Comments on: Swiss vs. Japanese: Out-House Movements?

By: Mr watch

Mr watch — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:48:59 +0000

Most of the Swiss watches carry a ETA movement – so WHAT do these reputable Swiss watch companies with over a hundred years of heritage in watchmaking precisely do, other than provide the cosmetic look and the band. Not much huh??
Rolex is the only brand with it’s own movement, and foolishly I do not have any in my collection. What a mug.

By: Nick

Nick — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:37:33 +0000

Absolutely untrue- Jaeger-LeCoultre makes every single one of their movements in-house and has produced over 1000 individual manufacture movements. Other companies (Vacheron Constantin, A-P, and IWC to name a few) purchase JLC ebauches for use in their watches- that’s how good JLC is. Learn to research things before you stump for a brand…

By: Dan

Dan — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 15:24:11 +0000

Gary what did you expect. Just asking, cause most SWISS watches begin from 1k. What you have been listing are products that are “swiss” watches available for those who can’t afford a good one. Not trying to argue or anything just saying you should check out some more famous names

By: Andres cox

Andres cox — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:15:00 +0000

The video is very helpful, what makes the Swiss made watches so expensive, is it really worth it .? Will the movement on an Orient,Seiko,Cityzen, will as good as a Swiss made watch?

By: gary malloy

gary malloy — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 20:48:50 +0000

I am very dissapointed to report on how many of my “Swiss” watches I have opened only to find “made in china or Hong Kong” stamped inside them. Notably a Wenger Swiss Army with a case and bracelet “made in China” leaving only the movement possibly Swiss. A contact at Wenger said “they only have to be 51% Swiss.
Two Tissot’s both made in China.
A Bulova with Japanese movement and Hong Kong bracelet!!!
What is the point in paying the price for a Swiss watch, you may as well buy a Chinese one to start with.
Seems to me the Swiss watch companies are doing their own fakes!

By: robert

robert — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:15:21 +0000

Here’s what I think. No matter what your watch cost, no matter what engine you have in it the time will be the same. Fifty dollars or a million dollar watch.Its all accurate time. After time reading its about how it looks to you.You dont have to spend alot of money to look good. Unless you want a look at me watch.( THE BIG NAME WATCHES for people who want to be notice. Yes there are people who really enjoy fine time pieces and do collect watches.Thats great. But again its about telling time and they all do a fine job in tell time.Thats how I feel .A nice looking watch at a low price , 100 to 500 works for me.In house movements out house movments who cares.

By: Dennis Pollard

Dennis Pollard — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:17:14 +0000

I’m a watch collector (of sorts) and like reading about the differences in watch movements – quality and affordability. I have both watches from japan and swiss manufacturers. Both countries manufacturers have quality products.

By: Nic Oatridge

Nic Oatridge — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:09:51 +0000

Orient are nice watches but I don’t understand the issue about outsourced movements or mass production. Even Rolexes are mass-produced and most Swiss watchmakers use quite advanced technologies in the manufacture of their watches. The point is that both the bought in and mass-produced watches often have a lot of hand finishing, and also the components are of a very high quality – higher than is strictly necessary some would say, but that’s part of the attraction of premium watches. I don’t think Swiss watchmakers are excessively profitable compared to other industries, the margins are eroded by marketing, the quality of the materials and the amount of labour required in the manufacture and they do have a number of lovely models that compete in the same price range as Orient.

By: Raj

Raj — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:38:35 +0000

I have just bought my first automatic watch with Swiss movement (certina Podium) and am very happy with it but would like even a simple and yet very reliable Japanese movement. Any suggestions?

By: Greg

Greg — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:31:07 +0000

Seriously? Listing Jaeger-Lecoultre as a watchmaker that outsources it movements? JLC has been an innovator in watch movements and manufacture since the 1833 and to this day produces all its movements in house. Some very simple fact checking is definitely in order.
I have 4 Orient autos and really do like them but what are you guys thinking?