Thoughtful Collaboration
When people hear "Made in China," their minds often jump to old assumptions—mass production, speed, and efficiency at the expense of subtlety or quality. But after a decade spent closely collaborating with Chinese engineers, artisans, and designers, I’ve witnessed firsthand a quiet, thoughtful evolution that's fundamentally redefining these expectations.
This isn't simply a story about manufacturing—it’s about the thoughtful individuals behind the process, the quiet precision they bring to their craft, and the human connections built through meaningful collaboration. This journey is central to how Kintao came into being.
Over a Decade of Discovery
Ten years ago, when I began working in China, I was driven by curiosity and the desire to understand the intricacies of bringing thoughtful design concepts to life. Previously, I’d focused my career on human-centered product design—like the Riley table concept, which Herman Miller acquired, and Zuowe, the simplified home-working chair I helped design at IDEO during the height of COVID-19. But creating a beautifully designed concept is only half the journey—bringing it to life requires deep collaborative relationships, skillful hands, and meticulous minds.
Throughout this decade, I've traveled across China—visiting workshops, factories, and design studios—quietly observing, learning, and building meaningful relationships with local craftspeople and engineers. Each collaboration taught me something new about patience, subtlety, and precision, expanding my perspective on what Chinese manufacturing could achieve when approached thoughtfully.
Quietly Transformative: From Mass Production to Refined Craft
In that time, I've watched Chinese manufacturing quietly transform. Where volume and speed once dominated, subtle craftsmanship, nuanced engineering, and a genuine commitment to thoughtful detail have increasingly taken center stage.
My passion for cycling has always influenced my appreciation for engineering detail—subtle improvements in materials, geometry, and finishing can dramatically enhance a bike’s ride quality and feel. I found similar depth and subtlety emerging in China’s watch industry: dial makers perfecting nuanced textures, case finishers painstakingly refining chamfers by hand, and precision engineers meticulously crafting components that rival the best in traditional watchmaking hubs.
It became clear: craftsmanship wasn’t a function of geography—it was a reflection of thoughtful individuals dedicated to quietly exceptional work.
A Human-Centered Approach to Craft
At Kintao, this quiet, human-centered collaboration shapes everything we do. Instead of merely sending drawings and waiting for products to return, we actively engage our manufacturing partners early in the process. Together, we review prototypes, patiently refine every component, and openly discuss challenges and opportunities. It’s a dialogue, not just a transaction.
Through thoughtful, intentional dialogue and shared experimentation, we've forged deeper relationships. Our partners understand not just the mechanics of our designs but the deeper philosophy behind Kintao: quiet innovation, respect for tradition, and meaningful subtlety. This mutual understanding translates directly into the refined quality and precise craftsmanship that defines our watches.
Why "Made in China" Matters to Kintao
We’re proud to openly celebrate the careful, meticulous craftsmanship of our Chinese partners. Rather than obscuring this part of our story, we want to thoughtfully highlight it. The shift in China’s manufacturing capabilities is quiet yet profound, rooted in human talent and innovative spirit, exactly aligning with Kintao’s own philosophy.
Ultimately, our watches reflect the thoughtful, nuanced collaboration that brought them to life—a quiet dialogue between East and West, tradition and innovation, human skill and technical precision.
Thank you for joining us in celebrating this subtle, meaningful, and transformative journey.
Warmly,
— Sam McMorran, Founder of Kintao