Multifunction watches

	The MP 2011B model from Hong Kong's Marble has a Miyota movement and MP3 and Bluetooth functions. Priced at $80, the product has built-in 1GB memory.

Quartz analog watch suppliers in mainland China and Hong Kong are aiming for a stronger foothold in the multifunction line. To achieve this, they are adding more features in new models and heightening QC.

As demand for multifunction digital watches continues to rise, makers of analog versions are devoting efforts to the launching of competitive designs. They are increasing R&D spending by as much as 20 percent to develop models with features usually found in digital watches.

Companies are incorporating e-book browsers, sound recording and playback functions, and photo storage and viewing features in the latest releases. Models also have USB storage disks.

Designs with MP3 and MP4 players are Bluetooth-enabled and have from 512MB to 8GB of built-in memory. These are compatible with Windows 98, Linux 2.4 and Mac OS 1.0 and later versions of the three.

Companies usually adopt Miyota 2035 movements from Japan. Memory cards are procured in South Korea.

In addition, makers are implementing stricter QC procedures to ensure quality. The timekeeping accuracy, battery life and performance of music playing, Bluetooth and data storage are tested in-house. Models for export To the US and the EU should comply with FCC and CE requirements.

Among the mainland suppliers interviewed for this report, Shenzhen Andragon Digitek Co. Ltd devotes 40 percent of production to multifunction versions. Models are priced between $22 and $40 each. These are equipped with MP3/MP4 players with digital display, FM radios and Bluetooth capability.

The company's designs have 1.5-inch OLED screens and adopt Miyota 2035 movements. These come mostly with stainless steel cases and bands.

At Huatai Industrial Ltd, models are priced depending on the features and size of built-in memory. MP4 watches with 512MB are $30 to $40. Those with 4GB memory average $80.

Products from Shenzhen Centifly Electronic Co. Ltd are $19 to $45 each. They have FM radios, sound recorders with playback and e-book browsers. Designs with a 1GB storage capacity are $30 to $35.

Hong Kong makers focus on the midrange and high-end markets. Prices range from $25 to $45 for MP3 watches, and $50 to $70 for Bluetooth-enabled versions.

Twenty-C Watch Mfy Ltd invests 20 percent of annual revenue in R&D. Its in-house product development team subscribes to fashion publications and attends trade shows in order to keep up with industry trends. In addition, the supplier works with third-party design houses.

Models are equipped with world time and alarm functions. These are water-resistant up to 10ATM.

Twenty-C also offers digital versions with compasses, thermometers and altimeters. To enhance visual interest, the company incorporates wooden details andrhinestones in models.

Marble Watch Mfg Ltd offers digital watches with photo storage and viewing functions. Models also have video and music players that support MP3, MP4, WAV and WMA formats.

The company's products usually have 1GB built-in memory and are Bluetooth-enabled with a maximum transmission of 10 meters.

Marble invests 5 percent of turnover in R&D. Models meet RoHS, CE and FCC requirements.

Marble has a Dongguan factory in the mainland's Guangdong province where most manufacturing processes are done. The 200-worker plant is equipped with surface-mounting machines.

At Tennmax Industrial Ltd, about $40,000 is invested in R&D annually.

The supplier makes MP3 watches that also function as a USB storage device.