Parnis Watches is another Chinese brand that has found a way to stand out among major watchmakers thanks to its classic designs and quality components.
Parnis challenges traditional expectations about Chinese watches by offering mechanisms from recognized brands like Miyota and Seagull, along with durable materials at highly competitive prices.
This way, they have managed to create products that capture the attention of watch enthusiasts with unique designs and complications not commonly seen in other brands.
In this article, we will break down the brand’s history and analyze the best Parnis watches, considering the components they use and how they are manufactured.
⌦ Parnis Watches and Their Origin
Founded in 2005 in Guangzhou, China, Parnis Watches has established itself as a watch brand that has gained a solid reputation, particularly in the markets of Europe and the United States. 
Under the leadership of its visionary founder, Xiao Jian Hong, the company has experienced steady and sustained growth for almost two decades.
Xiao is more than just an entrepreneur; he is the driving force behind Parnis’ trademarks and manufacturing facilities, personally overseeing the company’s expansion and diversification from its humble beginnings.
Parnis’ distribution strategy is notably diverse, as it partners with various types of resellers and distributors to maximize its market reach.
Regarding production, the company operates its own manufacturing facilities located in Tong De Wei, in the Guangzhou region.
The industrial and technological presence in Guangzhou is overwhelming, also being the headquarters of many other watch brands like Skmei, Cadisen, and Carnival, among others.
Here, the process of creating Parnis watches is meticulous and well-planned. It all starts with the internal design of each model, followed by sourcing high-quality parts.
Once the parts are acquired, the assembly team carefully puts them together to create a final product that is both elegant and functional.
Assembly at the Tong De Wei plant involves collaboration with several specialized suppliers. For example, watch cases are manufactured by Fu Yuan Xin Watch Product Factory, a renowned supplier in the industry.
As for the movements, the very essence of the watch, Parnis employs quality components from leading manufacturers like Tianjin Sea-Gull, Miyota, and Dixmont.
There’s no doubt that Parnis watches have come a long way since their creation in 2005, and thanks to their refined manufacturing process and growing distribution network, they will continue to do so in the future.
⌦ What Quality Does This Brand Have?
When it comes to assessing the quality of any watch, a series of factors come into play: from the materials used to the internal mechanism, to design and manufacturing.
Parnis watches are no exception and deserve careful analysis to determine their real value in the market. These are the components and materials they commonly use:
- Cases: The predominant material in most Parnis cases and bracelets is 316L stainless steel. The best steel alloy for watches due to its corrosion resistance and durability.
- Crystal: Traditionally, the brand used mineral crystal in its watches, but it’s increasingly common to find Parnis watches with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
- Straps: Leather straps are often made with synthetic materials, though they serve their purpose. Metal straps, on the other hand, use stainless steel, making them a better choice in most cases.
- Movements: The brand usually employs mechanisms from recognized brands like Miyota, Seagull, and Dixmount. The first is Japanese (owned by Citizen), and the latter two are Chinese but have a good reputation.
In summary, Parnis watches are products that offer respectable quality for their price, utilizing materials and components one would expect to find in much more expensive watches.
However, like any other product, there are areas for improvement, such as the quality of straps, often made with synthetic leather.
If you’re willing to do some research and perhaps make some minor adjustments or customizations, a Parnis watch could be an excellent addition to any collection.
⌦ Best Parnis Watches
➜ Parnis PA767 Tourbillon
This watch is a showcase of elegance and mechanical sophistication, thanks to its distinctive open heart dial with a tourbillon shape.
With a Seagull 2505 caliber, this Chinese automatic model offers additional features such as a power reserve indicator and calendar.
Its 316L stainless steel 43mm case is complemented by a leather strap, adding an extra touch of elegance to this mechanical masterpiece.
| Crystal | Mineral |
| Movement | Chinese Automatic |
| Caliber | Seagull 2505 |
| Case Diameter | 43 mm |
| Case Thickness | 14 mm |
| Materials | 316L Stainless Steel Case and Leather Strap |
| Water Resistance | 5 bar (50 meters) |
| Other Features | Power Reserve Indicator, Calendar, Transparent Case Back, Open Heart Dial |
➜ Parnis PA118 Diver
For water sports and adventure enthusiasts, the PA118 Diver model is a choice that combines ruggedness with elegance.
Equipped with a Japanese Miyota 821a automatic movement and water-resistant up to 200 meters, this watch is ideal for diving.
Its textured wave dial and rotating bezel add functionality and style, while the sapphire crystal offers exceptional durability.
The 43mm case and leather strap make this watch a versatile companion both in and out of the water.
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Movement | Japanese Automatic |
| Caliber | Miyota 821a |
| Case Diameter | 43 mm |
| Case Thickness | 13 mm |
| Materials | 316L Stainless Steel Case and Leather Strap |
| Water Resistance | 20 bar (200 meters) |
| Other Features | Textured Wave Dial, Rotating Bezel, Calendar |
➜ Parnis GMT
Designed for the modern traveler, the Parnis GMT features a dual-time function that allows the user to keep track of two time zones simultaneously.
With a Chinese automatic movement and a Mingzhu 3804 caliber, this 40mm watch stands out with its unidirectional rotating bezel with ceramic insert and date magnifier.
Its 316L stainless steel case and bracelet, along with the sapphire crystal, make it durable and elegant. However, its water resistance is limited to only 30 meters, restricting its use in water-related activities.
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Movement | Chinese Automatic |
| Caliber | Mingzhu 3804 |
| Case Diameter | 40 mm |
| Case Thickness | 14 mm |
| Materials | 316L Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 3 bar (30 meters) |
| Other Features | GMT Function, Unidirectional Rotating Bezel with Ceramic Insert, Date Magnifier |
➜ Parnis PA2123
If you’re looking for simplicity and elegance, this watch features a minimalist design with a small seconds dial and a transparent case back that showcases its Chinese Seagull automatic movement.
Its 41.5mm stainless steel case pairs perfectly with a leather strap, resulting in a watch suitable for any occasion.
Although it has a water resistance of 50 meters and a mineral crystal, its main appeal lies in its subtle and refined design.
| Crystal | Mineral |
| Movement | Chinese Automatic |
| Caliber | Seagull |
| Case Diameter | 41.5 mm |
| Case Thickness | 12 mm |
| Materials | Stainless Steel Case and Leather Strap |
| Water Resistance | 5 bar (50 meters) |
| Other Features | Minimalist Small Seconds Dial, Transparent Case Back, Calendar |
➜ Parnis GMT Moon
This watch is a feast for the eyes and a tribute to mechanical complexity. Its standout feature is the combination of dual GMT time with a lunar phase function, all visible through a textured dial.
With a Unitas 6467 manual winding movement, this 42mm watch offers a complete horological experience.
Its 316L stainless steel case and leather bracelet make it both robust and elegant. Although its water resistance is limited to 30 meters, its sophistication and functionality are unparalleled.
| Crystal | Mineral |
| Movement | Manual Winding |
| Caliber | Unitas 6467 |
| Case Diameter | 42 mm |
| Case Thickness | 14 mm |
| Materials | 316L Stainless Steel Case and Leather Strap |
| Water Resistance | 3 bar (30 meters) |
| Other Features | Dual GMT Time, Lunar Phase, Transparent Case Back, Textured Dial |
⌦ Conclusion
In summary, Parnis watches offer excellent value for those seeking an automatic or quartz watch without breaking the bank.
With components from reputable brands, a variety of designs, and a wide price range, it’s an option to consider for any watch enthusiast.
However, due to variability in model and vendor quality, proper research is essential before making a purchase.
If you’re patient with shipping times and willing to do some research, Parnis could be the ideal choice for your next watch acquisition.