The Chinese Watch Edition

On horological branding, national pride, and underdogs.

Colin here. Swiss watches have long been synonymous with quality—the country is home to most of the world's most esteemed horological brands. Japanese watches have served as an intriguing counterpoint, less focused on ornate decoration and craft, but exceptionally high on precision movements and technical quality, with brands like Grand Seiko representing notable high-end exceptions that can go head-to-head with the Swiss.

I was pleasantly surprised, then, to learn about emerging artisans in China who are quietly building the craft of watchmaking, and recruiting new devotees in the process.

According to the Straits Times: