Chinese Watch Brands

Mar 23, 2025

Affordable Craftsmanship & Unique Designs

Chinese watchmaking used to be synonymous with mass production at affordable prices, but today Chinese watch brands have evolved and are now respected in the global watch industry. Chinese watch brands have moved from producing cost-effective watches to creating timepieces that rival Swiss and Japanese brands in design, innovation, and craftsmanship.

So why should collectors and buyers consider Chinese watches? They offer affordability, innovative design,s and unique craftsmanship. Whether you are a seasoned watch collector looking for something special or a first-time buyer looking for stylish and budget-friendly options, Chinese watch brands have something for everyone.

This post will introduce you to the top 7 Chinese watch brands that stand out for quality and innovation, and a buying guide to make your decision easy.

Top 7 Chinese Watch Brands You Should Know About

1. Seagull – Best for Affordable Mechanical Movements

Brand Overview:

Founded in 1955, Seagull is one of the largest movement manufacturers in the world. With decades of experience, this brand combines affordability with precision engineering to produce reliable timepieces for mechanical watch enthusiasts on a budget.

Key Features:

Movements: In-house mechanical calibers including chronographs.
Designs: Classic and vintage-inspired.

Notable Model:

Seagull 1963 Pilot’s Chronograph ($250-$400): Based on a 1960s Chinese military watch, this watch features a vintage-inspired design with a manual-wind mechanical chronograph movement.

Pros:

Affordable for mechanical watches.
Wide availability and reliability.

Cons:

Some models lack modernity.

2. Beijing Watch Factory – Best for Artistic Craftsmanship

Brand Overview:

Established in 1958, Beijing Watch Factory is famous for incorporating Chinese art and motifs into its watch designs. These watches often feature hand-painted dials and intricate details making them collectibles.

Key Features:

Craftsmanship: Hand-finished designs inspired by Chinese culture.
Movements: In-house high-grade movements.

Notable Model:

Beijing Opera Series ($1,000+): These watches feature hand-painted dials inspired by Peking opera, artistry, and mechanics.

Pros:

Unique designs.* Craftsmanship with cultural significance.

Cons:

Pricier than other Chinese brands.

3. Shanghai Watch Company – Best for Classic Heritage Designs

Brand Overview:

One of China’s oldest watch manufacturers, Shanghai Watch Company has been making watches since 1955. Known for vintage-inspired designs, this brand is for those who love timeless classic styles.

Key Features:

Design: Retro styling from the mid-20th century.
Movements: Mechanical options.

Notable Model:

Shanghai Classic Series ($300-$600): A collection of classic watches with robust construction and understated elegance.

Pros:

Strong heritage in Chinese horology.
Timeless designs.

Cons:

Less international visibility than Seagull or FIYTA.

4. FIYTA – Best for Space-Inspired & Modern Watches

Brand Overview:

Founded in 1987, FIYTA became the official watch supplier for Chinese astronauts. The brand excels in creating durable, high-performance, and modern timepieces.

Key Features:

Durability: Built to withstand harsh conditions even space travel.
Modern Designs: Stylish timepieces for everyday wear.

Notable Model:

FIYTA Space Master ($500-$1,500): Built for space missions, this watch delivers exceptional durability and functionality.

Pros:

Strong quality and performance.
Unique space-inspired branding.

Cons:

Lacks Swiss heritage.

5. Memorigin – Best for Tourbillon Watches

Brand Overview:

Known for making tourbillon watches more accessible, Memorigin combines high-end mechanical craftsmanship with intricate designs for collectors.

Key Features:

Focus on Tourbillons: Mechanical movements for precision.
Designs: Celestial and thematic.

Notable Model:

Memorigin Stellar Series ($3,000+): A double-tourbillon watch that combines mechanical mastery with celestial-inspired designs.

Pros:

Affordable entry into high-end horology.
Mechanical innovation.

Cons:

Expensive for most.

6. Peacock – Best for Mechanical Watch Enthusiasts

Brand Overview:

Founded in 1957, Peacock focuses on mechanical engineering, offering manual and automatic watches.

Key Features:

Movements: In-house movements.
Focus: Mechanical expertise and innovation.

Notable Model:

Peacock Flying Tourbillon ($2,000-$5,000): A high-end mechanical watch famous for its precision and complexity.

Pros:

Mechanical quality.
For true enthusiasts.

Cons:

Less international availability.

7. CIGA Design – Best for Modern & Minimalist Watches

Brand Overview:

Founded in 2016, CIGA Design has quickly made a name for itself with modern and minimalist designs. The brand focuses on skeletonized watches that balance affordability with innovation.

Key Features:

Design: Award-winning modern design.
Movements: Stylish exploration of skeletonized watchmaking.

Notable Model:

CIGA Design Skeleton Series ($200-$400): A bold watch that combines futuristic design with precision engineering.

Pros:

Affordable and stylish.
Unique design language.

Cons:

Not traditional looking, may not appeal to all.

Buying Guide: How to Choose a Chinese Watch

Choosing the right Chinese watch is more than just about price or features—it’s about finding the right balance between design, craftsmanship, and value. Here’s what to consider:

1. Mechanical vs. Quartz

Mechanical Watches: For enthusiasts who value traditional craftsmanship and intricate movements.
Quartz Watches: For those who want reliability and low maintenance.

2. Price Range

Budget-Friendly Options ($100-$500): CIGA Design or Seagull offer great value for money.
Luxury Models ($1,000+): Consider premium brands like Memorigin or Beijing Watch Factory.

3. Brand Reputation & Warranty

Make sure to buy from reputable brands with strong warranties and after-sales support. Always research reviews before buying.

4. Where to Buy

Buy directly from brand websites or reputable online retailers like Amazon. Be cautious of counterfeits when buying on secondary marketplaces.

Chinese Watch Brands Are Changing the Game

Chinese watch brands have come a long way, offering impressive craftsmanship, innovative designs, and affordability. Whether you’re a collector seeking unique pieces or a first-time buyer searching for budget-friendly luxury, these brands deliver options worth exploring.