Dr. N.
In first part of this article, we learned what a manufacturing movement is and what its pros and cons are. Let's go now to find out what it means "supply movement”And what are the pros and cons of this solution, adopted by many watch manufacturers.
The supply movement
A supply movement is a mechanism designed and manufactured by a company other than the watch manufacturer that designs and builds the rest of the timepiece. Major producers of Draft are ETA (Swatch Group) e Sellita in Switzerland, Miyota (Citizen) e Seiko in Japan, Seagull in China.
A SW200-1 a caliber by Sellita, in the version with a high degree of finish
Pros and cons of the supply movement
The supply movement, if produced by a reputable company, can be a great choice. These calibers usually have valid chronometric performances, especially in the versions with a high degree of finish, as well as a remarkable robustness. Furthermore, the Ébauche can be elaborated and adapted to the watch in which they are mounted, to the point of rivaling even renowned calibers. Furthermore, the supply movements are usually mass produced and spare parts they will be available for many years to come.
The disadvantages of the movement di supply? Essentially their being adaptable only up to a certain point to more particular watches, such as those of shape. And, of course, the prestige perceived: on a watch worth tens of thousands of euros, a movement made in-house is usually expected.
A Seiko NH 35, one of the most used movements by micro-brands
Ébauche or in-house: which one to choose?
If you are buying an inexpensive mechanical watch, you will hardly find an in-house movement inside it, unless it is a timepiece made by the same manufacturer as the movements, as is the case with Seiko. In general, the watches of microbrands such as D1 Milano, Meccaniche Veneziane or Christoph Ward they mount movements Seiko o Sellita, Than we Ébauche. But there are also luxury houses that use the supply: an example was, until recently, Tudor, controlled by none other than rolex, that mounted movements AGE.
If you are shopping fine watches, consider whether the manufacture movement can be an advantage in terms of keeping the value of the watch over time, but also considering the probable higher maintenance costs. Let's not forget, however, that sometimes one Maison prestigious use a supply movement because, quite simply, that particular movement is the best available: a famous case is that of the Rolex Daytona "Zenith"...
