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Most watches are produced like cars - the majority of watch companies design their watches, buy the best components they can find and then assemble the timepieces in their factories. The elite, however, are the Manufactures, the companies that can, and sometimes do, make every piece and part in-house. There are only a handful of companies like this, but they are legendary. Why do companies like Patek Philippe, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Audemars Piguet and others do it? To ensure quality and set themselves apart from the rest of the industry.
Can you imagine Ford or Chrysler doing every single part, from windshield wipers to the tires, themselves? It's an incredible undertaking but one that yields some of the most remarkable watches in the history of timekeeping. Take for example the Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon: it has 686 total parts, every single one produced in-house. Finishing just one watch takes more than 18 months, and the Sky Moon Tourbillon retails for around $1 million.
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