Made in China?

[deeman54]

Today I found out that the swatch group including omega have parts made in China 🤯.

So….. yeah wow….

[ROLEX MAN]

True but all Rolex parts are Swiss made!

Hence does not belong to Swatch group.

[deeman54]

Originally Posted by ROLEX MAN

True but all Rolex parts are Swiss made!

Hence does not belong to Swatch group.

True

[thegrandseirolexguy]

Raw material to fabricate the parts probably still come from or were refined in China though.

Practically impossible to silo our supply chains, even for Rolex.


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[deeman54]

Originally Posted by thegrandseirolexguy

Raw material to fabricate the parts probably still come from or were refined in China though.

Practically impossible to silo our supply chains, even for Rolex.


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We aren’t talking raw materials. We are talking actual parts made in china

[thegrandseirolexguy]

Originally Posted by deeman54

We aren’t talking raw materials. We are talking actual parts made in china

Fair enough. That being said, they still make a good watch. I assume swatch specifies the manufacturing tolerances?


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[deeman54]

Originally Posted by thegrandseirolexguy

Fair enough. That being said, they still make a good watch. I assume swatch specifies the manufacturing tolerances?


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See that’s the big question. Is the quality of the factories the same as in Switzerland. With that said we have faithfully disowned china made items for decades now. I think if the average consumer knew these watches were made in china they wouldn’t purchase at the same rate.

[gamingdoctor]

Originally Posted by deeman54

With that said we have faithfully disowned china made items for decades now.

Did you mean personally or statewide? I feel like Chinese products have taken over the market in the United States. 90%+ of the items on amazon or big box stores seem to be made there.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by thegrandseirolexguy

Fair enough. That being said, they still make a good watch. I assume swatch specifies the manufacturing tolerances?


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Something about having watches “assembled in Switzerland” instead of “made in Switzerland” while still significantly increasing prices doesn’t sit well with me. YMMV.

[thegrandseirolexguy]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Something about having watches “assembled in Switzerland” instead of “made in Switzerland” while still significantly increasing prices doesn’t sit well with me. YMMV.

I agree with you. That’s why the grey market for most brands is so appealing. I don’t feel like I’m being gouged on price and the resale prices I pay for are reasonable & value for money.

I think the only options are Grand Seiko and Rolex if we want something made entirely in its respective domestic territory / home countries and not outsourced.


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[herefortheattachment]

A watch that states “Swiss Made” on the dial does not mean it is 100% made in Switzerland. My Victorinox from 2012 proudly states “Swiss Made” yet has a “CHINA” stamp on the inside of the case back.

Here is a Guide to the use of the designation “Swiss”
for watches: https://www.fhs.swiss/file/8/Guide_FH_v.5_en.pdf

Originally Posted by ROLEX MAN

True but all Rolex parts are Swiss made!

Hence does not belong to Swatch group.

I am not so sure Rolex is 100% Swiss Made based on anecdotes I’ve read from some laborers that work on their watches. I think it’s safe to say a higher percentage of a Rolex watch is Swiss Made than most Swiss watches, but it wouldn’t surprise me if China was still involved at some points in the manufacturing of certain Rolex models. Here is an old thread on the subject: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=412969

[alllexandru]

If you source the steel from X country but you forge and stamp in Switzerland, how you call it?

Who cares if one or another is buying the screws from China? You can have a great manufacturing QC from them and quality as long you pay for it.

Im not taken any sides here but I think this is the last problem we have here....


IMHO

[ccubs21]

Originally Posted by alllexandru

If you source the steel from X country but you forge and stamp in Switzerland, how you call it?

Who cares if one or another is buying the screws from China? You can have a great manufacturing QC from them and quality as long you pay for it.

Im not taken any sides here but I think this is the last problem we have here....


IMHO

Idk - if Swatch/ Omega are so proud of their supposed Chinese parts why are they not publicly endorsing the practice?

Could it be a large part of the ability to sell a watch for $10k is the allure of Swiss heritage and this would greatly undermine that?

Sorry for resurrecting this thread.

[1William]

Originally Posted by ccubs21

Idk - if Swatch/ Omega are so proud of their supposed Chinese parts why are they not publicly endorsing the practice?

Could it be a large part of the ability to sell a watch for $10k is the allure of Swiss heritage and this would greatly undermine that?

Sorry for resurrecting this thread.

Good points.

[thegrandseirolexguy]

Originally Posted by ccubs21

Idk - if Swatch/ Omega are so proud of their supposed Chinese parts why are they not publicly endorsing the practice?

Could it be a large part of the ability to sell a watch for $10k is the allure of Swiss heritage and this would greatly undermine that?

Sorry for resurrecting this thread.

Probably. Lest we forget, all luxury brands have is their brand prestige & value, without it, they are nothing.

Would I pay the same amount of $ for an Omega or Rolex, built to the same exacting quality standards but without the brand logo?

No, I wouldn’t. I’d pay a lot less. I Probably wouldn’t even be willing to cough up 1/3 of the MSRP if they didn’t slap the brand’s logo on it.

Nothing wrong with buying Chinese made products. They can produce high quality stuff down to the cheapest, low quality knockoffs. In the end, you get what you pay for.

The Chinese market is the world’s most competitive marketplace, and Chinese manufacturers are masters of cost effective mass production.

Take for example, a slab of metal to be CNC-ed into a watch case, and Omega specifies that the watch case diameter must be 40mm +\- 0.5mm. You can bet the Chinese OEM will make 95-99% of the cases at 39.5mm , because the cost savings from that 0.5mm across a huge volume becomes substantial.

Even big box American retailers, to maintain a veneer of respectability and degree of separation / non-liability, use middlemen to source goods from countries with questionable practices. Whether we like it or not, reality dictates that businesses always want to maximise profits and manufacturing will in most cases always migrate to the lowest cost base.

Is anyone from a first world nation going to slog in a factory for 100 bucks a week? I doubt so.

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[Cru Jones]

Personally, I want a watch from Switzerland, not China.

I need to research this…..

[omar-rye]

I asked ChatGPT:

Omega watches are predominantly made in Switzerland, adhering to the “Swiss Made” standard, which requires at least 60% of the production costs to be incurred in Switzerland and that the watch’s movement is assembled and inspected there. However, some non-essential components may be sourced from outside Switzerland. These can include:

1. Straps and Bracelets: While many are made in Switzerland, some leather straps or components for metal bracelets may be sourced globally, often from countries with expertise in specific materials, such as Italy for leather.
2. Sapphire Crystal: Sapphire crystals used in watch faces can sometimes be sourced internationally, particularly from specialized manufacturers in Asia.
3. Raw Materials: Some raw materials, like precious metals or certain alloys, may originate outside Switzerland but are processed locally.

Omega strives for a high degree of in-house and Swiss-based production, particularly for its movements and critical components, ensuring the integrity and quality associated with the brand.

[Cru Jones]

Also from ChatGPT....Food for thought (IMHO).......Personally, no, I don't want cases and bracelets from China (no offense meant, just not what I have in mind when thinking of a Swiss luxury watch).



Question: "Which parts of Omega watches are made in China?"

Answer: "While Omega watches are primarily manufactured in Switzerland, some components are sourced from China. Here are a few examples:

Watch Cases: Some Omega watch cases are produced in China to help manage costs while maintaining quality standards.

Bracelets: The bracelets, especially for certain models, might be manufactured in China and then assembled in Switzerland.

Packaging: The boxes and packaging materials for Omega watches are often made in China.

Despite sourcing these components from China, the critical parts like the movements and the final assembly are done in Switzerland to ensure the watches meet the high standards of Swiss watchmaking."


Question: "Do any watch manufacturers make all of their components in Switzerland?"

Answer: "Yes, there are a few Swiss watch manufacturers that produce all of their components in Switzerland. These brands are often referred to as "manufactures" because they control the entire production process, from the creation of movements to the assembly of the final watch. Here are a few notable examples:

Rolex: Known for its in-house production, Rolex manufactures nearly all of its components, including movements, cases, and dials, in its Swiss facilities.

Patek Philippe: This prestigious brand is renowned for its high level of craftsmanship and produces all of its components in-house in Switzerland.

Audemars Piguet: Another high-end watchmaker, Audemars Piguet, is known for its in-house production of movements and other components.

Jaeger-LeCoultre: This brand is famous for its innovation and produces all of its components, including movements, in its Swiss manufacture.

These brands maintain strict control over their production processes to ensure the highest quality and precision in their timepieces."

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Also from ChatGPT....Food for thought (IMHO).......Personally, no, I don't want cases and bracelets from China (no offense meant, just not what I have in mind when thinking of a Swiss luxury watch).



Question: "Which parts of Omega watches are made in China?"

Answer: "While Omega watches are primarily manufactured in Switzerland, some components are sourced from China. Here are a few examples:

Watch Cases: Some Omega watch cases are produced in China to help manage costs while maintaining quality standards.

Bracelets: The bracelets, especially for certain models, might be manufactured in China and then assembled in Switzerland.

Packaging: The boxes and packaging materials for Omega watches are often made in China.

Despite sourcing these components from China, the critical parts like the movements and the final assembly are done in Switzerland to ensure the watches meet the high standards of Swiss watchmaking."


Question: "Do any watch manufacturers make all of their components in Switzerland?"

Answer: "Yes, there are a few Swiss watch manufacturers that produce all of their components in Switzerland. These brands are often referred to as "manufactures" because they control the entire production process, from the creation of movements to the assembly of the final watch. Here are a few notable examples:

Rolex: Known for its in-house production, Rolex manufactures nearly all of its components, including movements, cases, and dials, in its Swiss facilities.

Patek Philippe: This prestigious brand is renowned for its high level of craftsmanship and produces all of its components in-house in Switzerland.

Audemars Piguet: Another high-end watchmaker, Audemars Piguet, is known for its in-house production of movements and other components.

Jaeger-LeCoultre: This brand is famous for its innovation and produces all of its components, including movements, in its Swiss manufacture.

These brands maintain strict control over their production processes to ensure the highest quality and precision in their timepieces."

I guess the 321 is off the table

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I guess the 321 is off the table

In all seriousness, I don't see Omega sourcing a few specialty cases for their flagship model from China.

Now the Moonwatch? Maybe....

If anything, this all pushes me more towards a 321!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

In all seriousness, I don't see Omega sourcing a few specialty cases for their flagship model from China.

Now the Moonwatch? Maybe....

If anything, this all pushes me more towards a 321!

Nice recovery


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[BillA]

My box has a decal on it, Made in China

[herefortheattachment]

I find ChatGPT produces slop for subjects like this. It often makes sweeping generalizations, then admits it was inaccurate when you ask for a source, or reveals the sources are low quality. Mine gave a different answer than other posters and cited Rolex Forums as a source. (Can’t wait for it to cite itself soon now that people are pasting ChatGPT answers here…)

Originally Posted by “ChatGPT”

While Rolex strives for vertical integration, certain specialized components, such as lubricants and luminous materials, may be sourced from external suppliers. For instance, some lubricants are supplied by Moebius, a Swiss company.

When the source is a forum, the poster could be misinformed or citing hearsay… hardly authoritative, but ChatGPT always comes across as confident.

[gamingdoctor]

Originally Posted by deeman54

Today I found out that the swatch group including omega have parts made in China 🤯.

So….. yeah wow….

I remember a TRF user (or maybe it was on the omegaforums) posted recently one of those small replacement part bags Omega uses that had large text "made in thailand on it" which sparked some controversy.

[RolexBHR]

Originally Posted by gamingdoctor

I remember a TRF user (or maybe it was on the omegaforums) posted recently one of those small replacement part bags Omega uses that had large text "made in thailand on it" which sparked some controversy.

So far I have only seen Omega clasps, deployants and bracelets made in Thailand, otherwise everything else is Switzerland. I won't be surprised if leather straps are from europe or asia.

Boxes are from China, I highly doubt any brand including Rolex manufactures their boxes in Switzerland. I know for a fact Patek boxes are made Thailand.

Frankly, if the quality is there I don't care were its made.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by deeman54

Today I found out that the swatch group including omega have parts made in China 🤯.

So….. yeah wow….

Omega disagrees: https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...4&postcount=57

[Trogster]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Omega disagrees: https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...4&postcount=57

Switzerland in China:

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Trogster

Switzerland in China:

[gamingdoctor]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Omega disagrees: https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...4&postcount=57

Omega also wrote "the first and only watch worn on the moon" on thousands of their speedmasters but we all know how that went.

I suppose I do care where my luxury items come from. If I were given a watch of equal quality from China and from Switzerland, I would choose the one made in Europe 10 out of 10 times.

[Nova1]

Originally Posted by deeman54

Today I found out that the swatch group including omega have parts made in China 🤯.

So….. yeah wow….

Care to elaborate more or is that literally all you got?