In the world of watches, you’ll often hear the phrase “in-house movement”—seen as a mark of quality and prestige. But what does it really mean? Why is it important, and does it truly matter to every watch buyer? If you’ve ever researched buying a mechanical watch, you’ve probably come across this concept and wondered if it’s worth paying extra for a watch with an in-house movement. This blog will help you understand what “in-house” really is, why such watches are often more expensive, and what it means in practice for a watch owner.
What Does “In-House Movement” Mean?
An “in-house” movement or calibre generally refers to a mechanism that has been developed and designed within the company itself—or, in large corporate groups, in a joint factory serving group members. The key point is that the brand can offer their own design and control the core construction, although many manufacturers still use parts sourced from external suppliers (such as springs, rubies, or balance wheels). The industry doesn’t demand total independence; instead, the focus is on the development of the essential movement and certain exclusive features.
In contrast, many brands use “purchased” movements supplied by established manufacturers such as ETA (Swatch Group), Miyota (Citizen), Seiko Instruments, and others—these are tried-and-tested, robust, and widely available mechanisms, but lack the exclusivity and unique design that comes from in-house creation.
Historically, in-house development has been a sign of ambition and independence. The ability to create original solutions emphasized the strength, innovation, and confidence of the brand.
Why Are In-House Movements Often More Expensive?
There are several reasons why watches with in-house movements have a reputation for being more expensive and exclusive:
- Quality control: A brand developing and assembling (at least the core parts of) its movement has more control over every step, which results in stability and product longevity.
- Innovation: In-house development allows for experimenting with advanced solutions, sophisticated balance springs, or unique winding systems.
- Brand identity: Watches with proprietary movements are often seen as more authentic, symbolizing a deeper watchmaking tradition, from engineering to aesthetics.
Is In-House Always the Best Choice?
On the other hand, in-house isn’t always for everyone:
- Service and maintenance: Rare in-house calibres can be more difficult and expensive to maintain, while “purchased” movements make it easier and cheaper to find an expert or replacement parts.
- Value for money: In lower and mid price segments, a watch with a purchased movement can deliver excellent reliability without a significant price premium for exclusivity.
- Not always superior: Some in-house solutions are not necessarily technically superior to well-established industrial calibres—their main strengths are often uniqueness and brand marketing, not absolute technical superiority.
In-House Movements in Watches We Offer
As a webshop with a diverse offer, we carry:
- Tissot: Their Powermatic 80 calibre is an example of an industrially-developed, modified ETA movement within the Swatch Group—rather than a classical “in-house” in the sense of total autonomy—but it brings extended power reserve and recognizable execution.
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Longines: Uses exclusive versions of ETA movements within the group, bringing high reliability and a degree of uniqueness, but not a true “in-house” by strictest standards
- Nomos: Considered an “in-house specialist” because it primarily develops, assembles, and finishes all core parts of its calibres by itself.
On the other hand, major Japanese brands (Seiko, Citizen, Casio) usually produce their movements in-house and on a large scale; each has proprietary “in-house” models, including luxury lines such as Grand Seiko and high-end Citizens, covering the full spectrum from mass-market to high-end, prestigious in-house watches.
What Should Buyers Remember?
“In-house” is an important concept for those who value innovation, uniqueness, and watchmaking tradition. However, it’s not the only criterion. A watch with a reliable, widely available movement—especially if it’s a proven and robust “purchased” platform—can often be an excellent, practical, and wise investment.
The final choice should match your wishes, budget, and real-life service needs. If you’re drawn to engineering authenticity, opt for an in-house movement. If you value reliability and ease of service, proven industrial movements will often be a better choice—with no compromise on everyday functionality.