How to write a sourcing request to a Swiss watch supplier

Why the first message matters

Swiss workshops are often small teams with full order books. A request that does not say what is needed, in what quantity or by when takes time to clarify, and many go unanswered. A clear request shows that you are serious, helps the supplier judge quickly whether your project fits their production, and gets you a more accurate quote.

What to include

1. Who you are. Your name, your brand or company, your country, and in one sentence what your brand is about.
2. What you want made. A complete watch, or a specific part: case, dial, hands, movement, assembly and casing. Say which steps you expect the supplier to handle and which you already have covered.
3. Your stage of development. Idea, sketches, finished design, technical drawings, or prototype already made.
4. Key specifications. Dimensions, materials, finishes, movement type, water resistance target, and any special technique, such as enamel or luminous material.
5. Quantity. Your target quantity for the first order, and whether you expect repeat orders. Say how many variants (colours, finishes) you plan.
6. Swiss Made. Whether you aim for the Swiss Made designation, as it affects sourcing choices.
7. Timeline. When you need prototypes and when you would like the first delivery.
8. Budget indication. A target unit price or price range, if you have one; it helps the supplier propose a realistic solution.

Attach drawings or reference images when you have them, but avoid sending confidential design files before you have agreed on confidentiality with the supplier.

A template you can adapt

Replace the parts in brackets with your own details and remove what does not apply:

• Subject: Sourcing request – [part or service] – [quantity] pieces – [your brand]
• Hello, I am [name], founder of [brand], a [type of watch, e.g. automatic dress watch] brand based in [country].
• We are looking for a partner for [part or service, e.g. the manufacture of a 39 mm stainless steel case]. [Steps already covered, e.g. we have selected the movement and the dial supplier.]
• Our design is at the [stage] stage. Key specifications: [dimensions, materials, finishes, water resistance].
• We plan a first order of [quantity] pieces in [number] variants, with prototypes by [date] and delivery by [date]. [We aim for Swiss Made.]
• Could you tell us whether this project fits your production, your minimum order quantity, an indicative price, and your lead times for prototypes and a first run?
• Thank you, [name, brand, website, phone]

Mistakes that get requests ignored

• Too vague. “Can you make watches for my brand?” gives the supplier nothing to work with.
• No quantity. Without a quantity, a supplier cannot tell whether the project fits its production or price it.
• The wrong supplier. Asking a dial maker for a complete watch, or a movement maker for straps. Check what the supplier does before writing; our supplier pages list each company's specialties.
• Copy-paste to dozens of suppliers. A short message that shows you know what the supplier does gets more attention than a generic one.
• Unrealistic expectations. A very small run at a very low price, delivered in a few weeks, is rarely possible in Switzerland. If you are unsure, ask what is realistic.

Comparing the answers

Ask each supplier the same questions so the quotes can be compared on the same basis:

• What exactly is included in the price: tooling, prototypes, treatments, packaging, delivery?
• What is the minimum order, and is it per reference or per variant? See watch manufacturing MOQs explained.
• What are the lead times for prototypes, a first run and a repeat order?
• What payment terms apply?
• Which steps are done in-house, and which are subcontracted, and where?

Expect follow-up questions: a supplier that asks for details is usually taking your project seriously.

Sending your request through SwissWatchSourcing

Every supplier page in our index has a Request a quote button. The form asks for the essentials described in this guide: your project type, your target quantity and your project details. Your request is passed on to the supplier, who replies to you directly by e-mail.

Start with the right category: private label manufacturers for a complete watch, assembly and casing workshops, case manufacturers, dial manufacturers or suppliers for small production runs.