[Question] Maryland Watch Works movement
So I was just looking at the Tsao Baltimore watches and noticed they use an "MD1" movement that is "fully assembled and tested in Maryland". "I never knew there are US-made 2824 clones", I thought. I then proceeded to check out the website of MWW, where they are very vague on the origin of the movement besides reiterating that it is assembled and tested in Maryland Maryland.
Now I'm no economist, but I am skeptical about the "American-ness" of that movement. I know Weiss makes an ETA6497 (which is a much simpler, manual movement compared to the 2824) clone fully in house in the US of A for their watches, and the price tag definitely doesn't let one forget that.
Therefore, my logical conclusion is that they buy parts from Seagull, and assemble the movement in Maryland so they can claim USA-assembled. Does anyone have more insight into this matter to prove/disprove my hypothesis? Thanks in advance.
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
I briefly looked into it a while ago. "Assembled and tested" does not preclude foreign components. I'm not sure if they buy from Seagull, as wholesale Swiss movements are not that expensive. But yes, I would assume foreign parts. But unless it says "Made in the USA", at least some parts are made abroad.
I personally know Alan, the owner of Tsao, and I know he’s a skilled tech and has done more than most to instill a sense of craftsmanship into his collection.
That said, as the owner of one of the largest USA watch assemblers (Vaer) I can tell you that there is no infrastructure for at-scale American movement components at this time. We’re exploring USA built circuit boards for our Ameriquartz movements, but otherwise the parts and pieces are foreign sourced. We looked into USA made screws, and they were $4 EACH!!
Still, worth keeping in mind that movement assembly is still pretty complex, and Alan is doing significant transformation here in America, which in some countries, would earn the ‘Made In’ tag.
I personally know Alan, the owner of Tsao, and I know he’s a skilled tech and has done more than most to instill a sense of craftsmanship into his collection.
That said, as the owner of one of the largest USA watch assemblers (Vaer) I can tell you that there is no infrastructure for at-scale American movement components at this time. We’re exploring USA built circuit boards for our Ameriquartz movements, but otherwise the parts and pieces are foreign sourced. We looked into USA made screws, and they were $4 EACH!!
Still, worth keeping in mind that movement assembly is still pretty complex, and Alan is doing significant transformation here in America, which in some countries, would earn the ‘Made In’ tag.
Appreciate this info brother. You guys have been producing some 🔥 pieces too yourself.
I guess I still can't fully get behind the lack of transparency or MWW specifying where their parts come from. I'd much rather see American designed and assembled pieces using Swiss movements like more and more great microbrands are doing these days.
Hopefully we will see the rejuvenation of American watchmaking one day, even just for the higher end, small-batch productions.