The basics of watchmaking
Watch prices: understanding why they vary
Under CHF 1000: accessible and functional watches
In this price range, watches generally have a quartz movement. You can also find watches with simple mechanical movements, produced in a highly industrialized manner.
Why are these watches more affordable?
- Quartz movement is less costly to produce: it has fewer components, requires a less complex precision and its settings are simplified.
- The finishing is often simpler, but not necessarily less elegant.
- The manufacturing of these watches is largely industrialized with little manual intervention, which reduces costs.
➡ At Emile Chouriet, we also offer quartz movement Swiss-made watches from CHF 700, combining reliability, elegance and accessibility. Each model is designed with the attention to detail unique to Swiss watchmaking, guaranteeing a watch that is both attractive and sustainable. This technology is found in our women’s Odyssée collection, as well as some models in the Fair Lady collection.
Ideal for: a first elegant and reliable watch, which does not require regular maintenance.
Between CHF 1000 and 5000: high-quality watches with real watchmaking expertise
In this range, quartz movements give way to mechanical movements that may include complications (automatic, moons phases, chronograph, etc.).
Why the price increase?
- A mechanical movement is more complex to design, manufacture and assemble. Some components are finer than a hair and require extreme precision. Settings require true watchmaking expertise, recognized through certain certifications such as by the COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute).
- The finishing and design are more advanced: sturdier materials, refined details and more manual operations.
- Sophisticated complications: some watches include annual calendars, moon phases, automatic winding, chronographs.
➡ At Emile Chouriet, we carefully select our materials and perfect each detail to offer exceptional timepieces at the best price. You can view all our collections via the link below.
Ideal for: a lasting and elegant watch and for people who appreciate the mechanical aspect and craftsmanship of watchmaking.
CHF 5000 and above: prestige and luxury watches
In this category, we enter the universe of luxury and high-end watchmaking. Each detail is carefully considered to marry technical performance, luxury and expert craftsmanship.
Why these watches are the most expensive
- Exceptional hand-crafted products: each watch is assembled carefully by hand. Settings and finishings are produced using traditional techniques, such as bevelled bridges, hand polished machinery, manual decoration and engraving.
- Top-of-the-range movements: movements are often developed internally (manufacture movements), sometimes with quality certification (COSC for precision).
- Luxury materials: 18K gold, titanium, high-tech ceramic, sapphire crystal, etc. Each item is chosen for its sustainability and elegance.
- Sophisticated complications: some watches have tourbillons, perpetual calendars or minute repeaters, requiring less development and hand assembly.
Ideal for: watchmaking enthusiasts, collectors and people looking to purchase a high-performance status watch. This type of watch is often aimed at connoisseurs who will look after them, as they are more sensitive and require regular maintenance.
➡ At Emile Chouriet, this is not a niche we chose.
Please click below to learn more about Emile Chouriet’s craftsmanship:
