Watch manufacturing is an intricate and detailed process, and many watch enthusiasts are curious about the watch manufacturing process. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricate world of watchmaking, exploring the various steps that go into making these beautiful timepieces. From the initial definition of the project to the final watch assembly, we will unravel the details and mysteries of manufacturing. Join us on a journey through the art and science of watchmaking.

OEM and ODM watch

OEM and ODM are two common terms in the watch manufacturing industry. The first step in watch manufacturing is to determine if your watch is OEM or ODM manufactured.

OEM refers to the process where a watch brand or company outsources the production of their watches to a manufacturer who produces the watches based on the brand’s specifications and designs.The watch patent just belong to watch brand or company not watch manufacturer.

On the other hand, ODM involves a watch manufacturer creating watches based on their own designs and selling them to various brands for rebranding.The watch brand or company also can adjust some minior changes like customize the dial,or change the hand,etc.

Learn more about the difference between OEM and ODM and find the best solution for your needs.

For the sake of convenience, the OEM watch is used next to illustrate the process of watch manufacturing.

Project Definition

Type of watches

Type of watches primarily to the overall design, appearance and intended use of a watch.Watches manufacturers will need to determine with the customer what style of watch you want,pilot watch,vintage watch,minimalist watch, dress watch,business watch etc.

Function watch

Watches provide the time of day.If the watch is with 2 hand, Provide the hours and minutes. If the watch is 3 hand, it will also provide seconds. Many watches will also provide the date and day of the week and month. Some watches come with 4 hands hands, 5 hands and 6 hands to represent more complicated functions such as chronograph, GMT, etc.

Watch specification

Watch specifications include various elements such as case material, case shape,glass material(mineral glass,crystal sapphire,acrylic),case diameter,watch lug,strap material,strap length,clasp style,dial design, movement type, water resistance,ect.For example, you should determine whether the movement is quartz or automatic, and whether the movement is Swiss or Japanese or Chinese movement brand. If the watch is intended for diving, it should be water resistant to more than 10 ATM, in addition the hands and hour markers are luminous.

Watch design and engineering

After watch type and specifications finalized, it is time to move on to design the watch. Watch design is a creative endeavor that involves conceptualizing the aesthetics, proportions and visual elements of a watch. It takes into account factors such as ergonomics, legibility and brand image to create a visually appealing and functional watch.

Watch design usually begins with hand-drawn watch sketches.Watch sketches usually come from a customer or a watch designer’s idea, and then after refining the details of the sketch, the designer uses the relevant software Solid works or CAD to transform the sketch into a detailed drawing that specifies the dimensions, materials, and manufacturing process.

Feasibility study

Once the watch specifications and design are confirmed, watch engineering is performed. Engineering includes verifying the feasibility and functionality of the watch design to ensure that the design can be successfully translated into a physical watch product. For example, if the second hand is too long, it is necessary to calculate the torque of the movement enough to move the second hand.

Watch design and engineering requires the collaboration of designers, engineers and manufacturers to ensure that the final product meets the desired specifications and quality standards.

Watch sample development and production

Following watch engineering drawing, start to manufacture the sample. When the samples are completed, they must need to tested and inspected. These inspections include quality testing, performance testing, and whether the shape details are produced according to the drawings. If the tests are correct, the samples can be confirmed. If the customer makes minor adjustments to the sample, it is acceptable.

Mass watch parts manufacturing and procurement

Watch components include the case (bezel, caseback,lug, glass or crystal, etc.), face, crown, movement, and strap (buckle).

Our watch parts manufacturers have rich production experience and are reliable. For example, watch case manufacturers have been cooperating with us for 7 years. These excellent parts suppliers enable us to purchase the best products at the most suitable prices.

As a reliable watch factory,we will carry out full inspection of watch parts as well as relevant tests. For example, the plating watch case needs to undergo salt spray test, abrasion resistance test, waterproof test and so on.

Some watch supplier also provide watch packaging. The watch packaging includes not only the watch box, but also the instruction manual, warranty card and so on.

Watch test and certificates

When the assemble and inspection are completed, the watches are sent to a third party organization such as SGS, BV for testing. Because the vast majority of customers come from Europe and the United States, ROHS, CE or FCC certificates are required. If the order quantity is 500pcs, ROHS or CE is free of charge.

Watch package

We can provide the relevant packaging combination according to customer’s requirements. The package include usually a watch box, warranty card, manual and so on.

Conclusion-watch manufacturing

Through the complex process of watch design, engineering and manufacturing, a watch manufacturer can effectively transform a customer’s creative vision into a physical watch. This step is critical to ensure that the finished watch not only meets the original design, standards and aesthetic expectations, but also functions perfectly to provide an exceptional timekeeping experience for the end consumer.