Shanghai Watch

Shanghai Watch was established in 1955 when a group of 58 engineers and watchmakers came together with the mission to create China's first domestically-manufactured wristwatch. In July 1955, they successfully produced the A581 (named for the 58 engineers involved and being the first model), marking a historic milestone as China's inaugural homegrown timepiece. The company operated under various names including Shanghai Watch Factory and was part of the state-owned industrial system during the planned economy era. Through the decades, Shanghai Watch grew to become one of China's largest watch manufacturers, producing millions of timepieces annually. The brand survived the economic reforms of the 1980s and 1990s and continues to operate today, producing both heritage-inspired reissues and contemporary designs while honoring its legacy as the birthplace of Chinese watchmaking.