How to Import Watches from China: A Comprehensive Guide

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

Are you considering importing watches or sourcing smartwatches from China? If so, you are to fasten your sit belts and get ready for an incredible ride through the universe of watches! Do not confuse it with an easy one though.

You must assess in advance the cities in China where You can purchase the specific watch that You have in mind, as well as learn about the possibilities in order not to be deceived when interacting with watch suppliers.

If you are new to this line of business or looking for experts to help assist you in this journey, then this simple guide will help you through the whole process from the selection of the correct manufacturer to the shipping of your products.

Before that, let’s take a look at the service manager in Owlsourcing, David’s opinion.

“As the Service Manager at Owlsourcing,

Sourcing watches from China, whether classy or smart watches, is ideal for the company. China is especially famous in watch production and you can get all models of good quality watches at affordable prices there.

This allows us to keep our prices accessible which in turn improves brand perception and the overall customer experience.

However, it is necessary to mention that potential risks should be managed in the high-quality products and vendor selection.“

Why Choose to Import Watches from China?

If you don’t know yet the reason for importing watches from China. This may make you wonder. But if you do, you’ll get a lot of benefits.

China was the top exporter of wrist watches of any country worldwide in 2022. In that year, China exported 540.5 million watches. This was an increase of over 110 million dollars compared to the previous year. Data from Statista

China has particularly cemented its role as a production hub for watches. The skills, cost, and capability of production of the country make it appealing to the owners and businessmen who wish to import watches.

To the smartwatch importer, the Amazon brand watch seller, the e-commerce brand watch retailer, and the watch wholesaler, the idea of venturing into the business of imported watches from China can open up new frontiers for growth.

1. Chinese Suppliers Have Unparalleled Expertise and Craftsmanship

Chinese manufacturers have been producing watches for many decades now and they have perfected this art. As a traditional Chinese craft that follows horology closely, they present well-polished engineering skills comparable to other renowned brands globally.

2. Importing Watches from China Could Bring You More Profit

Businesses prefer importing watches from China because this country provides affordable prices for timepieces rooted in cheap labor and effective production. This is a benefit that can help entrepreneurs achieve high-profit margins while allowing the customers to cope with the high-end products and services.

3. The Chinese Watch Market Has a Wide Range of Product Types

Chinese manufacturers cater to a wide range of preferences by producing various types of watches such as mechanical watches, quartz watches, smartwatches, and more. This extensive selection ensures that you can find the perfect timepiece to meet your target audience’s demands.

How to Choose the Best Watches Manufacturer in China?

So next question: There are many watch manufacturers in China, how do you find the best watch supplier in China?

Please pay attention to this step as some Chinese suppliers may ignore your message. Even deceive you with some lies! It was a very scary experience. So I hope you can avoid these risks. For this reason, I provide you with the following steps to help you find the best watch manufacturer.

Step 1: Establish your Requirements

Before you begin your search for a watch manufacturer in China, it is important to know what you want in terms of product specifications, watch movements, design customization options, straps, and product packaging. Analyse tooling costs as well as unit prices which will guide you on how to link the budget with the perfect watch manufacturer.

Step 2: Research and Shortlisting

Conduct detailed online research using industry directories or trade platforms to find Chinese watch manufacturers that fit your criteria. Look at their reputation, experience, production capacity, and certifications in the industry of watches.

Step 3: Confirm the Watch Manufacturer Step by Step

At least when shortlisted among potential Chinese manufacturers of wristwatches, they must be examined carefully. Verify if their watches are good by requesting samples of their watches from them. Additionally; find out about their abilities of making these watches as well as producing process and quality control measures applied by each company while ensuring that those watches are made according to the standards observed in this business such as RoHS, CA Prop 65, CPSIA, and REACH.

This depends on where you decide to sell the final watches.

Step 4: Communication and Trust

Make sure that you establish open lines of communication with your selected group of watch manufacturers. Effective communication is the key to ensuring that your desires are appreciated and satisfied. Thus, it is important to build a trusting relationship between the buyer and seller for smooth collaboration all along the process of smartwatch importation.

Step 5: Visit the China Watch Factory on-site

In case you have an opportunity, plan a trip to China where the manufacturer’s facility of that type exists. This visit will allow you to look at their infrastructure which they use in making watches, meet those who make them for you, and get confidence in their ability to meet your needs.

Owlsourcing team can support you in doing the on-site factory visit and evaluation.

What Are the Watch Markets in China?

A technological marvel and a global economic powerhouse, China boasts vibrant watch markets across its cities. To succeed in this dynamic landscape, it’s essential to understand the current trends and identify your niche within the market.

The Chinese watch market is experiencing a surge in demand for smartwatches due to their multifunctionality and integration with smartphones and other devices. Traditional mechanical watches also continue to captivate consumers who appreciate exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance.

Watch Market Trend’s increase in health awareness among consumers across the world has resulted in increased consumer spending on health monitoring gadgets. This has further led to the increased sales of smartwatches owing to the inclusion of various health monitoring features in such watches. Data from Mordorintelligence

Where is the Wholesale Watch Market in China?

The primary location for the Wholesale Watch Market in China is Guangzhou and Yiwu.

A) Guangzhou Watch Market: One of the largest wholesale watch markets is located in Guangzhou, which is also known as the watch capital of China.

The Guangzhou Watch Market encompasses a part of the larger Guangzhou Zhanxi Road Clothing & Accessories Wholesale Market area. It hosts a variety of local and international watch brands offering products ranging from opulent to economical. This market is situated on Zhan Xi Road and can be easily accessed using public means.

B) Yiwu International Trade City (Futian Market): Yiwu, an area located in Zhejiang Province, has gained recognition due to its small commodity trade and dynamic marketplaces. The Yiwu International Trade City’s watch & clock section is home to numerous wristwatches such as designer watches, sports watches, branded watches, and children’s varieties.

Its marketplace is known to have diverse product lines available making it an ideal choice for many global customers who want to buy clocks at wholesale prices.

How to Find a Reliable Watch Supplier?

Maybe you are worried about being cheated by Chinese suppliers. Well, this is a situation to consider. China Watch Wholesale Market has many watch suppliers, but how to find a trustworthy supplier? Here are some methods to help you.

1) By B2B Platforms Filter Features

Do you know? Such platforms including AliExpress, Made in China, and Global Sources are armored with thorough screening tools. These tools will assist you in finding a suitable supplier out of a group of overall suppliers.

This way, you can apply the filters to your searches, and you can search according to criteria such as location, certification, minimum order quantity, and response rate. Certificates such as ISO 9001 show that the supplier is therefore committed to quality Management principles; A high response rate indicates that the supplier is customer-oriented. Also, you can filter them based on the years in business which can aid in identifying stable suppliers with verifiable track records.

2) Attend Trade Shows About Watches

It is beneficial to attend trade shows to search for Chinese watch suppliers. In such drop-shipping platforms, you can directly connect with watch producers and dealers. Watch design, technology, and production capabilities are all on display in our store right now.

For instance, the Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair is the largest event of that genre around. The exhibition brings hundreds of Chinese and international dealers. These visitations to trade shows will give you the ability to ask specific questions such as the production processes, quality control measures, and customization available from the watch manufacturers. Such a personal relationship can serve as a basis for you to assess their moral principles and quality.

3) Check Supplier Profiles and Reviews

The Internet connects the entire world. You can find all the information about the company by searching on Google. You can see when the company was founded, its main products, and its reputation. By checking a supplier profile and customer reviews, you can get a better idea of whether it’s worth working with them.

4) Request Samples to Check Product Quality

Ordering some samples to test the quality of the products is of utmost importance to find reliable Chinese watch suppliers. It’s a very good way to check the supplier’s information about their products and one can also determine the uniformity between various batches of the same product. During ordering, the supplier and you need to have clear correspondence about the product’s features and preferences.

This involves referring to the expenses that are incurred in getting the samples, for some of the suppliers may give them free of charge and others might charge a fee. For further information, read this article: Buying Product Samples from China

Also, having many samples from different suppliers permits comparison and thereby helps to ensure the best quality-price ratio.

The sample ordering and evaluation process can also help determine the supplier’s customer service, response, and ability to satisfy you. It is a practical check of the supplier’s reputation and the quality of their communication which are critical quality factors for a fruitful long-term cooperation.

Pay attention to the promptness with which they respond to your needs, the level of detail they use when communicating as well as their willingness to adjust to your special requests.

This interaction could not only show a supplier’s knowledge of their field but also their capability to give a helping hand and assistance during the purchasing process.

Through an appropriate examination of samples and the responsiveness of the supplier, you can make an informed choice about whether to order more and the risk of disappointment with end products is much less.

5) Note: These methods are indeed effective, but they have a very serious drawback — they cost you time. But if you contact a Chinese sourcing agent you will find that they can easily help you with this.

Owlsourcing is a sourcing agent and global supply chain provider. We provide comprehensive logistics support and product procurement services to ensure smooth delivery of products from suppliers to your hands. And our emphasis on quality control aims to ensure that the products we source meet the highest standards.

Owlsourcing specializes in helping import goods and provides services such as understanding tariffs on imports from China, the importance of purchase orders and proforma invoices, and providing insights into sourcing products from China. If you are considering importing watches or other products from China, contact us and we can provide you with unique advice.

Read More:

• How to Import Toys from China: A Comprehensive Guide
• Sourcing in China | The Guide to Source Products From China
• Importing Clothing and Textiles from China
• what is a sourcing agent?
• Benefits of Working with China Sourcing Agents

Final Thoughts

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know to import watches from China successfully. So, get ready to dive into the world of horology and embark on your exciting business journey!