You see, these days, there are quite a few Chinese watch manufacturers actually putting out some pretty decent stuff. I mean, *really* decent. Some are even edging into the luxury territory, which, if you’d told me that like a decade ago, I’d have probably laughed in your face.
So, who are these contenders? Well, Seagull is a big name, like a *really* big name. They’ve been around for a while, and they are kinda like the old guard, known for their, uh, “robustness” (some might say clunky, I wouldn’t *dare* though!). They’re like, the grandpappy of Chinese watchmaking, laying the foundation and all that jazz.
Then you’ve got Shanghai Watch. They’re another one of the more established brands, focusing on their own thing, creating watches *specifically* for the Shanghai Watch name. They’re not just slapping their label on some random movement from who-knows-where. I respect that, you know?
Now, things get interesting when you start looking at the independent brands. Atelier Wen, for example, is trying to bring some actual Chinese heritage and artistry into their watches. We’re talkin’ history, culture, craftsmanship, the whole shebang! It’s a nice change from just trying to imitate Swiss designs, if you ask me. They seem to be striving for that “luxury” feel, trying to take the world by storm.
And then there’s Beijing Watches. Now, these guys are *seriously* flexing. They’ve got their own dual-tourbillon movement, which is apparently a HUGE deal. Like, only a couple of companies in the whole WORLD can even *make* that kinda thing. Makes you wonder what else is going on there… It’s like they’re saying “Yeah, we can play with the big boys.”
What I find fascinating is how some of these older Chinese brands used to be completely self-contained. They’d design *and* manufacture everything in-house. The case, the movement, the dial, the hands, everything! That’s a level of vertical integration you just don’t see much of anymore.
Of course, you can’t forget about the OEM/ODM side of things, like Romlicen. I mean, that’s how a lot of watch brands get started, right? You get someone else to make it for you and slap your logo on it. No shame in the game, I guess. It’s all part of the, like, ecosystem or something, I guess?
