Doing good with your next watch purchase

Have been thinking about labor conditions a lot recently.. haven’t seen many people talk about it here. Only people wondering how a Rolex homage for 140 dollars can be finished so well

While there are outright purchases in such countries, the indirect use of this form of labor is much harder to avoid. Outside of completely artisan manufacturers, who most here can't afford, there will always be a component of it.

Do bear in mind that compared to Europe, workers rights are next to non existent in the US.

It's unfortunate but I may be correct to say that all watch manufacturers source parts from China. Swiss Made does not mean 100% of the parts or the assembly process are from or in Switzerland. It is the reality we live in. If we want higher levels of workers rights and benefits, then we should be willing to pay for it.

true to consider. being a vintage guy, the folks my watches exploited are likely gone.

i'd say difficult to quantify.

We have wonderful rights as employees in the USA. Child labor laws, OSHA, family leave, minimum wages, many laws are different state to state, but I cannot compare this to Europe as I do not know each nations laws. But I have been to many places in Europe and enjoyed the visits, but personally prefer the greater freedom in the United States. i.e. I can carry a gun for self defense, or a large automatic knife, and things here are more affordable allowing me to get more watches. (I live in Texas, possibly the state with the greatest freedom)

All we can do is try and do our best, encourage watch companies to not not buy components from such countries. But I agree with you.

Yes, these are exceptions, so I guess we agree in part. Just choosing a watch where most of the manufacturing is makes a difference.

Great concept but unfortunately don’t think we will truly know 100% unless there’s a reputable independent audit certification

Right on brother!!!!!

Your point is valid but should inherently be a critique on our global capitalist system. Every industry, including the watch industry, sources parts, labour or other commodities for the lowest cost in order to generate the most profit. Line must go up!

I do take issue with your reply in which you boast about the level of freedom in your country versus elsewhere. And I get that this may come from a place of pride which is fine.

In this context of labour conditions it's hard to accept and factually wrong. Union membership in the US has actively declined, and has been actively discouraged, since the 1970s and hit record lows in 2023. Worker rights and conditions have deteriorated as well. And the same point can be made in regards to the minimum wage which hasn't been adjusted since 2009. Which, due to inflation, means that amount of $7.25 per hour has become worth less and less every year.

In my experience, slave labor makes poor quality products. Poor work conditions lead to inconsistent quality control.

Many good points, but I have a reply for several.

1) Minimum wage, It is not only federal which you mention, but often the states. 30 specifically now set a higher minimum wage than the federal though I personally do not support any minimum wage as it reduces jobs. Free markets work better when they are free.

2) I do not see Union membership as a measure of worker benefit because in the US the Unions are corrupt, perhaps not so elsewhere, and have done little to nothing in the past few decades to keep people employed.

3) I apologize for seeming boastful about freedom, but proud and lucky enough to have it is something I am happy to have and promote.

4) On capitalism, you are right, but it is better than any other system in innovation and motivation. The way to keep it fair is not open trade between nations, but tariffs as needed to protect local industry. Unfortunately globalism unrestricted has just driven production to lowest cost labor and most willing to destroy the environment countries. Not allowing the free trade, protects industries and national autonomy, but does substantially increase cost.

If I had more time, I would have written less and said more. Thank you for the exercise and cheers to your sharp mind.

Is the "freedom" to carry weapons worth more to you than mandatory paid vacation time, sick leave, paternity leave, workplace pension schemes, no "at will" firing etc? Here in the Netherlands your employer also has to include vacation money as part of your total wage / salary. Unions are legal and membership is encouraged across many sectors as well.

I get 6 weeks paid vacation, you likely get more, At will is freedom for the employer and employee, seems fair to me. I love the Netherlands when I visited a few decades ago, but value my freedom to self defense. Unions are legal here, but perhaps they have mostly been destructive as they are corrupt. I do not like socialism in any form, and some has crept into America. Public Schools for example where indoctrination into a a socialist mind set is what is most common. I do not use them for my children, but pay for them anyhow in my taxes. Socialism destroys freedom and I choose freedom. I do not want a forced agenda of any kind. We likely will never come to agreement, but I would still enjoy a coffee with you should you ever find yourself in Texas and I will pay. I do not travel much these days, but I wish you well and appreciate you. So, what watch are you wearing today 8-) ? I am wearing a Casio G-Shock 5000U on a combi bracelet. Peace

I also have no personal issue with you, and would definitely enjoy a coffee if I ever find myself in Texas. I have been wearing my Sugess Chronograph every day since I got it.

Great looking watch, always loved the lightning bolt second hand ever since seeing one on a Rolex Milgauss, frankly it looks much better on you Sugess Chrono.