And once you start researching what is out there, it becomes very surprising how many actually exist, from high-end movement manufacturers, through expensive "emboiteurs", to basic low-end quartz watch producers.
- Van der Gang: based in Dokkum (also Friesland!), produces IWC Portuguese look-a-likes based on ETA 2992-A2 and Valjoux 775x.
Four of the these western countries with the most watch manufacturers are the Netherlands, France, Italy, and the US.
The Netherlands itself alone has 7 producers that I know of:
- Christiaan van der Klaauw: this is a very interesting manufacturer in Heerenveen (Friesland), which bases his design on the heritage of Friesian Astronomer Eise Eisinga, who built a Planetarium near there in the city of Franeker. He uses ETA movements, but seems to have created his own as well, called KB 52824-2
- Van der Gang: based in Dokkum (also Friesland!), produces IWC Portuguese look-a-likes based on ETA 2992-A2 and Valjoux 775x.
- Steiner Limited: based in Maastricht, also produces Portuguese look-a-likes based on Valjoux 775x. Anecdote: I know someone who has one, and it is really impressive quality.
- Dingemans: located near Rotterdam, makes 12 watches a year, customised to the future owner's wishes.
- Pelikaan Timing: in Utrecht, make a nice looking "Aviator" type watch based on a Unitas 6498-1 movement.
- Kiber: in Den Haag, seems to have a big collection of low cost watches, mostly on Japanese movements
I am in Friesland often for family reasons, and I certainly hope to go check out Christiaan van der Klaauw and one day buy one.
