Men's Watches

Watches are one of the most loved and fast growing men's fashion accessory. More than a billion watches are made all across the globe by local companies and international brands for men of different age groups. While in the earlier times, watches were worn for only the functional purpose it served, but these days watches are worn as a fashion accessory and also act as a status symbol.

Types of watches

• Formal watch
• Casual watch
• Sports watch

These watches are available in mechanical, analog and digital formats. Watches are designed with care for giving a stylish look. Leather and metal strap are the mostly used for manufacturing different types of watches. Plastic straps are also used for manufacturing kids watches.

Market Segmentation
The global watch industry can be segmented into four major markets:

• Mass segment
• Middle segment
• Upper Middle segment
• Luxury segment

Switzerland tops the list of luxury watches manufacturer, followed by Germany and France in the recent years.

China is the largest manufacturer and exporter of men's low-end watches. Manufacturers in the country focused on manufacturing affordable watches for exports to the rest of the world, but with intense competition and saturation of the low-end market, they are now looking towards manufacturing middle segment watches. The global fashion watch market has witnessed a continuous growth in the last few years, but China's exports in this segment has been decreasing because of lack of differentiation of products and lesser demand in the mass watch segment. Lack of investment in R&D, new technology are also one of the major factors why China has not cashed on the growing middle segment.

China's watch exports statistics
Source: China sourcing report

Most countries source low and middle end watches from China because of the cost advantage that the country offers to global buyers.

Fashion Watch-The fastest Growing Segment
Fashion watches is the fastest growing segment in the international market. Manufacturers are now focusing on watch designing and use of innovative features and technologies to provide stylish watches. Middle and upper middle segment are the fastest growing in the international market. Luxury watch makers are using latest technology for providing designer watches studded with diamond and other precious stones. Gold and platinum straps are being used for manufacturing these high-end watches.