Shanghai Watch
Shanghai, China · Est. 1955
Founded by Shanghai Watch Factory collective
Shanghai Watch holds the distinction of producing China's first domestically manufactured wristwatch in 1955, a milestone that launched the nation's horological industry. The historic brand continues to produce mechanical watches that honour its heritage while remaining one of the most culturally significant names in Chinese watchmaking.
- Founded
- 1955
- Headquarters
- Shanghai, China
- Group
- Other
- Price Segment
- Entry
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- 1955 Reissue — A faithful re-edition of the first Chinese-made wristwatch, celebrating the model that launched an entire national industry and carrying deep cultural significance.
- Skeleton — Open-worked timepieces showcasing Shanghai's in-house movements through intricate skeletonisation, blending mechanical transparency with art-deco-inspired design.
- Complication — Higher-end pieces featuring moon phases, retrograde displays, and tourbillons, demonstrating the manufacture's expanding mechanical ambitions.
Timeline
- 1955 — Shanghai Watch Factory produces China's first domestically manufactured wristwatch — the A581 — marking the birth of the Chinese watchmaking industry.
- 1958 — Formally established as the Shanghai Watch Factory, becoming one of China's primary horological manufactures alongside Tianjin and Beijing.
- 2000 — Restructures amid market reforms, transitioning from pure state enterprise to a brand seeking relevance in the modern mechanical watch market.
- 2019 — Launches heritage reissue collections celebrating its founding role in Chinese watchmaking, gaining renewed attention from domestic collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shanghai Watch
- Why is Shanghai Watch historically important?
- Shanghai Watch produced China's first domestically made wristwatch in 1955, the A581. This single achievement launched the entire Chinese watchmaking industry and remains a point of national pride.
- Does Shanghai Watch still make watches?
- Yes. While production volumes have declined from their mid-century peak, Shanghai Watch continues to produce mechanical watches — including heritage reissues and limited-edition complications — for the domestic and international collector market.