Microbrands and their Manufacturing Partners
I'm curious if there is way to easily find out which third-party manufacturers are associated with which microbrands. I'd assume that a microbrand, as a private company, doesn't have to let you to know which manufacturer it uses, even if it gets a coveted "Swiss Made" designation.
I'm aware that Farer is open about their relationship with Roventa Henex, which is considered one of the best third-party Swiss manufacturers. Watchmakers (FM Swiss Logistics) is another one. Any other well-known microbrand/third-party manufacturer relationships? It's just interesting to see how much of this industry is organized this way.
Middle-aged dad nostalgic for mechanical watches, LP records, fountain pens, and other analog forms of entertainment from his childhood.
There are a number of watch brands that have a pretty open relationship with Fine Timepiece Solutions and have their watches with Ameriquartz or Americhron movements assembled at the FTS factory in Arizona like Islander, Meridian Sky, Jack Sloane, and LaMotte, to name a few.
Most are not going to disclose and I know of several, but I’d hate to blow up their spots. If you have (or handle) enough of them, you can start to figure out similar parts and put things together, but otherwise, no, they are not going to name their private label partner. Like many aspects, some labels better than others.
If you really need to know why not just ask them?
If they're not willing to tell you you can spend your money elsewhere.
Most are not going to disclose and I know of several, but I’d hate to blow up their spots. If you have (or handle) enough of them, you can start to figure out similar parts and put things together, but otherwise, no, they are not going to name their private label partner. Like many aspects, some labels better than others.
Yes, that makes sense. I also notice that there is an entire "Discretion" section on the Roventa Henex site -- both sides will not reveal their partnership information unless the parties are OK with it.
It is interesting to see, with so much vertical integration in the business, how many of these third-party manufacturers work with private brands at all different price points. I know a lot of folks already know this, but for me, it's a subtle shift in my perception of these microbrands and what sort of materials and finishing they are actually able to provide (or, outsource).
Yes, that makes sense. I also notice that there is an entire "Discretion" section on the Roventa Henex site -- both sides will not reveal their partnership information unless the parties are OK with it.
It is interesting to see, with so much vertical integration in the business, how many of these third-party manufacturers work with private brands at all different price points. I know a lot of folks already know this, but for me, it's a subtle shift in my perception of these microbrands and what sort of materials and finishing they are actually able to provide (or, outsource).
It is fascinating. While I love the better microbrand’s products, I fully acknowledge that there are some brands that are more or less just the money behind someone else’s product. Some of these private labels have been around for lifetimes making watches for many and have their own unique heritage.
For a car comparison; They are largely pumping out boring reliable SUVs. Very little design, they all look alike and perform alike. Occasionally, they get to parter with a brand that allows them to occasionally make sports cars, something they could sink their teeth into. Those are the brands that pique my curiosity.