If you plan to have a watch business. this is a basic knowledge of customize watches, But, how far do you know about watch customizations?
So before you start your watches business line, you must know about the following:
This guide will learn about the watch’s essential parts and many factors to consider before you start customizing your watches.
Let’s get started!
Essential Components of a watch?
A watch with at least ten parts
Knowing the basic parts of a watch will help you customize such a thing further. Thus, here is the overview of what makes a watch
Case and its Back Cover
The case and its back cover are the outer shelf holding the watch’s inner parts. Commonly, it is made from metal material, primarily stainless steel. It is a material we can consider as resilient. The watch case can resist light shocks that a watch may receive at any time. Moreover, it is the main part of the watch
A case may vary depending on the style of the watch you choose. For example, sports watches come with a case made from plastic. Cases can be made from precious metals such as platinum and gold for more elegant watches.
The back cover is the back support. It is a place can put your logo and some company information on it. It is also a position for water resistance function.
As for texture, cases or case cover also support variety. Some are smooth. High-polished ones are also available. The matte style is also there and the combination of any style mentioned.
90% of the cases have to be molded, so it is usually difficult to find ready-made cases or not far from them.
Hands
Hands are the ones we look at when checking the time. Usually, it is divided into three different hands (hours, minutes, and seconds). The hour hand is the shortest, while the minute hand is longer.
Watches Hands also have different designs according to your requirements.
As a watch manufacturer, we generally purchase hands from hand factories, each of which has its own distinctive hands with different styles, the height, the thickness, the weight, and without thousand pieces order quantity, we generally purchase the existing styles from the needle factories. We don’t open a specific mold to make other styles.
Also, some have an extra hand for extra functions. Take chronographs as an example. These types of watches come with one or more additional hands. Maybe are the timer count function. Each extra hand has specific functions according to the movement or the functions you want.
Speaking of which, here are some summarized functions you or your clients may want to have:
- AM/PM Indicator. This is also called the day/night indicator. It comes with images of the sun and moon, letting you know what time of the day it is. This is more helpful if you use a dual-time zone watch.
- Annual Calendar. This includes the day and the current date (Month, day, and year). Yet, it needs to be adjusted when February ends because it does not automatically consider leap years.
- Calendar. This is almost the same as the annual calendar. However, it only shows you the day and the month. Some can be more complex, showing the day of the week.
- Date Window. In this complication, you will see the date with their corresponding numbers.
- Battery Reserve (End of Life) Indicator. This feature is available on a quartz watch. While the regular watch’s second-hand jumps every second, this complication features a second-hand jumping every 2-4 minutes. It sends an alert before your watch loses power.
- Chronograph. This complication is capable of measuring continuous and discontinuous time intervals.
- Depth Alarm. Commonly, dive watches have this feature. It makes an alarm sound or vibration once the watch reaches a preset depth.
- Dual Time. This enables you to see two different time zones at the same time.
- GMT Time. It is set in 24-hour mode and uses the international standard time.
- Grand + Petite Sonnerie. This comes with a striking bell, producing a chime sound at a specific time. The Grand Sonnerie can be customized to create a sound every hour, quarterly, or for specific minutes. On the other hand, the Petite Sonnerie makes a sound every hour.
- Helium Escape Valve. You can get this with diving watches. It relieves the pressure applied to the watch.
- Minute Repeater. This is similar to Grand or Petite Sonnerie. However, this produces a sound through a button.
- Moon Phase. It comes with a moon face. Its primary function is to let you see the different phases of the moon along with time.
- Perpetual Calendar. This features the combination of the Annual Calendar and Moon Phase. However, this takes into account leap years.
- Power Reserve. It functions like a regular watch but shows the remaining time before the watch stops working. This is common in manual-wind watches.
- Sun / Moon phase Indicator. This features faces of the sun and the moon rotating on a disc. It shows the time of the day with the sunrise and sunset indicator.
- Tachymeter (Tachometer). This features what you can find with chronographs. However, it shows a speed measurement from and over a certain distance.
- Tourbillon. It eliminates watches errors due to position changes produced by wrist movement. It involves a cage surrounding the escapement parts, with the balance wheel at the center.
Glass
Glass is a thing that covers the face of the watch. Its purpose is to protect the dial and other sensitive parts inside. We can describe it as something similar to the house’s glass window. Things are covered, but we can see what’s inside.
Experts recommend that the glass should be sturdy. Thus, many choose the ones having a Sapphire display. However, you can also get other styles made from different minerals.
Mentioning the prices, The sapphire glass is more expensive than the flat glass.
Strap
A strap is to secure the watch while it is on your wrist. It can also be made from numerous materials, depending on your design. For example, you may get a calfskin design, lizard, and even more exotic styles from leather straps. You can even extend the design to crocodiles, goats, plants, and alligators.
Some watches use bands or bracelets instead. You can see that watches having a bracelet style are usually in fashion brands. However, nylon straps, satin straps, and rubber straps are available if you want additional strap options.
Aside from that, watches also come with a buckle or clasp. It is fort latches the watch’s strap.
Some watches are more flexible than others. Likewise, some give you a choice to change straps anytime you want. Such as a strap with a quick-release spring bar.
You can learn more about the spring bar:
Spring Bar. It is an accessory in the strap, the area to connect the strap and case, is used to change the strap easily, and is extensible. Quick-release spring bars are metal parts that can lengthen and shorten as a spring by pulling the point to the middle.
Dial
The dial is also referred to as the face. It is where you see the numbers to know the current time. When talking about choices, they can also be made from various types of material. Most are coppers; they can also vary in functions, texture, and color.
The dial is an accessory that must be molded. The hands and movements will affect the dial. each movement matched is different, so the hole is different, the height of the hand is different, and the thickness is different. the logo to be printed is different, and the position of each index will also be different.
Movement
Movement is the whole interior part of the watch. We can describe it as the watch’s engine.
there have 2 kinds of movement: quartz movement and mechanical movement, movements are all produced by big brand watches, Such as Japan Miyota, and Swiss Randa, compare to the pricing, Swiss movements are generally more expensive than Japanese movements, and Swiss mechanical movements are the best, while Japanese quartz movements
The movement comes with different parts as well. You can refer to this article (1)：
Crown
The crown is a side part of the watch case, and we use the crown to set the watch’s function. It is also a position that determines the water-resistance of the watch. If the ring around the crown is tight, It will prevent water leaks.
Where And How To Customize Watches?
A CEO of a watch company(2) said, “A personalized approach through customization is key for high-end clients, particularly those with a penchant for Haute Horlogerie.” So, we offer customizable watches too.
Looking at history, having a customized watch is not a new idea. Aside from making everyone more unique, it also gives watch brands room for growth.
In our company, we ensure that clients get what they need. All our watches are customizable, giving you two options. The first one is with mold. Watches belonging to this category are using our existing watch style. The second one is without mold. It is like when making the boxes. You need to use the cut mold; when printing the logo, you need the oil pressure mold.
We offer various molds suitable for all your and your clients’ needs. Indeed, prices may vary depending on the mold you want to use. Some may ask, “Mold’s price can be so costly. How can we have enough money for advertising and marketing?”
It seems risky at first, but you’ll get through it. Indeed, different businesses were already choosing our watches. You can start with our existing watch cases if you are a startup brand. As the company grows, it will make enough money too. Then, you can begin to build your unique design and shape.
Now, what are the things we can customize on a watch? It depends on the brand you choose or the needs of the client. However, generally speaking, almost all parts of a watch are customizable.
Continuing read below:
How Many Options Are There For Each Customized Component?
As mentioned earlier, you can customize almost all watches. But how wide are the customization options per option? The most straightforward answer is that it may vary from one supplier to another.
However, you can have an extensive list if you plan to build your brand. We’ve got you covered from colors and material types to style and design. when you design your watches, decide which options you choose, It will finally generate the production cost.
Watch Cases
We begin the list with watch cases. This is the outermost part of your watch. So, making a good choice will make you appear what you want to be. The list is divided into two categories: by material and by artwork.
By Material options:
- Stainless steel cases
- Copper cases
- Plastic cases
- Silicon cases
- Wooden cases
- Alloy cases
- Wood + stainless steel
- Marble case
- Titanium / tungsten steel
- Ceramics
By Artwork options:
- Polish
- Sandblasting
- Painting
- All Glossy
Watches Straps/ Band
We can also make the watch attractive by customizing the strap. It promotes comfort to one’s eyes and wrist as well. For this part, we classify the customization options list into two categories: by material and by whom to wear or size.
By Material options:
- Leather strap
- Nylon Strap
- Mesh Band
- Silicon strap
- Stainless steel cases
- Wooden straps
- Plastic straps
- Canvas straps
- Alloy straps
- Wood + stainless steel
- Titanium / tungsten steel
- Ceramics strap
By whom to wear /size options:
- 38-42mm for men’s watches strap
- 32-40mm for women wrist watches strap
Watches Dial
Even the dial is customizable. You can request specific customization that fits your style. The list below includes three categories: material, layer, and worship.
By Dial layer options
- One layer dial
- 2-layer dial
By worship options
- Embodied dial
- Plain Dial
By material options
- Steel dial
- Copper dial
- Meteorite dial
- Ceramics dial
- Seashells dial
- Wood dial
- Marble dial
- Cement dial
Watches movement
As mentioned above, the watch’s movement is the watch’s engine. We can also describe it as its heart. For concerns about the overall function, movement is what you must customize. The main categories include the style and the name brand.
By style options
- Quartz movement
- Mechanical Movement
By name brand options
- Japan movement
- Miyota
- Citizen
- Seiko
- TMI
- Swiss movement
- Ronda
- ETA
Watches Hands
Although you can always choose the watch with normal hands, you can still deviate from the norms. Remember, it will affect your convenience when knowing the time. Indeed, options include the following:
- Normal plain hands
- Corrosion Needle
- Diamond-Cut hands
- Luminous hands
Watches Crown
A well-chosen crown will make you appear more elegant. You may choose according to style or shape.
According to style options
- Simple style crown
- Embodied Crown
By shape options
- Normal shape
- Special shape, Like napkin shape
Watches Glass
Glass is what protects the sensitive parts inside the watch. However, its appearance also plays a role in its appearance. Fortunately, you have the options under different materials and shapes.
According To Material options
- Normal crystal
- Sapphire glass
- Acrylic glass
According To Shape options
- Plain glass
- Dome glass
- Pot cover shape glass
Options of Watches’ Colors?
You can also choose a color for your watch. You can choose one color for the whole watch or customize the watch’s strap and case colors. For color options, you can choose among the following:
- Silver
- Gold
- Rose gold
- Black
- Gun
- Blue
What Is the Customized Price？
The price for a customized watch may vary. Indeed, there are multiple factors to consider. Before going to cost, however, you must know what customizations you want. Likewise, figure out the watch style, the overall appearance, the shape, and the color you want. Also, be clear about what type of material is needed for your chosen watch.
What Costs Should I Know Before I Make a Decision?
The following have cost considerations when planning to have a customized watch.
- Sample cost:
Samples are created by companies offering customized watches to figure out if the model suits your needs. The prices range from $100.00 to $2,000.00. Why is it so expensive? Because of the mold cost of cases and dials, If you just need a watch to have essential functions, it might only cost hundreds of Us Dollars.
- Product cost:
Product cost is perhaps the most important. It might differ from the material used and the style. Generally, alloy watches and other simple watches cost lower than mechanical ones.
As per unit, one simple or alloy watch may cost around $5.00 to $20.00. Meanwhile, a mechanical watch may be priced around $20.00 to $100.00+. Diving watches are more.
- Minimum order quantity (MOQ):
A Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) varies from one supplier to another. However, if you want to grab those with simple styles, the MOQ may range from 100 pieces to 500 pieces. That is for existing stocked items. For new ones, MOQ may range from 500 pieces or 1,000 pieces and more.
- Shipping cost:
Your shipping choice normally influences the shipping cost. The number of orders might affect it as well. For instance, $0.50 to $1.50 is usually added for every 500-1000 pieces.
- Each country’s import tax:
Aside from shipping fees, each country implements charges for imported and imported items. It varies from one country to another. Thus, the best advice is to ask the local Customs Office. Alternatively, check their official website.
Other factors that I should consider？
Aside from the prices, appearance, and style, watches’ features and branding are also important. When discussing branding, we don’t mean the brand of look you want to buy. It implies the trademark you want to build through your watches.
Watches resistant
Have you ever seen a number followed by the letters “atm” indicated on watches? That indicator states how resistant to water the watch is.
Atm on watches simply means atmosphere. It tells the pressure level of water a watch can tolerate. Commonly, they are:
- 3 atm ( 30 meters): It can handle water splash from washing hands or washing a car.
- 5 atm ( 50 meters): It can take water from having a bath or shower. Splashes from rain are also tolerable.
- 10 atm ( 100 meters): Having this level of resistance is usually for sports watches.
- 20 atm ( 200 meters): It has a higher level of water resistance, but not enough for divers.
- 30 atm ( 300 meters): It is rare and more expensive, but it can tolerate heavier water.
Packaging
Packaging is also essential, especially if you plan to start a watch business. It creates impressions for your customers. For instance, good packaging makes a thought that the product quality is also excellent.
For the packaging, here are some primary things to consider:
- Package box: the box design, material, size, and color is essential. How to print the logo? Print or embossed?
- Instruction book: Does the packaging include the manual? The instruction book is always for any products. Also, printing your logo is an excellent chance to impress your customers.
- The warranty card: for any customer, The warranty card is essential. If there’s any problem, How will they do it be put on?
- The wiping cloth: big brands always comes with a wiping cloth. It is for wiping dust off the watches.
- The price tag: Some brands will add a price tag hanging on the watch, especially for the local store sellers. But It is not a must-be thing.
Put Logo Position
If you are building your brand, your logo should be visible to customers. It is the way how to live your business long. You can request such customization with the supplier. For watches, Do you know where you can put your logo? Here it is:
- Case back
- Dial
- Crown
- Strap (print on each strap inside)
- Strap buckle
- Hands( less are print, it has MOQ limit)
- Movement (usually been seen in big brands, less are print, it has MOQ limit)
- Packages box
- Master Carton
- Clean Cloth
- Instruction book
- Price tag
Lead time for order ：
Processing of orders shall have a timeframe. It is not finished in an exact number of days. However, it should not go significantly beyond the normal. You can even set such an expectation with your supplier.
Here are the tips:
- For the sample production, the approximate time is around 30-45 days
- Production time may vary from the style of watches.
For simple watches, it will take 45 days.
More complex ones will take approximately 45 to 60 or 90 days.
How To Check The Quality
Quality is what defines your brand. No one wants to pay a high cost for something of low quality. For a thorough, you can have the following:
Quality Check level: The level of the watch’s quality. Do you have the AQL standard (3)? (Acceptable Quality Level)? Tell suppliers your AQL before asking for the quote.
- Complete check: Full check of pieces, such as 1000pcs order, then check each watch.
- Partial check: choose some related quantity, then check all of them. Such as 1000pcs order, But choose 100pcs, and check all the 100pcs. If the defects are over a limit, this batch fails to ship.
If you want a basic checklist for quality, you can refer to the items below:
For Watch’s Physical Quality:
- Watch dimensions check
- Scratch surface check
- Strap stretch test
- Glass hardness check
- Assemble fitness check
- Colorfastness check
- Net weight check
For Deeper Quality Checks:
- Full function test
- Watch hard alignment check
- Watch Fitting test
- Waterproof test
- Shaking test
For Packaging:
- Dimension check
- Surface check
- Master Carton Falling Test
Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when you want to customize your watch. No wonder watches are luxury items. Knowing how a watch is made is also beneficial to get the maximum quality you desire. Ready for customizing your watches? Come to contact us.
Source Link:
- (1): Basic components of the movements: ( retrieved from https://chronicles.ermitagejewelers.com/watch-guide/watch-anatomy/basic-movement-components )
- (2): A CEO of a watch company (Retrieved from https://www.watchtime.com/featured/customizing-time-the-art-of-the-personalized-watch/)
- (3): AQL standard: https://www.qima.com/aql-acceptable-quality-limit
