The Chinese standard/Tongji movement is one of the most ubiquitous watch movements in the world.

For decades, in fact, it was the centrally mandated movement produced by all but three watch factories in the country. And for good reason--it made repair and upkeep easy as movement parts from one factory were very much mostly directly swappable for parts from elsewhere.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_standard_movement

http://chinesewatchwiki.net/Chinese_Standard_Movement (more details here.)

Although it's true that the Tongji quality had declined some since the 70s and 80s, companies like Merkur are modifying the manufacture and QC to meet better standards again.

The movement design itself is decent--all depends on QC and assembly.

There's a great discussion in this Watchuseek thread. https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/merkur-vintage-style-three-handers-using-tongji-chinese-standard-movement.5370922/

Here's a link: https://www.merkurwatch.com/NEW-MERKUR-Handwinding-Mechanical-silver-dial-silver-index-%C2%A0Retro-Dress-Watch-Ivory-Salmon-dial-p1855118.html?variant=14039913

It's a very budget watch...with a lot of style and a perfectly workable Chinese standard/Tongji mechanical movement. Mine easily keeps good enough time for non-critical day-to-day wear.

Is it a $500 watch? No. Is it good value at its price point: Oh yeah, I think certainly.

I wouldn't recommend it for daily wear in adverse conditions, but for office wear (especially in a rotation) or evening, sure. Perfect for that.

And, yup, the salmon dial version is a real looker, too. I'm thinking of getting the black dial...

I've had great service and products from CNS, for years now. Love those folks.

I have a differing opinion about the trademark holder.

Use kanji--it will teach you as you use it.

My wallet shares your danger, foggy.

The red Cali is genuine eye candy, And so is the green...and the blue...

And, yep--thank you right back atcha: I hadn't noticed that world timer. I have a trip coming up, I hope, and...yeah.

And there's the great dial retro dress watch with gold and bronze accents...

That's what I think. They're an inexpensive way to spice up a watch collection.

And Merkur, across their brands, is better than most when it comes to ensuring their own very recognizable touches on classic looks. Merkur Group has some personal style.