FAQs
Before starting a custom watch project, most clients have similar questions — about pricing, lead time, materials, and what's actually possible.
General
What's the MOQ making custom watches?
There's generally no MOQ. Even if you only need a few dozen pieces after sample approval, we can produce them. Some components may have minimum order requirements, but we'll communicate clearly to ensure MOQ never hinders your watch project.
What's the estimated lead time?
- Design stage: 10–15 days (not including discussion time)
- Prototype stage: 40–60 days
- Production stage: 30–50 days
What's the rough price for an custom watch project?
If you don't have 3D technical drawings, a small design fee will apply. We also charge a sample fee, and the unit price will be quoted based on your project's requirements. Depending on the complexity, total costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Don't worry — our pricing is always fair and tailored to your specific needs.
What if something goes wrong?
If the issue is on our side, we will identify the cause and resolve it promptly, which may include remaking the watches or components. Even if it's not our fault, we will do our best to minimize delays and costs. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure you receive watches that meet your expectations.
Which components do you produce in-house, and which ones are outsourced?
We mainly manufacture stainless steel watch cases and related metal components, including casebacks, bezels, chapter rings, bracelet end links, and many others.
Components such as sapphire crystals, gaskets, and screws are externally sourced. Dials, hands, straps, and clasps are produced by our partner suppliers based on drawings we prepare for our clients—we follow up closely and carry out quality inspections. Engravings and electroplating are also handled by our partners.
In-house, we can complete polishing, sandblasting, and brushing. In fact, the manufacturing plan depends heavily on your specific project and requirements. For example, if applied indices are made of metal and require high precision with brushing finishes, we can also handle that internally.
Movements are not within our scope, although we may be able to modify the rotor if needed.
Pricing and Payment
If we decide to place an order, how much deposit would be required?
If an order is placed, typically a 50% deposit is required, with the balance payable after production and inspection. For sample orders or design fees, some clients pay in full upfront, but this can be negotiated.
Which payment methods do you accept?
We accept payments via TT. PayPal or other methods are only supported for small amounts, as all payments go through our finance department to ensure accountability to our clients.
Which currencies do you accept for payment?
We accept major currencies such as USD, RMB, and EUR. Payments usually arrive within 2–3 days, and we will notify you promptly once received.
Are there any hidden charges or additional fees that may arise during the process?
Our charges are based on the confirmed quotation, with no hidden fees and no price increases during the process—unless certain changes are made that increase costs, in which case we will communicate and confirm beforehand. Every dollar you pay goes directly toward your project.
Material & Finishing
Which materials are you able to work with for watch manufacturing?
What types of surface finishes can you apply to watches?
About TSNwatch
Are there any hotels near our factory that are suitable for foreign clients?
The Shiyan Guantian area in Shenzhen's Bao'an District offers several convenient hotel options, mainly mid-range and business-friendly. Popular choices include Vienna International Hotel (Shenzhen Shiyan Guantian), known for clean rooms and stable service, as well as Hanting Hotel (Shenzhen Shiyan) and Jinjiang Inn (Shenzhen Shiyan), which offer affordable and comfortable stays. These hotels are close to industrial parks and main roads, making them convenient for business travelers visiting factories in the surrounding area.
Is the transportation near your factory convenient?
It is about a 30–40 minute drive from Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, depending on traffic. The area is well connected by major roads, making it easy to reach other parts of Shenzhen by car. While there is no direct metro station in the immediate vicinity, nearby stations can be accessed by taxi or bus within 10–20 minutes, providing connections to the wider metro network.