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• There are over 600 Swiss watches brands (that carry the name "SWISS MADE"), and I would hate to think of how many 1000's of other brands there are internationally - all I can say is, there is a lot of choice for everyone. These brands are all genuine (as I am not interested in fakes) and come from Switzerland, Germany, Japan, China, Denmark, Sweden, France, USA, China, Hong Kong, Italy, Russia, UK, and even New Zealand, to name but a few.
• In saying that, many/most watches companies do not make their own mechanism/movement. They buy them in.
• ETA are the largest Swiss manufacturer of mechanisms. ETA are owned by the Swatch Group, who are the largest watch manufacturer (mechanisms and watch brands) in the world.
• Miyota, another big mechanism manufacturer, are owned by the Japanese company Citizen.

Definitions of Swiss watches, as per Wikipedia

• A Swiss Watch, can only be considered Swiss, whose movement is Swiss, the movement is encased in Switzerland and the final inspection is carried out by the manufacturer in Switzerland. Very much like Champagne in France, or Tuscan Olive Oil in Italy. The watch can then carry the words "SWISS MADE"
• A Swiss watch movement, must be assembled in Switzerland, inspected in Switzerland, and with the components accounting for at least 50% of the value of the watch, but not including assembly costs. If the watch is cased outside Switzerland, but meets the above criteria, then it can be classed as "SWISS MOVEMENT" - (not 'SWISS MOVT').
• A watch that says "SWISS QUARTZ" is also considered a proper Swiss watch, and therefore must adhere to the above definition of 'SWISS MADE'.

In summary, most watch companies use the same "brands" of mechanism, but different model numbers within the brand (I have only mentioned 2, ETA & Miyota).

For example, many Swiss brands, or brands that use a Swiss movement, will use an ETA 2824 for their non Chronograph watches. Whether the mechanisms are from Switzerland, Japan, or China, when you make your purchasing decision, buy what you like. It is like buying a car, if you buy into a brand, you then have to get a model and a motor size -and you will pay more for the high performance V8, than you will the 2L diesel. There are companies out there who are still independently owned, and who make their own mechanism.

They also tend to be rather expensive, for example Patek Philippe or Rolex. Don't get me wrong, you do pay for quality, complexity and hand made in many cases, so they are at a price worth paying.

I hope some of you found this useful, and please, just enjoy your watch.

Rob Murdoch

Founder of www.bigwatchcompany.co.uk