Summary
Shenzhen is the world capital of watchmaking, but for a foreigner or a new startup, the process of Looking for watch manufacturer in Shenzhen is very confusing. There are thousands of suppliers, but many are just trading companies, not real factories. This article acts as your guide. We will explore the difference between Gushu and other industrial areas, how to spot a middleman, and the deep technical details of watchmaking like 316L steel and Japanese movements. We also discuss the cost of molds and why Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is the biggest barrier for small brands. Finally, we will introduce a solution for those who need high-quality production with lower risk. Read this carefully to protect your investment.
Introduction: Why is everyone going to Shenzhen?
If you are currently Looking for watch manufacturer in Shenzhen, you are making a very smart decision for your business. Shenzhen is not just a city; it is the heart of the global watch industry. Did you know that more than 70% of the world’s watches are produced here? Even many “Swiss Made” brands source their cases, dials, and straps from Shenzhen factories before assembling them in Switzerland. The supply chain here is complete. You can walk down one street and find a hand factory, a dial factory, and a case factory all next to each other. This speed and efficiency are why everyone comes here.
However, it is not all easy. The market is very mixed. There are high-end factories that make watches for luxury brands, and there are small workshops making cheap alloy watches that break in one week. If you do not know the local rules, you will lose money. I have seen many startups fail because they chose the wrong partner. They looked at a nice picture on Alibaba, sent the money, and received garbage. After reading this blog, you will be able to distinguish between the good and the bad. Let’s move forward into the details.
Is that supplier a real factory or just a trader?
This is the first question you must ask when Looking for watch manufacturer in Shenzhen. In China, there are many “Trading Companies.” A trading company does not own any machines. They do not own a factory. They are just sales offices. They buy from the factory and sell to you, adding 15% to 30% to the price.
How do you know the difference?
Check the Address: Real factories are usually in industrial zones like Bao’an District (especially Xixiang or Gushu areas). If the address is in a fancy skyscraper in the city center (Futian or Nanshan CBD), it is likely a trading company.
Ask for a Video Call: Tell them, “I want to see your CNC machine running right now.” A trader will make excuses. A real factory will say, “Okay, wait a minute,” and walk to the workshop.
Technical Knowledge: Traders are salespeople. They know how to sell, but they do not know engineering. If you ask them, “What is the tolerance on the case back thread?” and they cannot answer immediately, be careful.
You want to work directly with the Best OEM watch manufacturer China has to offer, not a middleman. Working with the factory gives you better control over quality and better communication. You need to talk to the people who actually touch your watch.
What are the critical materials you must check?
When you order custom watches, the material is everything. You cannot see the difference in a photo, but you can feel it in your hand. Many suppliers will try to cheat you here to save cost.
Stainless Steel: 304 vs 316L
This is the most common trick.
304 Stainless Steel: This is cheap. It is used for kitchen pots. It contains less nickel and molybdenum. If a person sweats, the 304 steel can rust or cause skin allergies. It looks a bit yellowish over time.
316L Stainless Steel: This is the standard for high-quality watches. It is often called “Marine Grade” or “Surgical Steel.” It is very resistant to corrosion and acid. It is hard and polish beautiful.
When you are negotiating, you must write “316L Steel” in the contract. If you just write “Stainless Steel,” a bad factory will use 304 to save money.
The Glass (Crystal)
Mineral Glass: Standard, cheap, scratches easily.
- Sapphire Crystal: Very hard, very expensive. It does not scratch.
For a startup brand selling watches above $150, you must use Sapphire. It adds value. Also, ask for AR (Anti-Reflective) coating. It makes the watch look premium because the glass disappears.
Which movement is the best for your brand?
The movement is the heart. If the heart stops, the watch is dead. When you are Looking for watch manufacturer in Shenzhen, you will see many options.
For automatic watches, there are three main choices for startups:
| Movement | Origin | Reliability | Price | Notes |
| Seiko NH35 / NH35A | Japan | Very High | Medium | The gold standard. Very durable. Hacking and hand-winding. |
| Miyota 8215 | Japan | High | Low | Good, but the seconds hand can stutter. Noisier rotor. |
| Miyota 9015 | Japan | Very High | High | Thin, high beat (4Hz). Competes with Swiss ETA. |
| Chinese Automatic | China | Low/Medium | Low | Often clones of other movements. Quality varies a lot. |
My advice is simple: Stick to Seiko NH35 or Miyota 9015. Do not use unbranded Chinese movements for your first collection. The return rate will kill your business. The Japanese movements are durable and easy to repair anywhere in the world.
What is the Custom watch production Shenzhen cost?
Let’s talk about money. This is what everyone wants to know. What is the real Custom watch production Shenzhen cost?
The cost is divided into two parts: Fixed Cost and Unit Cost.
1. Fixed Cost (Mold Fees):
To make a custom design, the factory must make molds.
Case Mold: Usually $500 to $1,500 depending on complexity.
Dial Mold: $100 to $300.
- Hand Mold: $100 to $200.
You pay this only once.
2. Unit Cost (Per Watch):
This depends on the specs.
A simple quartz watch with alloy case: $5 – $10 (Low quality).
A stainless steel quartz watch: $15 – $25.
A high-quality automatic watch (316L + Sapphire + NH35): $45 – $80.
Do not try to find the cheapest price. If a factory offers you an automatic watch for $30, something is wrong. Maybe they use 304 steel, or maybe they use a fake movement. You get what you pay for. In Shenzhen, the margin for factories is small, so the price difference usually comes from material quality.
The biggest headache: Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
This is the hardest part of Looking for watch manufacturer in Shenzhen.
Most big, famous factories are busy. They make watches for big brands. They do not want to talk to small startups. Their MOQ is usually 500 pieces per color. That means if you want a black dial and a blue dial, you need to order 1000 watches.
If the watch costs $50, that is $50,000! This is too much risk for a new company.
Why is the MOQ so high? Because the factory has to buy materials from their suppliers. The dial maker wants an order of 200. The case maker wants an order of 300. The assembly factory has to coordinate all of this.
You need to look for a Private label watch supplier low MOQ. These are special factories that understand the needs of startups. They are willing to accept orders of 50 or 100 pieces. They do this because they want to help you grow. But these factories are hard to find.
How to prepare your design before contacting a factory?
Before you start contacting people on your Shenzhen watch factory list, you need to be prepared. If you just say “I want a nice watch,” they will ignore you.
You need:
A Design Brief: What is the style? Diver? Pilot? Dress?
Reference Photos: Show them pictures of watches you like. “I like the case of Rolex but the hands of Omega.”
Specs List:
Case size (e.g., 40mm)
Movement (e.g., NH35)
Glass (e.g., Sapphire)
Strap (e.g., Leather)
When you send a professional brief, the factory respects you. They see you are serious. They will reply faster. The factory engineers will then take your ideas and make a 2D drawing (CAD). You must check this drawing very carefully. Check the size, the thickness, the lug width. Once you say “OK,” they make the sample. You cannot change the metal after it is cut.
The importance of the sample process
Never, ever order mass production without a sample.
When you are Looking for watch manufacturer in Shenzhen, the sample is the test. You pay for the sample (usually expensive, maybe $200-$400 for one piece) because it is handmade.
When you get the sample:
Wear it for one week.
Check if the edges are sharp.
Check if the plating scratches.
Put it in water (if it is a diver watch).
If the sample is good, then you can sign the contract for the bulk order. If the sample is bad, you ask them to improve. A good factory will modify the sample until you are happy.
Let’s move forward to the final advice.
Conclusion
The journey of Looking for watch manufacturer in Shenzhen is long and full of challenges. You have to learn about steel, movements, glass, and plating. You have to fight with trading companies and negotiate MOQs. It is stressful. But, if you find the right partner, it is also very rewarding. Seeing your own logo on a high-quality watch is a beautiful feeling.
Remember the key points:
Verify if they are a factory.
Insist on 316L steel and Japanese movements.
Be ready to pay for quality samples.
Find a partner who accepts small orders to lower your risk.
If you are a startup or a small brand, and you are tired of factories ignoring you because your order is “too small,” there is one company I highly recommend.
Why Aigell Watch is the solution
Aigell Watch is widely recognized as one of the top high-end custom watch manufacturers in China. Unlike the giant factories that only care about big volume, Aigell focuses on quality and service for brands of all sizes.
Here is why Aigell fits your needs:
Low MOQ Support: They are a rare Private label watch supplier low MOQ that allows you to start with just 50 pieces. This changes everything for a startup. You don’t need $50,000 to start.
High-End Materials: Aigell specializes in luxury materials. They use 316L and 904L stainless steel, Carbon Fiber, Bronze, and high-quality Sapphire crystals.
Professional OEM & ODM: They have an in-house design team. You give them an idea, and they give you a professional watch design.
Experience: Located in the heart of the manufacturing hub, they have the best supply chain connections to ensure your watch is perfect.
If you want to skip the headache of filtering through thousands of bad suppliers and go straight to a professional team, Aigell Watch is your best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How can I verify if a Shenzhen company is a manufacturer?
A: You should ask for a video call to see the production line in real-time. Also, check their business license. If the scope says “Production” or “Manufacturing,” it is good. If it only says “Trade” or “Sales,” they are a middleman.
Q2: What is a reasonable timeline for custom watch production?
A: Typically, the design phase takes 1-2 weeks. Sample production takes 30-40 days because custom parts need to be made. Mass production takes another 45-60 days. So, you should plan for about 3-4 months total.
Q3: Why is the sample fee so much higher than the unit price?
A: Because making one single watch requires setting up the CNC machines and making molds. The labor cost for one piece is very high. However, many factories, including Aigell, will refund the sample fee when you place a bulk order.
Q4: Can I visit the Aigell factory in Shenzhen?
A: Yes, absolutely. Visiting is the best way to build trust. You can see the assembly room, the QC department, and meet the engineers. It helps you understand the Custom watch production Shenzhen cost structure better.
Q5: What is the best steel for a luxury startup brand?
A: You must use 316L stainless steel. It is the industry standard for luxury brands. Avoid 304 steel as it is lower quality. Aigell also offers 904L steel if you want Rolex-level quality.
Q6: Do I need to provide the 3D drawings?
A: No. If you work with a professional OEM/ODM manufactruer like Aigell, you only need to provide sketches or reference photos. Their design team will create the 2D and 3D drawings for your approval.
