1. Tian Wang

The Tian Wang watches manufacturing company was founded in 1988. It was known at first as the timepiece maker for women who are in love of charm. Their first watch product was bracelet-shaped, stylish, and dazzling yellows. Such first product was enhanced in 1992 with a more shiny appearance that captures the soul of women of loves timepieces. In 1991, the company garnered many awards and commendations. Among others is the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone High-Quality Product of Analogue Quartz Electronic Watch.

Moreover, Tian Wang produced the first mechanical watch in 1994. The idea of adopting screws as decorative features were done. After a year, they manufactured the first ever all-tungsten steel timepieces. It is a sophisticated chiseled cubic design that shows and represents a bright and dignified trait.

Tian Wang produces the millennium commemorative series of watches. For them, it is a proper way of keeping time. It includes the Elite, Shine, the Dragon and Phoenix, and many more. They also started to manufacture 18k gold watches in 2004.

1. Hongliyuan Watch

Established in 1992, the Hongliyuan Watch Industry has been focusing on manufacturing popular fine watches. It is famed in China for producing quality, and innovative styles watch. The company makes a crafted watch, gift watch, fashion watch, memorial watch, and promotional watch. They have clients around Europe, America, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Hongliyuan or HLY boasts about their independent and creative R&D department that designs elegant fashion watches to go with the trend. All their products are tested and passed ISO9001, ROHS, and CE certificates. Every stage of production is highly monitored for quality. The company owns a case production department, dial-manufacturing, and assembling line.

HLY’s innovative team has a passion for creativity, integrity, open-mindedness, quality and effective marketing. They can manufacture up to 5,000 timepieces a year.

1. Shenzhen Yonghao Watch & Clock

The Shenzhen Yonghao Watch & Clock company was founded in 1995 in Shenzhen. It is situated in the economic zone of Guangdong province, which is close to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. For more than 23 years, the company becomes one of the professionally managed watches suppliers in China. When it comes to high, medium and low-grade quartz, this company is the answer. They also offer OEM and ODM watches.

Shenzhen Yonghao Watch & Clock integrates their design, production, and sales to every stainless steel, brass, and plastic watches they manufacture. They have a standardized factory measuring 2,000 square meters that houses 70 professionals in the industry.  Their production capability is 300,000 timepieces per month.

1. Shenzhen Zhongshi Watch

Shenzhen Zhongshi Watch entered the scene in watches production in 2006. For over 10 years, the company produces various kinds of wood and bamboo, stainless steel, alloy, and silicone timepieces. More than 200 industry professionals are employed by  Shenzhen Zhongshi Watch. It is mostly composed of watches designers and technicians. The company passed the Sedex and Alibaba Accessed Supplier category.

For a decade, the Shenzhen Zhongshi Watch focuses on wood and bamboo timepieces. They actually own the widest bamboo and wood plant in the country. Apart from supplying private label watches, they have their own brand as well, called the BEWELL. Such brand offers hundreds of styles and designs according to the client’s needs. They also put forward crazy promotions to cater the growing needs.

Obtaining a watch producer for your own brand is a trend nowadays. Apart from having control over the appearance and quality of the product, clients find it economically wise. If you are in the industry of retailing and supplying your own brand, it is highly advisable to resort into it.

Finding private label manufacturer in China is a critical step for a business. Some specialists have made it out too complex. Nevertheless, it is not! Using the internet, you can find suppliers in a short period of time. You just need to look keenly. Avoid what it takes to avoid.

Referring resources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tian_Wang

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supply-chain_management