Quartz Watch Wholesale Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Private-Label & Bulk Orders

Quartz Watch Wholesale Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Private-Label & Bulk Orders

Quartz watches remain one of the strongest categories in the global watch market, offering accuracy, low cost, and scalability that mechanical watches can’t match. For wholesalers, distributors, and start-up watch brands, quartz models are often the fastest and safest way to enter the market.

Whether you plan to launch your own private-label watch brand or source bulk watches for retail, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know: movement types, pricing, MOQ, customization, supplier locations, quality control, and more.

1. What Is a Quartz Watch?

A quartz watch is powered by a quartz crystal that oscillates when electricity passes through it. This vibration regulates timekeeping with extremely high accuracy—usually within ±15 to ±30 seconds per month.

Why quartz matters for wholesale buyers:

  • High accuracy with minimal adjustment

  • Lower cost than mechanical movements

  • Easy assembly, reducing defect rates

  • Widely available from multiple suppliers

  • Stable supply chain for scaling production

Compared with mechanical watches, quartz watches require fewer components and less skilled labor, which makes them ideal for large-scale wholesale production.

2. Why Quartz Watches Are Ideal for Wholesale

Quartz watches dominate the entry-level and mid-range markets because they are easier and cheaper to mass-produce.

Lower Production Cost

  • Fewer parts

  • No need for lubrication or manual regulation

  • Smaller assembly teams

For wholesalers and B2B buyers, this means better margins and more flexible pricing.

High Reliability

Quartz movements have a long service life, low defect rate, and excellent temperature stability, which reduces after-sales issues.

Scalable & Fast Production

Most factories maintain stocked components for quartz models, allowing them to handle:

  • Large batch orders

  • Mixed-color orders

  • Fast replenishment

This makes quartz watches suitable for:

  • Gift wholesalers

  • Promotional companies

  • E-commerce sellers (Amazon, Shopify, eBay)

  • Private-label micro-brands

3. Types of Quartz Watches in Wholesale Markets

Wholesalers can choose from a wide variety of quartz categories depending on their target audience.

3.1 Classic Three-Hand Quartz

Simple, affordable, and best-selling. Works for fashion brands, corporate gifts, or unisex lines.

3.2 Chronograph Quartz

Popular for sports and men’s watches. Chronograph quartz models offer a high perceived value and remain one of the top sellers worldwide.

3.3 Digital-Quartz Hybrid

Combines digital modules with quartz regulation. Ideal for outdoor, tactical, and youth markets.

3.4 Ultra-Slim Quartz

A rapidly growing category. Slim designs are easy to customize and attract fashion consumers.

3.5 Fashion Quartz Watches

Often produced in high volumes using alloy cases, creative dials, or trendy colors. Suitable for fast-moving fashion retailers.

4. Quartz Movements Used in Wholesale Watches

4.1 Japanese Quartz Movements

Top suppliers include:

  • Miyota

  • Seiko (Hattori/Epson)

  • TMI

Advantages:

  • Long battery life

  • Excellent accuracy

  • Stable quality and low defect rates

These movements are perfect for mid-range and private-label watches looking for reliability.

4.2 Chinese Quartz Movements

Main brands include:

  • Sunon

  • ZuanShi (Diamond)

  • Seiko-licensed local production

Advantages:

  • Lower cost

  • Shorter lead time

  • Widely available

These are ideal for budget-friendly wholesale orders or mass-market brands.

4.3 Swiss Quartz Movements

Key suppliers:

  • Ronda

  • ETA

Used for premium watches and “Swiss Made” products. Costs are higher, but the perceived value is significantly improved.

5. Wholesale Pricing Guide for Quartz Watches

Quartz prices vary based on components, movement origin, and customization level.

Typical wholesale price ranges:

What affects the price?

  1. Case material – Alloy vs. stainless steel vs. titanium

  2. Movement – Chinese vs. Japanese vs. Swiss

  3. Glass – Mineral glass, sapphire-coated, or sapphire

  4. Strap and buckle – Silicone, leather, mesh, steel

  5. Waterproof rating – 3ATM, 5ATM, 10ATM

  6. Packaging – Basic box vs. custom gift box

  7. Logo methods – Printed, embossed, engraved

  8. MOQ – Larger MOQ → lower unit price

Understanding these factors helps buyers select the right supplier and negotiate more effectively.

6. Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for Quartz Watches

MOQ varies significantly depending on whether the watch is:

  • In-stock

  • Semi-custom

  • Fully custom OEM

In-Stock Models (Ready to Ship)

Typical MOQ: 10–50 pcs Best for startups testing the market.

Semi-Custom Models

MOQ: 100–300 pcs You can customize:

  • Dial

  • Hands

  • Strap

  • Logo on caseback

  • Packaging

Full OEM Custom Models

MOQ: 300–500 pcs Required for:

  • New case design

  • New mold development

  • Custom dial layout

  • Full branding

Factories need these MOQs because every part—from cases to dials to hands—is produced in batches. Producing only 30 pieces is not feasible when the case factory requires 300 pieces per batch.

7. Customization Options for Quartz Wholesale Orders

1. Logo options

  • Printed logo on dial

  • Embossed or applied indexes

  • Laser engraving on caseback

  • Logo on buckle and crown

2. Material and color customization

  • Case finishing: polished, brushed, IP plating

  • Custom Pantone colors

  • Strap materials (leather, silicone, steel, nylon)

  • Dial textures and patterns

3. Packaging

  • Standard paper box

  • PU leather box

  • Custom gift box

  • Branded foam inserts

4. Full OEM Development

Best for private-label brands wanting unique designs. This includes:

  • Case molding

  • Dial tooling

  • Custom hands

  • Custom crown shape

8. Best Countries for Quartz Watch Wholesale

8.1 China – Largest Quartz Watch Manufacturing Hub

Cities like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Dongguan offer:

  • Full supply chain (case, dial, hands, straps, movements)

  • Competitive prices

  • Fast delivery

  • Flexible MOQ

Most private-label and white-label watch brands start here due to the scalability and production capacity.

8.2 Japan – Movement Specialists

While Japan has fewer complete watch OEM factories, it is the world leader in quartz movement manufacturing. Japanese movements are widely used in global wholesale watches.

8.3 Switzerland – Premium Quartz Production

Switzerland focuses on high-end quartz brands and movements. Costs are higher, but Swiss watches have strong brand equity and retail value.

9. How to Select a Reliable Quartz Watch Supplier

1. Confirm Their Experience

Check if the supplier has export experience and OEM/ODM capability.

2. Review Product Portfolio

A reliable supplier should offer:

  • Case options

  • Movement certifications

  • Water resistance test results

3. Check Their Movement Sources

Ask which suppliers they use—Miyota, Seiko, Sunon, or Ronda.

4. Sample Before Bulk Order

Test:

  • Time accuracy

  • Water resistance

  • Strap quality

  • Case finishing

5. Evaluate Communication

Responsiveness is key for preventing delays or misunderstandings.

6. Warranty and After-Sales

Ensure your supplier provides:

  • 1-year movement warranty

  • Clear return & repair policies

10. Common Problems in Quartz Watch Wholesale (And Solutions)

1. Price mismatch

Solution: Define specs clearly (movement, case, strap, waterproof).

2. Wrong movement substitution

Solution: Confirm movement model numbers in the PI.

3. Waterproof issues

Solution: Request waterproof test videos or reports.

4. Color differences

Solution: Use Pantone color codes for accuracy.

5. Long sampling time

Solution: Choose suppliers with in-stock sample components.

11. Quartz Watch Wholesale from Megir (Example Supplier Section)

Megir is one of the well-known manufacturers in the affordable quartz watch category. Ideal for:

  • Low to mid-range fashion watches

  • Sports chronographs

  • Gift sets

  • E-commerce brands

Why Megir attracts wholesale buyers:

  • Strong R&D team

  • High-quality alloy and stainless steel cases

  • Competitive pricing

  • Fast mass production

  • Support for small MOQ on in-stock models

If you're looking for factory-direct quartz chronographs or fashion watches, Megir is often considered one of the most cost-effective choices.

12. Conclusion

Quartz watches are the best starting point for wholesalers, distributors, and emerging private-label brands. They offer affordability, reliability, and fast production—making them ideal for markets with high turnover and consistent demand.

Whether you choose in-stock models with low MOQ or develop your own custom OEM line, understanding movement options, pricing, and supplier selection will help you build a more sustainable and profitable watch business.

If you’re planning to enter the quartz watch market, start with a reputable supplier, communicate your specifications clearly, and begin with small batches before scaling.

Back to blog

Leave a comment