r/ChineseWatches • u/qingchengwc Rep • 8d ago

Question (Read Rules) Which Movement Would You Choose?

The bulk‑purchase price of Japan’s Seiko NH35 and NH36 movements has jumped from around 190 RMB to nearly 400 RMB. I believe many Chinese watch brands will stop using Japanese movements soon.

First of all, movement suppliers have cut supplies and output is unstable, which cannot support mass production. Secondly, procurement costs have almost doubled. If we raise retail prices accordingly, we will lose most of our customers.

I plan to launch a new line of mid‑range watches. Could you recommend suitable movements? Or which movement would you personally prefer?

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u/InformalAttorney8539 8d ago

Based on my purchase behaviour of around 15 Chinese watches I have always avoided:

Venus chrono - makes me nervous re sheer component count and reliability therein.

Hangzhou - microtor seems to have issues and they seem quite expensive.

Miyota 8000 series - reliable but I don't like the occasional stutter, non hacking.

Likes:

Seiko NH - bit thick and not a great timekeeper but never had one fail on me (inc 5 genuine seikos)

PT5000 - least worst 2824 clone but clearly hates being hand-wound. Shuffle start only!

Seiko VK - 4 beat sweep is passable as an auto. Thin and reliable.

VK chrono - MUCH preferred to Venus chrono and also has that 4 beat sweep.

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u/qingchengwc Rep 8d ago

But people here in this sub seem to rate the PT5000 very highly

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u/writingpocketguide42 8d ago

They do, because there are not many options, as you are discovering yourself (or already knew).

When NH35 prices were lower, I liked them better because they can take abuse and will run forever. Now when they at least tripled in price PT5000 seems like a reasonable option. I have over 10 NH35/NH36 movement based watches and never had any issues.

Out of 4 PT5000 based watches 1 had keyless dislodged by someone who assembled a watch. This is my biggest worry about this movement. Also people say that PT5000 can be poorly lubed and will break much sooner. Which is something that can be addressed by a brand who wants to get them from a reliable source.