However, many other watch brands buy their parts from other watch makers or artisans, indeed some purchase the whole movement! The ETA movement series, arguably the most popular movement used in Swiss watches, is actually manufactured and sold by the Swatch Group. Many brands purchase this movement and then make slight modifications to suit their own needs.

It is actually an excellent point you raise as there has been debate raging for some time now about what components of a watch actually need to be made in Switzerland for it to obtain that invaluable marking on the dial: ‘Swiss Made’. Critics argue that the rules are not strict enough and so many watches on the market now are not truly Swiss Made.

Fortunately with a Patek Philippe, you never have to worry about that.

I have a question for you. Perhaps you can help. Do you know whether the individual watch companies manufacture all the parts within the watch? There are so many tiny pieces of different sizes and shapes, do you think they buy them in from somewhere?