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In-house Movement

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(in-hous MOOV-muhnt)

QUICK ANSWER

An in-house movement is a watch movement entirely designed, developed, and manufactured by the brand itself, with every component produced under one roof.

What does

In-house Movement

mean?

An in-house movement in watchmaking refers to a watch movement that is entirely designed, developed, and manufactured by the watch brand itself, under one roof. This means that every component, from the base plate to the balance spring, is produced by the brand whose name appears on the watch dial. In-house movements are often seen as a mark of prestige and craftsmanship, as they allow brands to have complete control over the design and engineering of their timepieces. This can lead to more cohesive and innovative watches, as brands can tailor movements specifically to their cases and complications. However, the term "in-house" can sometimes be used loosely, with some brands modifying base movements from external suppliers and still labeling them as in-house. True in-house movements are typically associated with brands like Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Seiko, which manage nearly every aspect of production internally.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a movement truly 'in-house'?

A truly in-house movement is designed, engineered, and manufactured entirely by the brand, including developing their own calibre. Some brands claim in-house status while using heavily modified movements from external suppliers. True in-house production means controlling the entire process from raw materials to finished movement, including mainsprings and escapements.

Is an in-house movement always better quality?

Not necessarily. In-house movements demonstrate manufacturing capability and brand exclusivity, but quality depends on execution. A well-regulated ETA or Sellita movement can outperform a poorly finished in-house calibre. However, top in-house movements from Rolex, Patek Philippe, and AP do offer superior finishing, longevity, and performance.

How can you tell if a movement is in-house?

Check the calibre number against the brand's published information. Brands proudly publicize in-house developments. Third-party databases and watch journalism outlets track which brands use which movements. Movements labeled Cal. 3135 (Rolex), Cal. 3120 (AP), or Cal. 5711 (Patek) are definitively in-house, while generic ETA or Sellita numbers indicate purchased movements.

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