Plastic watches: Makers prioritize use of nontoxic materials

Suppliers of children's watches in China are focusing on safety, particularly for products exported to the US and the EU, the line's key markets Both areas, which together account for about 35 percent of China's shipments, have implemented stringent guidelines on the use of certain hazardous substances.

Companies targeting the US conform to the CPSIA directive that limits the use of lead and phthalates in toys and other articles for children.

To do so, manufacturers require plastic, alloy and paint sources to submit certificates of compliance while monitoring electroplating to ensure that lead used follows acceptable levels. In addition, finished designs are submitted to Intertek to test lead and phthalate content further.

Prior to procurement, makers audit the factories of potential material providers. This and the other steps toward CPSIA compliance raise prices by 10 to 20 percent.

Companies exporting to the EU likewise demand certificates from their suppliers attesting that lead and cadmium levels meet RoHS and REACH requirements. Products also meet the CE standard and undergo third-party inspection.

Children's watches from China generally feature cartoon, animal and other novel figures on the strap, dial and hands, although the line remains primarily OEM-based.

Between 20 and 30 percent of exports have licensed patterns, usually Disney characters. Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh are the most popular.

For this particular line, more than 80 percent of products use buyers' licenses.

There are a few specialist makers, however, that have secured distribution rights from famous brands.

These companies monitor the sourcing of manufacturing inputs closely and utilize high-quality imported materials, including lead- and nickel-free metal. They also conduct a type of electroplating that does not use nickel and submit samples to SGS or Intertek for further testing. Because of these extra QC steps, manufacturers price their models at least 20 percent higher than versions with client-provided licenses.

As regards designs, China-made children's watches reflect the current trends.

Several models, for example, have easy-to-read dials with large numbers while some new models come with color-coordinated hour and minute hands and indexes that teach children how to tell time. Movements are procured domestically or in Japan.

Floral prints on straps and dials are popular, as are flower, butterfly, beetle and heart shapes for the crown.

Straps come in a range of colors, including bright yellow, baby pink, royal blue and orange, and are made of soft silicone, elastic fabrics, leather, plastic or zinc alloy.

Cases and buckles come in stainless steel or zinc alloy, and hands and dials in plastic or iron. Models with cases and dials in contrasting colors such as black and white are also available.

Add-ons include calendars, backlights, games and water resistance.

There are about 500 manufacturers and 300 traders of children's watches in mainland China.

The supplier base has actually contracted by roughly 5 percent due to the economic downturn.

The factories that closed down in 2008 were small makers or Hong Kong-invested plants.

A few of the latter, however, remain operational and, together with state-owned enterprises, account for less than 5 percent of the industry. Private companies represent the rest.

When classified according to capability, about 60 percent of suppliers are small, with fewer than 300 workers and a factory measuring no more than 1,000sqm. They can produce 50,000 to 300,000 children's watches monthly.

Midsize makers have 300 to 800 workers in plants between 1,000 and 10,000sqm with separate areas for assembly, QC and packing. Capacity ranges from 300,000 to 1 million pieces a month. Such operations represent one-third of the industry.

Unlike their smaller counterparts, which outsource movements and ICs, large enterprises produce these and other small components in-house. They make cases and bands using plastic- and metal-injection molding machines. Other processes, including printing and assembly, are likewise carried out in suppliers' own factories, which can turn out more than 1 million children's watches monthly.

Regardless of size, companies also manufacture other types of timepieces while some offer jewelry and even small consumer electronics. As such, R&D, carried out by an average of five designers, covers children's, fashion, sports and multifunction watches.

QC comprises physical inspections and testing for chemical content. Manufacturers check cases, straps, dials and buttons for stains, uneven surfaces and durability. Water-resistance tests are also performed.

Most makers of children's watches in the mainland are located in Guangdong, Fujian and Zhejiang provinces.

Production in Guangdong is particularly strong in Shenzhen and Guangzhou. The province is home to privately owned and Hong Kong-invested factories that offer fashion, sports, classic and automatic watches. Children's designs use Japan movements and target the midrange and high-end segments in the US and the EU.

Some companies in Guangdong have applied for Disney licenses. Many have in-house designers responsible for creating new models.

Zhejiang manufacturers are clustered in Yiwu. These suppliers offer low-end models exported under OEM contracts, usually to Southeast Asia and Africa. They have small private operations that also turn out jewelry and accessories.

Similarly, makers in Fujian are China-owned. Companies are located mostly in Jinjiang, Xiamen and Fuzhou, and use locally sourced movements.

This article "Plastic watches: Makers prioritize use of nontoxic materials" is originally posted in Global Sources.

Changqingteng Ornaments Co. Ltd
RICHFORTH LIMITED
Shanghai Mosta Watch & Clock Import & Export Co. Ltd
Xiamen Comlex Company Limited