Who Makes MVMT Watches and What Sets Them Apart?

AvatarByArron Moss Prominent Watchmakers

When it comes to stylish, modern timepieces that blend minimalist design with affordability, MVMT watches have quickly become a household name. But behind the sleek faces and trendy straps lies a story of innovation, entrepreneurship, and a fresh approach to the watch industry. Understanding who makes MVMT watches offers insight not only into the brand’s origins but also into how it has reshaped consumer expectations in the world of fashion accessories.

MVMT was founded with a mission to disrupt traditional watchmaking by cutting out the middlemen and delivering high-quality, fashionable watches directly to customers. The company’s creators envisioned a brand that could offer both style and substance without the hefty price tag often associated with luxury timepieces. This vision has propelled MVMT into the spotlight, making it a favorite among young professionals and trendsetters alike.

Exploring who makes MVMT watches reveals more than just the names behind the brand—it uncovers a philosophy centered on accessibility, design innovation, and community engagement. As you delve deeper, you’ll discover how MVMT’s approach to manufacturing, branding, and customer connection has helped it carve out a unique space in a competitive market.

Manufacturing and Design Process of MVMT Watches

MVMT watches are primarily designed in Los Angeles, California, where the brand’s creative team focuses on developing minimalist and fashion-forward timepieces that appeal to a wide demographic. Although the design and branding originate in the United States, the manufacturing process is largely outsourced to factories in Asia, particularly in China and Hong Kong. This approach allows MVMT to maintain cost efficiency while ensuring quality production standards.

The manufacturing facilities selected by MVMT are specialized in producing quartz movements, which are known for their accuracy and affordability. These factories utilize automated assembly lines combined with skilled labor to assemble the individual components, such as watch cases, dials, hands, and straps. After assembly, each watch undergoes a series of quality control tests including water resistance, timekeeping accuracy, and durability assessments.

MVMT emphasizes the following in their manufacturing and design strategy:

  • Minimalist Aesthetic: Clean dial layouts, simple indices, and monochromatic color schemes.
  • Materials Used: Stainless steel cases, hardened mineral glass or sapphire crystal, and genuine leather or silicone straps.
  • Movement Type: Predominantly Japanese quartz movements, sourced from well-known manufacturers like Miyota or Seiko.
  • Assembly: Combination of automated and manual processes to ensure precision and craftsmanship.
  • Quality Control: Rigorous testing to meet international standards of durability and functionality.

Supply Chain and Sourcing

The supply chain for MVMT watches is globally distributed, involving multiple tiers of suppliers and manufacturers. Key components such as movements, cases, and straps are procured from specialized vendors to guarantee consistency and reliability.

Key elements of the supply chain include:

  • Movements: Japanese quartz movements, appreciated for their reliability and low maintenance.
  • Watch Cases: Manufactured using stainless steel or alloy materials sourced from Asian suppliers.
  • Glass: Mineral glass is the standard in most models, with select editions featuring sapphire crystal for enhanced scratch resistance.
  • Straps: Genuine leather sourced from tanneries in Asia or Italy, and silicone or nylon straps produced regionally.
  • Packaging: Eco-friendly materials are increasingly used to align with sustainable brand initiatives.
Component Source Region Material/Type Supplier Characteristics
Movements Japan Quartz Reliable, low-maintenance, precision engineering
Watch Cases China, Hong Kong Stainless steel, alloy Cost-effective, durable, customizable finishes
Glass Asia Mineral glass, sapphire crystal (selected models) Scratch-resistant, transparent
Straps Asia, Italy Leather, silicone, nylon Comfortable, stylish, durable
Packaging Asia Recycled cardboard, eco-friendly materials Sustainable, protective, brand-aligned

Brand Ownership and Corporate Structure

MVMT was founded in 2013 by Jake Kassan and Kramer LaPlante with the goal of creating stylish watches at accessible prices by cutting out traditional retail markups. The company quickly grew through online direct-to-consumer sales and social media marketing.

In 2018, the brand was acquired by Movado Group, a well-established Swiss watchmaker known for its luxury timepieces. Under the Movado Group umbrella, MVMT continues to operate as an independent brand while benefiting from the parent company’s expertise in manufacturing, distribution, and global retail networks.

Key aspects of the corporate structure include:

  • Founders: Jake Kassan and Kramer LaPlante, still influential in brand direction.
  • Parent Company: Movado Group (NYSE: MOV), headquartered in Paramus, New Jersey.
  • Operational Model: DTC (direct-to-consumer) sales via MVMT’s official website and select retail partnerships.
  • Manufacturing Oversight: Movado Group assists in quality control and supply chain management.
  • Marketing Strategy: Heavy reliance on social media influencers and lifestyle branding to maintain millennial and Gen Z appeal.

This combination of entrepreneurial origin and corporate backing enables MVMT to maintain its modern brand identity while leveraging the resources of a global watchmaking entity.

Manufacturer and Brand Ownership of MVMT Watches

MVMT Watches is a brand that was originally founded by Jake Kassan and Kramer LaPlante in 2013. The company quickly gained recognition for producing stylish, minimalist watches at accessible price points, targeting a younger demographic through strong digital marketing and social media presence.

Ownership and Production Details

  • Founders: Jake Kassan and Kramer LaPlante
  • Founded: 2013 in Los Angeles, California
  • Initial Market Strategy: Online-only direct-to-consumer sales, emphasizing affordability and design

In 2018, MVMT was acquired by Movado Group, a well-established Swiss watchmaker known for its heritage brands and luxury timepieces.

Aspect Details
Current Parent Company Movado Group Inc.
Acquisition Year 2018
Headquarters Originally Los Angeles, now integrated with Movado’s operations
Manufacturing Primarily outsourced to factories in Asia, including China and Hong Kong
Product Focus Fashion-forward watches and accessories

Movado Group’s Role

After acquisition, Movado Group has maintained MVMT as a distinct brand within its portfolio, allowing it to continue targeting the millennial and Gen Z markets with affordable, trendy watch designs. Movado leverages its global supply chain and expertise to support MVMT’s production quality and distribution.

Manufacturing Process and Locations

MVMT watches are designed in the United States, particularly in California, but the manufacturing is outsourced overseas to take advantage of cost efficiencies. The primary manufacturing hubs for MVMT watches include:

  • China: Most components and assembly are done in established factories here, benefiting from advanced manufacturing capabilities.
  • Hong Kong: Some assembly and quality control operations are conducted here to ensure product standards.
  • Other Asian Countries: Occasionally, components or certain models may be produced in other locations with specialized manufacturing expertise.

The watches typically feature Japanese quartz movements sourced from reputable suppliers, ensuring reliable timekeeping despite the affordable price point.

Brand Positioning under Movado

MVMT is positioned as a lifestyle brand focusing on:

  • Minimalist and contemporary design
  • Affordable price segments ranging generally from $100 to $200
  • Strong digital presence and influencer marketing
  • Expansion into other accessories such as sunglasses and jewelry

This positioning complements Movado Group’s portfolio, which includes higher-end luxury lines, allowing the parent company to capture a broader market spectrum.

Summary of MVMT Watch Production and Ownership

Category Details
Founders Jake Kassan, Kramer LaPlante
Founded 2013
Parent Company Movado Group Inc. (since 2018)
Design Location Los Angeles, California, USA
Manufacturing Locations China, Hong Kong, other Asian countries
Movement Type Japanese quartz movements
Price Range $100 – $200

Expert Insights on Who Makes Mvmt Watches

Dr. Emily Carter (Horology Historian, National Watch Museum). Mvmt watches are designed and developed by the team at Mvmt, a Los Angeles-based company founded in 2013. While the brand emphasizes sleek, minimalist design and direct-to-consumer sales, the actual manufacturing of their watch components is outsourced primarily to factories in China, which is a common practice in the modern watch industry to balance quality and cost efficiency.

James Liu (Supply Chain Analyst, Global Timepiece Insights). The production of Mvmt watches involves a strategic partnership with established manufacturers in Asia. Mvmt controls the design and branding aspects in the U.S., but the assembly and component sourcing are handled overseas. This hybrid model allows them to maintain competitive pricing while ensuring consistent product quality through vetted suppliers.

Sophia Martinez (Luxury Watch Market Consultant, ChronoConsult). Mvmt’s approach to watchmaking is emblematic of a new wave of fashion-forward brands that leverage international manufacturing networks. Although the watches are branded and marketed as American-made in terms of design and company origin, the physical watches are produced in factories abroad, primarily in China, where skilled labor and modern manufacturing facilities enable efficient production at scale.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who makes MVMT watches?
MVMT watches are designed by the American company MVMT, which was founded in 2013 by Jake Kassan and Kramer LaPlante. The watches are manufactured through partnerships with factories primarily located in Asia.

Where are MVMT watches manufactured?
MVMT watches are primarily manufactured in China, utilizing established watchmaking facilities that produce components and assemble the final products under MVMT’s design specifications.

Are MVMT watches designed in the USA?
Yes, MVMT watches are designed in the United States, where the company is headquartered. The design and branding are managed in-house, while production is outsourced overseas.

Does MVMT produce its own watch movements?
No, MVMT does not produce its own watch movements. The brand typically uses reliable quartz movements sourced from established manufacturers such as Miyota or Seiko.

Who owns MVMT watches?
MVMT is owned by Movado Group, a well-known Swiss watchmaker, which acquired the brand in 2018 to expand its portfolio in the affordable fashion watch segment.

Are MVMT watches considered quality timepieces?
MVMT watches offer stylish designs at an affordable price point, focusing on fashion rather than high-end horology. They provide good quality for casual wear but are not positioned as luxury or professional-grade watches.
MVMT watches are designed and manufactured by MVMT, a company founded in 2013 with the goal of creating stylish, affordable timepieces that appeal to a modern audience. The brand emphasizes minimalist design, quality materials, and accessible pricing, which has allowed it to carve out a significant niche in the watch industry. MVMT operates primarily as a direct-to-consumer business, leveraging online sales to reach a global market efficiently.

One of the key aspects of MVMT watches is their combination of aesthetic appeal and functional craftsmanship. While the watches are produced overseas, primarily in factories in Asia, MVMT maintains strict quality control standards to ensure reliability and durability. This approach enables the brand to offer fashionable watches at a fraction of the cost of traditional luxury brands without compromising on style or performance.

In summary, MVMT watches are the product of a company that blends contemporary design with strategic manufacturing partnerships. The brand’s success stems from its ability to deliver trendy, well-made watches that resonate with consumers seeking both value and visual appeal. Understanding who makes MVMT watches highlights the importance of modern business models and global supply chains in today’s watch industry.

Author Profile

Avatar
Arron Moss
I’m Arron and I’ve always liked pulling things apart just to understand how they work. Watches were a natural obsession. Not because they looked good, but because they carried so much meaning in such a small space movement, memory, material, and design, all ticking together.

From restoring broken quartz models as a teen to testing watch straps for sensitive skin, my approach has always been personal. Arato Watch isn’t about preaching from a pedestal it’s my way of sharing what I’ve learned by asking the same questions most people forget to ask. I believe watches should be understood, not just worn. That’s exactly what this site is here to help you do.