Introduction: How Mechanical Watches Are Made & Market Context
Mechanical watches are built through a multistage process: design, parts fabrication, gear and escapement assembly, regulation, finishing and casing. Knowing how mechanical watches are made helps in understanding emerging trends and what innovations are driving the industry forward in 2025.
According to recent market reports, the global mechanical watch market was valued around USD 61.9 billion in 2024, with continued growth projected for 2025 owing to rising interest in heritage, craftsmanship, and luxury segments.
(Source: Global Market Insights )
In 2025, three major axes of evolution are particularly notable: technological/design innovation, manufacturing & supply chain enhancement, and consumer/aesthetic trends. Each reflects shifts not only in what consumers want, but in what brands can technically and economically achieve.
Key Technological & Design Innovations in 2025
Ultra-Thin, Compact & Skeleton Engineering
Brands are pushing the limits of thinness. Ultra-thin movements require extreme precision in component thickness, minimal clearances, and often entirely reworked bridges and plate architecture to reduce height without sacrificing stability.
Skeleton or openworked movements continue to grow in popularity. Watch collectors favor seeing the movement, the wheels, the escapement in motion. Some boutique brands are releasing skeleton versions of their existing calibers, balancing esthetic visibility with structural integrity.
Example: Some Swiss firms are re-engineering their automatic rotor mounts to sit flush or partially embedded to shave off 0.5-1 mm in overall case height without increasing risk of rotor-collision or decreasing power reserve. (Source: Watches and Wonders 2025: A First Summary )
Advanced Materials, Coatings & Anti-Magnetic / Shock Systems
Material science is a strong driver. New non-magnetic alloys and silicon components are being used for balance springs, escape wheels, and other critical parts to mitigate magnetic interference. Coatings like DLC, PVD, and ceramics for parts beyond case exteriors—rotor weights, bridges—are more frequently used to increase wear resistance and reduce friction.
Enhanced shock protection systems are being integrated (improved jewel settings, floating balance staff designs, micro-spring dampers). Brands are also exploring anti-magnetic cases and internal shielding—important as everyday environments are increasingly saturated with magnetic interference.
Hybrid / Precision Fusion Movements & High‐Performance Tuning
An emerging trend is hybrid designs—pure mechanical movements improved via precision regulation, temperature compensation, and sometimes electronic assistance (not full smart functionality, but auxiliary sensors or modules for calibration). High beat rates (e.g., 36,000 vph or more) are again being emphasized; higher frequency tends to improve timekeeping stability under disturbances, although at cost of increased wear and lubrication demands.
Brands are refining escapement geometry, adjusting hairspring profiles, and using new lubricants to reduce friction and maintain stability in high-beat systems.
Manufacturing & Supply Chain Enhancements
Regional / Local Movement Production & Vertical Integration
There’s a visible push toward localizing parts production. Some smaller or niche brands are reducing dependency on traditional manufacturing centres by developing movement components in-house or through local suppliers. This gives better control over quality, reduces import or transit delays, and helps in supply chain resilience.
Example: A Nordic or European small-brand announcing efforts to produce over 70-80% of movement components locally, cutting down on shipping times and customs delays, while promoting “locally made” or “manufactured in X-region” as a value proposition. ( Source: Financial Times )
Automation, Quality Control & Digital Testing
Manufacturing is seeing greater use of automated CNC machining, laser cutting, and digital metrology (machine vision inspection, automated 3D scanning) to ensure parts meet micron-level tolerances. QC checks are becoming more continuous rather than batch-based. More brands are specifying QC tolerances at each component (gear train, balance staff, escape wheel) rather than just at finished movement level.
Sustainable Sourcing & Efficient Production
Environmental awareness shapes material choice and process design. Recycled metals, non-hazardous coatings, reducing surface finishing waste, efficient energy use in factories—all are gaining importance. Brands are also looking to minimize scrap rates and ensure that parts suppliers follow sustainability certifications or environmental directives.
Market & Consumer Trends Propelling Evolution
Collector Preferences & Aesthetic Revival
Collectors are increasingly valuing aesthetics: skeleton/openworked dials, exhibition casebacks, vintage styling (domed crystals, classic fonts, thinner bezels). Smaller case sizes are also in demand, especially from female or unisex markets. The balance between decorative embellishment and performance (visible screws, beveling, polished surfaces) is central.
Rising Accuracy & Performance Expectations
Consumers no longer accept “good enough” mechanical accuracy. Expectations now include consistency over time, reduced positional error, improved anti-magnetic performance. Brands are using tighter regulation, higher beat movements, and improved shock protection to meet these demands, turning performance into a selling point.
Luxury Market Growth & Competitive Pressure
The luxury segment continues to grow, as does competition. Mechanical watchmakers must differentiate from both smartwatches and fashion analogs. Limited editions, special materials, heritage lines, and unique complications are being used to justify premium pricing. At the same time, rising costs (materials, labor, regulatory compliance) put pressure on brands to balance innovation and margin.
Implications for Watchmakers & OEMs
Movement Architecture & Modularity
OEMs should design with modularity in mind: allowing interchangeable modules for complications (date, moonphase, GMT etc.), possibly even interchangeable escapement or rotor modules. Modular design aids repairability and customization, and reduces cost for supporting variants.
Process Adaptation & Cost / Brand Balance
Incorporating new materials and precision techniques increases cost. Brands must balance the use of advanced technologies with maintaining their identity. For example, adding high-beat movement or skeleton finishing should not alienate core customers concerned with price or traditional styling.
Innovation Roadmap & Strategic Positioning
Brands that plan with a roadmap—e.g. incorporating new materials, gradually increasing localization, improving accuracy, offering sustainable options—are more likely to ride the wave well. Strategic positioning might include labeling products “anti-magnetic”, “heritage skeleton”, or “made with sustainable materials” to appeal to evolving consumer values.
Conclusion: The Trajectory of Mechanical Movements in 2025 and Beyond
“How mechanical watches are made” is evolving. In 2025, the changes are visible in materials, design (thinness, skeletonization), manufacturing rigor, and consumer expectations. These shifts affect price, positioning, and what features customers consider essential.
For brands and OEMs: investment in sustainable sourcing, new materials, precision technologies, and storytelling will be essential. For consumers: expect mechanical watches to become not just timekeeping tools, but symbols of craftsmanship, accuracy, longevity, and aesthetic transparency in a world of rapid obsolescence.
