As the global wearable market continues rapid expansion, more brands, e-commerce sellers, and corporate gift buyers are seeking smartwatches with private label branding, unique functions, or exclusive industrial design.
During this process, the two most common cooperation models are OEM and ODM—but many
customers still aren’t clear about the differences.
In one sentence:
· OEM → Your brand, factory production
· ODM → Custom design + engineering + production
This guide provides a complete breakdown to help you select the right solution:
1.Key differences between OEM & ODM
2.What parts of a smartwatch can be customized
3.Full process from concept to mass production
4.MOQ, cost structure, and lead-time reference
Definition:
Customers provide brand logo and packaging design; the factory manufactures
based on an existing product.
Typical features:
· Uses factory’s existing public mold (no new tooling)
· Branding and packaging customization
· No modification to hardware, structure, or PCB design
Best for:
· Brands with existing sales channels
· Corporate gifts and promotional orders
· Cross-border e-commerce with fast listing needs
Example requirement:
“We want this model with our company logo and customized packaging for EU and US shipment.”
Definition:
The factory designs and develops exclusive hardware, software, and appearance
based on the customer’s idea.
Typical features:
· Private mold industrial design
· Custom PCB, chipset, and sensor configuration
· Exclusive UI/UX and dedicated App development
Best for:
· Brands building long-term product lines
· Clients needing unique design or exclusive functions
· Projects with special technical requirements
Example requirement:
“We want a unique watch design with higher heart-rate accuracy and a branded mobile App.”
|
Custom Item |
OEM Support |
ODM Support |
|
Logo & boot animation |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
|
Packaging |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
|
UI / watch faces |
✅ Basic |
✅ Full |
|
Industrial appearance |
❌ Fixed |
✅ Private mold |
|
Mainboard hardware |
❌ No |
✅ Customizable |
|
Dedicated mobile App |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
|
Sensor upgrade / functions |
❌ Fixed |
✅ Custom possible |
Selection tips:
· Want fast launch, low budget → choose OEM
· Want exclusive product and long-term brand → choose ODM
|
Stage |
Description |
Time |
|
Model selection |
Choose from existing catalog |
1–2 days |
|
Branding |
Logo engraving, UI boot screen, packaging |
3–7 days |
|
Sample approval |
Function, waterproof, battery test |
3–7 days |
|
Mass production |
SMT, assembly, aging test |
10–15 days |
|
Shipping |
DHL / UPS / air / sea |
3–15 days |
Advantages:
· Fast delivery — as quick as 2–3 weeks
· Lower MOQ (150–600 units)
· Ideal for corporate gifts & fast-moving ecommerce
|
Stage |
Core Work |
|
Requirement & concept |
Product positioning, functions, target market |
|
ID design |
2D/3D industrial design, user review, color & style |
|
Structure & tooling |
Internal structure + mold fabrication |
|
PCB / hardware |
Chipset selection, board routing, antenna tuning |
|
Software |
UI/UX, custom watch faces, dedicated APP & cloud |
|
Prototype testing |
Waterproof, drop test, signal, battery, optimization |
|
Certifications |
CE / FCC / RoHS / RED |
|
Mass production |
Full QC, aging test, packaging |
Best
for:
1.Brands building exclusive product lines
2.Clients with special features or private molds
3.Long-term wearable business strategy
|
Category |
Available Options |
|
Branding |
Laser logo, boot animation, watch faces, packaging |
|
Appearance |
Private mold, custom materials & colors |
|
UI / UX |
Brand color theme, custom watch faces, animations |
|
Functions |
NFC payment, Bluetooth call, GPS, sport modes |
|
Sensors |
High-precision HR, SpO2, temperature, sleep |
|
Software |
Dedicated App, cloud server, dashboard |
|
Packaging |
Retail box, gift box, premium packaging |
|
Item |
OEM |
ODM |
|
Minimum order |
150–600 units |
3,000–6,000+ units |
|
Unit price range |
$9 – $62+ |
$15 – $150+ |
|
Mold cost |
None |
$10,000 – $50,000 |
|
App development |
Not required |
Quoted by complexity |
|
Lead time |
15–25 days |
60–150 days |
Decision guide:
· Short-term demand / fast launch → OEM
· Long-term brand & unique product → ODM
|
Question |
Answer |
|
Can we customize logo and packaging? |
Yes — full branding including UI and boot animation |
|
Do you support small orders? |
OEM from 100 units; ODM can develop by stage |
|
Do you provide certifications? |
CE, FCC, RoHS, RED for global markets |
|
Can we customize App and cloud? |
Yes — full App, CMS and cloud platform available |
|
Shipping options? |
DHL/UPS, air freight, sea freight |
OEM
— best for:
1.Fast delivery
2.Small investment
3.Corporate gifts & e-commerce
ODM
— best for:
1.Exclusive design
2.Custom hardware & software
3.Long-term product strategy
If you need fast delivery and branding, choose OEM (as fast as 2–3
weeks)
If you want to build a differentiated smartwatch brand, choose ODM (full
engineering + production)
