Beijing Wristwatch Factory/北京手表厂
Model: "Dignity"/"尊大"/Zun Da // B075201101S (2013)
Details: 26 jewel in-house 2C14 auto w/power reserve & sapphire
Some photos taken at other times...
Curator: Alberta Museum of Chinese Horology in Peace River; Member: China Horologe Association; Chief Expert: China Watch Overseas Working Committee (CWOWC); Sino-Canadian Horological Cultural Affairs...
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This is a 2013 model from Beijing Watch Factory--one of the original 8 watch factories opened by the Chinese government in the early days (1955-1958).
Merkur (a company I like) is a much newer company.
On this list, Merkur would belong in the "Modern Chinese brands not using in-house movements" section. (list isn't that updated, yet). http://chinesewatchwiki.net/List_of_Chinese_watch_brands#Modern_Chinese_brands_not_using_in-house_movements
And this article gives a good overview of the industry from 1966 till now.
http://chinesewatchwiki.net/History_of_Chinese_watchmaking
Yes, there are many Chinese brands that don't address the US market all--or other markets outside China. Some are available on Aliexpress.
For example, take a look at the brand names shown in the display of the Guangzhou Watch and Clock Association head office, at the link here: https://www.amchpr.com/trip-5---april-1011-2018-guangzhou.html .
Most are not seen in the west (Jiusko had a North American distributor for a while) but along with the brands you likely won't recognize is one: BOSS, that maybe you will--but wouldn't have thought of as being Chinese made. And some, like Eyki, for example, I think you could find on Aliexpress.
That's because many factories that have their own domestic brands may also do OEM work for a wide range of companies and brands, all over the world.
Yes, there are many Chinese brands that don't address the US market all--or other markets outside China. Some are available on Aliexpress.
For example, take a look at the brand names shown in the display of the Guangzhou Watch and Clock Association head office, at the link here: https://www.amchpr.com/trip-5---april-1011-2018-guangzhou.html .
Most are not seen in the west (Jiusko had a North American distributor for a while) but along with the brands you likely won't recognize is one: BOSS, that maybe you will--but wouldn't have thought of as being Chinese made. And some, like Eyki, for example, I think you could find on Aliexpress.
That's because many factories that have their own domestic brands may also do OEM work for a wide range of companies and brands, all over the world.
I don't think I have seen any of those brands on AliExpress except for Oulm, and those are mostly weird abominations such as the imaged one. I have heard of Kronen & Söhne, and one youtube video claimed that they are defunct now, or have been renamed. "Only You" as a brand rings a faint bell, probably for ladies watches; but no search luck on Ali [a terribly name to search for BTW]. I can see some Eyki watches on Ali when I was checking now (never noticed them before), but some of the Eyki watches in that display case reminded me of Soki, so perhaps that is really the same brand.
That list of Chinese watch brands looks terribly out of date, the majority of Chinese brands I own watches from are not on the list, merely four are. Just out of the top of my head, some missing brands are: SanMartin, Pagani, Corgeut, Skmei, Pladen, Forsining, Lige, Olevs, Oupinke, Fngeen, Wwoor, Steeldive, Addiesdive, Cronos, Hruodland, Naviforce, North Edge, Phylida, Seestern, Mysterious Code, Cadisen, Lobinni, Carnival, Carisen, Ochstin, Escapement Time, Farasute, Tandorio, Feice, Reef Tiger, Agelocer, Berny, Jaragar, Specht und Sohne.
Regarding the in-house thing on Merkur they claim on Ali that they have their own movements, or rather: their in-house modifications of standard Chinese movements.
Regarding Merkur: I think they are doing in-house modifications of tongji (standard) movements.
And yes, your list of non-included brands is valid, with the proviso that I think some of those brands are "stencil" brands--which is to say: different branding on identical product.
Put another way: Chinese branding and who is doing what is not easy to unravel.
Sharp watch, AT.