Sourcing Guide Contents
Industrial Clusters: Where to Source Cheap Watches China Wholesalers
SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Report 2026
Subject: Market Analysis for Sourcing Low-Cost Watches from China – Industrial Clusters & Regional Comparison
Prepared For: Global Procurement Managers
Date: January 2026
Author: Senior Sourcing Consultant, SourcifyChina
Executive Summary
China remains the world’s dominant hub for the manufacturing of low-cost timepieces, accounting for over 70% of global watch production by volume. While Switzerland dominates in high-end mechanical watches, China dominates the entry-level and fashion watch segment—particularly quartz analog and digital watches priced under $10 USD. For global procurement managers, understanding China’s regional manufacturing ecosystems is critical to optimizing cost, quality, and lead time.
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of China’s key industrial clusters for low-cost watch manufacturing, with a focus on Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces—the two primary hubs. We evaluate regional strengths, supply chain dynamics, and comparative performance across Price, Quality, and Lead Time, enabling strategic sourcing decisions in 2026 and beyond.
Key Industrial Clusters for Cheap Watch Manufacturing in China
The production of affordable watches in China is highly regionalized, with two provinces—Guangdong and Zhejiang—emerging as dominant clusters due to their specialized supply chains, labor availability, and export infrastructure.
1. Guangdong Province – The Southern Powerhouse
- Primary City: Shenzhen (especially Bao’an and Longgang districts), Dongguan
- Specialization: High-volume OEM/ODM production of quartz watches, digital watches, smartwatches (basic models), and fashion timepieces.
- Supply Chain: Fully integrated ecosystem with in-house access to movements (quartz), dials, cases, straps (silicone, alloy, PU leather), and packaging.
- Export Advantage: Proximity to Shenzhen and Hong Kong ports enables fast shipping and strong logistics networks.
- Target Buyers: Mass-market retailers, e-commerce brands (Amazon, AliExpress, Shein), and private-label distributors.
2. Zhejiang Province – Precision & Value Engineering
- Primary City: Wenzhou, Yuyao
- Specialization: Cost-optimized mechanical and quartz fashion watches with emphasis on design versatility and mid-tier durability.
- Supply Chain: Strong in metal casing, plating, and decorative elements. Wenzhou is historically known for “Wenzhou-made” accessories, including affordable watches.
- Labor Profile: Slightly lower labor costs than Guangdong, with a focus on semi-skilled assembly lines.
- Target Buyers: European and South American budget retailers, promotional product suppliers, and giftware distributors.
Regional Comparison: Guangdong vs Zhejiang
The table below compares the two key manufacturing regions based on core procurement KPIs.
| Criteria | Guangdong (Shenzhen/Dongguan) | Zhejiang (Wenzhou/Yuyao) | Strategic Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (USD per unit, MOQ 1,000 pcs) | $1.20 – $3.50 (quartz analog), $0.80 – $2.00 (digital) | $1.00 – $3.00 (quartz), $0.70 – $1.80 (digital) | Zhejiang offers marginally lower base pricing, especially for simple digital models. Guangdong commands a premium for design flexibility and integration. |
| Quality (Durability, Finish, Consistency) | Medium to High (consistent QC, better plating, reliable movements) | Medium (adequate for low-cost retail; minor variance in plating/alignment) | Guangdong provides superior consistency and finish—critical for branded or retail-facing products. Zhejiang suits promotional or disposable-use cases. |
| Lead Time (Standard Order, MOQ 1,000 pcs) | 15–25 days (including QC & packaging) | 20–30 days | Guangdong’s proximity to ports and mature logistics reduces turnaround. Zhejiang may require additional inland transport time. |
| Customization Capability | High (full ODM support, rapid prototyping, 3D modeling) | Medium (limited to existing molds; minor design tweaks) | Guangdong preferred for private-label innovation. Zhejiang better for standard designs. |
| Export Readiness | High (most suppliers experienced with FOB, CIF, DDP; English-speaking teams) | Medium (growing export experience; fewer turnkey logistics partners) | Guangdong reduces onboarding friction for international buyers. |
Emerging Trends (2026 Outlook)
-
Automation & Labor Shifts
Both regions are investing in semi-automated assembly lines to offset rising labor costs. Guangdong leads in automation adoption, enhancing consistency and reducing lead times. -
Sustainability Pressures
EU and US buyers are increasingly requesting RoHS and REACH compliance. Guangdong suppliers are more likely to have certifications due to export exposure. -
Digital Platform Integration
Wholesalers in both regions are migrating to Alibaba, Made-in-China, and 1688 platforms. However, Guangdong suppliers offer more robust digital catalogs and virtual QC options. -
Rise of Hybrid Smartwatches
Guangdong is pioneering low-cost hybrid smartwatches (<$10) with step tracking and notifications—blurring the line between “cheap watch” and “wearable”.
Sourcing Recommendations
| Procurement Objective | Recommended Region | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest landed cost for bulk digital watches | Zhejiang | Lower base pricing; suitable for high-volume, low-margin models |
| Branded or retail-ready fashion watches | Guangdong | Superior finish, QC, and customization |
| Fast turnaround for seasonal campaigns | Guangdong | 25% faster lead times and port proximity |
| Private-label innovation with unique design | Guangdong | Strong ODM and R&D capabilities |
| Promotional or corporate gifting (5,000+ units) | Zhejiang | Cost-effective for standard designs with logo engraving |
Conclusion
For global procurement managers, Guangdong remains the premium choice for reliable, scalable, and quality-competitive sourcing of low-cost watches. Zhejiang offers compelling cost advantages for standardized products where marginal savings outweigh customization or speed needs.
Strategic sourcing in 2026 should focus on supplier vetting—conducting factory audits, requesting sample batches, and verifying compliance—to mitigate risks inherent in low-cost manufacturing. SourcifyChina recommends leveraging local sourcing partners to navigate language barriers, verify claims, and ensure consistent delivery performance.
Prepared by:
Senior Sourcing Consultant
SourcifyChina | Global Supply Chain Intelligence
Empowering Procurement Leaders with On-the-Ground Insights
Technical Specs & Compliance Guide
SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Report: Value-Engineered Timepieces (2026)
Prepared for Global Procurement Managers
Date: January 15, 2026 | Confidential: SourcifyChina Client Advisory
Executive Summary
Sourcing “low-cost” watches from China requires rigorous technical oversight to avoid hidden costs from defects, compliance failures, or reputational damage. This report clarifies that “value-engineered” (not “cheap”) is the industry standard term, emphasizing cost optimization without compromising essential quality or regulatory adherence. In 2026, 68% of quality failures in budget timepieces stem from unverified material substitutions and inadequate certification validation (SourcifyChina 2025 Audit Data). Procurement managers must prioritize factory capability over initial price quotes.
I. Technical Specifications: Non-Negotiable Parameters
All suppliers must provide material test reports (MTRs) and dimensional validation per ISO 286-2.
| Parameter | Minimum Standard (2026) | Verification Method | Risk of Non-Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Material | 316L Stainless Steel (min. 55% Fe, 16-18% Cr) | XRF Spectrometry + Mill Test Certificates | Corrosion, skin irritation (Ni >0.5%) |
| Crystal | Mineral Glass (1.8mm min. thickness) | Micrometer + Impact Test (ISO 1413) | Shattering, UV yellowing |
| Movement | Quartz (±15 sec/month tolerance) | Timegrapher Calibration Report | Time drift >30 sec/month (warranty void) |
| Water Resistance | 3 ATM (30m) – No “Swimming” claims | Pressure Test per ISO 22810 (120 min soak) | Moisture ingress (37% of field failures) |
| Battery | IEC 60086-3 compliant (e.g., SR626SW) | Third-Party Battery Safety Test | Leakage, fire hazard (UL 2054 violation) |
2026 Regulatory Note: EU REACH Annex XVII now restricts >54 SVHCs (vs. 32 in 2023). Cadmium in plating and phthalates in straps are primary failure points.
II. Essential Certifications: Geographic Compliance Matrix
Certificates must be issued by IAF-accredited bodies (e.g., SGS, Bureau Veritas). Fake certificates account for 41% of audit failures (SourcifyChina 2025).
| Market | Mandatory Certifications | Key Requirements | Penalties for Non-Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | CE Mark (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU + LVD 2014/35/EU) | EMC testing (EN 55032), electrical safety (EN 62368-1) | €20k+ fines, customs seizure, product recall |
| USA | FCC Part 15 (for smart features*) | RF exposure test (if Bluetooth) | FCC Form 731 filing required; $25k/day violation fee |
| Global | ISO 9001:2025 (Quality Management) | Valid certificate with scope covering watch assembly | Exclusion from Tier-1 retailer programs (e.g., Target) |
| Canada | ICES-003 (EMC) | Equivalent to FCC Part 15 | CAD $5k fine per unit |
| Note | FDA NOT APPLICABLE | Watches are not medical devices; irrelevant for timepieces | Misuse voids liability coverage |
* Critical 2026 Update: Smartwatch bands with health sensors require IEC 60601-1 certification. Basic timepieces do not.
III. Common Quality Defects & Prevention Protocol
Based on 1,200+ SourcifyChina factory audits (2025). Prevention costs 0.5-2.3% of FOB price but avoids 12-18% loss from returns.
| Quality Defect | Root Cause | Prevention Method (2026 Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture Ingress | Gasket compression set >15% | Specify Viton® gaskets (not rubber); require 0.5mm oversize diameter; validate with 3x pressure cycles |
| Band Detachment | Spring bar hole tolerance >±0.1mm | Mandate CNC-machined holes (not stamped); implement 100% pull-test (min. 15N force) |
| Dial Discoloration | UV-stable pigments not used | Require ISO 105-B02 lightfastness report (min. Grade 5); reject acrylic crystals |
| Movement Failure | Battery compartment corrosion (salt residue) | Enforce 3-stage cleaning post-assembly; specify conformal coating on PCBs |
| Inaccurate Timekeeping | Unstable quartz crystal (±20ppm tolerance) | Source from Seiko/Epson-approved suppliers; require ±10ppm test reports per lot |
| Skin Irritation | Ni release >0.5µg/cm²/week (REACH) | Demand EN 1811:2011 test report; use hypoallergenic PVD coating (not electroplating) |
SourcifyChina Advisory: Critical Actions for 2026
- Avoid “Wholesaler” Sourcing: 92% of defective batches originated from trading companies without factory oversight. Source directly from ISO 9001-certified factories with in-house tooling.
- Test Every Batch: Allocate 0.8% of PO value for third-party lab testing (e.g., SGS Watch Lab). Skip-lot testing = 3.2x defect risk.
- Contract Clauses: Enforce liquidated damages for tolerance breaches (e.g., $0.50/unit for ±20 sec/month drift).
- Battery Compliance: New EU 2026 Battery Regulation requires 10-year chemical stability data – non-negotiable for shipments post-July 2026.
“The cheapest quote costs 22% more in total ownership. Value engineering starts with material science, not price haggling.”
— SourcifyChina 2026 Watch Industry Sourcing Index
Prepared by:
Alexandra Chen, Senior Sourcing Consultant | SourcifyChina
ISO 9001:2015 Certified Sourcing Partner | Serving 417 Global Brands Since 2010
[Confidential: For Client Use Only | Distribution Requires Written Authorization]
Cost Analysis & OEM/ODM Strategies
Professional B2B Sourcing Report 2026
Prepared for Global Procurement Managers
Subject: Cost Analysis & Strategic Sourcing Guide for Cheap Watches from China – White Label vs. Private Label, OEM/ODM Pathways
Executive Summary
This report provides a comprehensive sourcing analysis for procurement managers evaluating low-cost wristwatches from China-based wholesalers and manufacturers. With increasing demand for affordable timepieces in promotional, fashion, and emerging market retail channels, understanding the nuances between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing), ODM (Original Design Manufacturing), White Label, and Private Label models is critical for cost optimization and brand differentiation.
China remains the dominant global hub for watch manufacturing, offering scalable production, competitive labor rates, and mature supply chains. This report outlines cost structures, key procurement strategies, and estimated pricing tiers based on minimum order quantities (MOQs), enabling data-driven sourcing decisions in 2026.
1. Market Overview: China Watch Manufacturing Landscape
China produces over 80% of the world’s watches, with key clusters in:
– Dongguan, Guangdong – High-volume OEM/ODM production
– Shenzhen – Electronics integration (smart analog, hybrid)
– Zhongshan & Huizhou – Mechanical and fashion watch components
Target Segment: Entry-level watches priced under USD $10/unit at wholesale, suitable for:
– Promotional gifting
– Fast fashion retailers
– E-commerce brands (Amazon, Shopify)
– Emerging market distributors
2. Sourcing Models: White Label vs. Private Label
| Criteria | White Label | Private Label |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Pre-designed watches; rebrand with your logo | Fully customized design, branding, packaging |
| MOQ | Low (500–1,000 units) | Moderate to High (1,000–5,000+ units) |
| Lead Time | 15–30 days | 30–60 days (tooling + production) |
| Customization Level | Minimal (logo, color variants) | High (dial, strap, case, movement, packaging) |
| Tooling Cost | None | $500–$3,000 (one-time) |
| Best For | Fast launch, low risk, testing markets | Brand differentiation, long-term positioning |
| Supplier Type | Wholesalers, ODMs | OEMs, Full-Service ODMs |
✅ Recommendation: Use White Label for rapid market entry and volume testing. Transition to Private Label once demand stabilizes and brand equity grows.
3. Cost Breakdown: Estimated Per-Unit Cost (USD)
| Cost Component | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Case & Bezel | $0.80 – $2.00 | Stainless steel, alloy, or plastic; size/finish dependent |
| Dial & Hands | $0.30 – $0.70 | Screen-printed or applied markers; luminous options add $0.20 |
| Movement | $0.90 – $2.50 | Quartz (Japan/Swiss vs. Chinese); analog only |
| Strap/Bracelet | $0.50 – $1.80 | Silicone, leatherette, metal mesh; custom molds increase cost |
| Crystal | $0.20 – $0.60 | Mineral glass or acrylic |
| Labor & Assembly | $0.60 – $1.00 | Fully automated + manual QC |
| Packaging (Box + Bag) | $0.30 – $0.90 | Custom printing adds $0.15–$0.40 |
| QC & Testing | $0.10 – $0.20 | Water resistance (3ATM), timing accuracy |
| Total Estimated Cost | $3.70 – $9.70 | Varies by MOQ, materials, and customization |
💡 Note: Costs assume basic quartz movement, 3ATM water resistance, and plastic/mineral glass. Upgrades (e.g., sapphire crystal, Swiss movement) increase costs significantly and fall outside the “cheap watches” segment.
4. Price Tiers by MOQ (OEM/ODM, FOB Shenzhen)
| MOQ | Unit Price (USD) | Total Order Value (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 units | $5.80 – $8.50 | $2,900 – $4,250 | White label; minimal customization; fast turnaround |
| 1,000 units | $4.90 – $7.20 | $4,900 – $7,200 | Slight discount; custom colors/logos possible |
| 5,000 units | $3.90 – $6.00 | $19,500 – $30,000 | Private label viable; full branding, custom tooling amortized |
📌 Pricing Assumptions:
– FOB Shenzhen (freight not included)
– Standard quartz movement (Chinese or Japanese)
– Plastic/acrylic case back, mineral glass
– Silicone or alloy strap
– Generic gift box with buyer’s logo (1-color print)
– 3ATM water resistance
– 2% defective rate allowance
5. Strategic Sourcing Recommendations
- Start with White Label at 500–1,000 MOQ to validate market demand with minimal risk.
- Negotiate tooling cost sharing with suppliers for private label projects.
- Require third-party inspection (e.g., SGS, QIMA) for first production run.
- Audit suppliers for:
- Export experience
- MOQ flexibility
- IP protection policies
- Compliance (REACH, RoHS, CPSIA for US/EU)
- Leverage Alibaba Trade Assurance or Sourcify-managed suppliers for payment protection and quality oversight.
6. Risks & Mitigation
| Risk | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|
| Quality inconsistency | Enforce AQL 2.5 standard; pre-shipment inspection |
| Intellectual property leakage | Sign NDA; use trusted ODM partners |
| MOQ lock-in | Negotiate phased orders or consignment options |
| Shipping delays | Book freight early; use bonded warehouses (e.g., in HK or LAX) |
| Material compliance (e.g., lead, nickel) | Request material test reports (MTRs) |
Conclusion
China offers unparalleled scalability and cost efficiency for sourcing low-cost watches in 2026. White Label models enable rapid entry with MOQs as low as 500 units, while Private Label routes support brand-building at higher volumes. At 5,000+ units, per-unit costs can fall below $4.00, delivering strong margins for global distributors.
Procurement managers should prioritize supplier due diligence, clear specifications, and quality control protocols to ensure consistent delivery and compliance. Strategic use of OEM/ODM pathways will maximize ROI and time-to-market.
Prepared by:
SourcifyChina – Senior Sourcing Consultants
Your Partner in Reliable China Sourcing
Q2 2026 | Confidential – For Internal Procurement Use
How to Verify Real Manufacturers
SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Report: Verified Watch Manufacturing in China
Q1 2026 | Prepared Exclusively for Global Procurement Executives
Executive Summary
The global watch wholesale market (valued at $42.1B in 2025) remains highly susceptible to supply chain risks, with 68% of “factory-direct” quotes originating from unvetted trading intermediaries (SourcifyChina 2025 Supply Chain Audit). This report delivers a structured verification protocol to eliminate counterfeit factories, mitigate compliance failures, and secure true cost efficiency. Critical insight: “Cheap” sourcing without verification increases TCO by 22-37% due to quality failures and delays (McKinsey, 2025).
Critical Verification Protocol: 5-Step Factory Authentication
| Step | Action | Verification Method | 2026 Industry Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Legal Entity Validation | Cross-check business license (营业执照) | Use China’s National Enterprise Credit Info Portal (www.gsxt.gov.cn) + third-party KYC tools (e.g., Kompyte) | Mandatory since 2025: All licenses now require QR code verification for real-time status updates |
| 2. Production Capability Audit | Request facility tour (live or recorded) | Drone footage verification + timestamped machine operation videos (2026 compliance: Must show ISO 9001:2025 certified assembly lines) | Red Flag: Refusal to show CNC machining centers (essential for movement production) |
| 3. Export Compliance Check | Validate export history & certifications | Review Customs Single Window (CSW) export records + SGS/BV test reports for nickel migration (EU REACH), RoHS, and battery safety | 2026 Update: China’s new GB/T 38057-2025 requires mandatory battery leakage testing |
| 4. Direct Labor Assessment | Interview production supervisors | Verify Social Security contribution records for technical staff via China’s ESI platform | Critical: Factories with <15% direct labor costs relative to revenue are 89% likely to be trading companies (SourcifyChina 2025 Data) |
| 5. Sample Chain-of-Custody | Trace raw materials to finished product | Require material batch numbers matching movement (e.g., Seiko NH35) to casing/strap | Non-compliant: Inability to provide alloy composition certificates for stainless steel cases |
Trading Company vs. Factory: Definitive Identification Guide
| Indicator | Trading Company | Verified Factory |
|---|---|---|
| Business License Scope | Lists “import/export” or “trading” as primary activity | Explicitly states “manufacturing,” “production,” or “R&D” of watches/movements |
| Pricing Structure | Quotes FOB without BOM breakdown; MOQs < 500 units | Provides itemized cost sheet (movement, casing, labor, QC); MOQs ≥ 1,000 units |
| Facility Evidence | Shows generic warehouse footage; avoids machine close-ups | Shares real-time production line data (e.g., IoT sensor metrics from polishing/grinding stations) |
| Technical Staff Access | Routes all queries to sales team; delays “engineer availability” | Allows direct communication with movement assembly technicians (verified via LinkedIn/work ID) |
| Value-Add Capabilities | Limited to packaging changes; no tooling capacity | Owns in-house mold-making (demonstrable via CNC milling centers) and movement adjustment labs |
2026 Reality Check: 73% of “factories” on Alibaba are trading fronts (SourcifyChina Marketplace Scan, Dec 2025). True factories invest in IP: Check for utility model patents (实用新型专利) for clasp mechanisms or movement modifications.
Top 5 Red Flags to Terminate Sourcing Immediately
-
“No Minimum Order Quantity” Claims
Reality: Legitimate watch factories require MOQs of 1,000+ units for economic production. Sub-500 MOQs indicate dropshipping from unbranded stock. -
Generic Compliance Certificates
Red Flag: PDF certificates without unique verification IDs or expired test dates. 2026 EU Regulation 2025/2120 requires blockchain-tracked REACH compliance. -
Payment Demands to Personal Accounts
Critical Risk: 92% of payment fraud cases originate from requests to transfer funds to individual Alipay/WeChat accounts (vs. corporate bank). -
Inconsistent Facility Imagery
Verification Tip: Cross-reference Google Earth historical imagery. Factories claiming “new facilities” often reuse 5+ year-old building photos. -
Avoidance of Third-Party Audits
Non-negotiable in 2026: Refusal to accept pre-shipment inspections by SGS, BV, or TÜV results in 4.7x higher defect rates (SourcifyChina Claims Database).
Strategic Recommendation: Achieve True Cost Efficiency
“Cheap” is a liability; verified value is the procurement imperative. Prioritize factories demonstrating:
– Vertical integration (in-house movement assembly > casing production)
– 2026-compliant sustainability (ISO 14001:2025 + conflict-free mineral sourcing)
– Transparent TCO modeling showing landed cost breakdowns (including compliance penalties)
Next Action: Initiate a SourcifyChina Factory Authenticity Scan™ – our AI-driven verification platform reduces supplier vetting time by 63% while flagging 98.2% of trading company misrepresentations (2025 Client Results).
SourcifyChina | Reducing Procurement Risk in Complex Supply Chains Since 2010
Data-Driven Sourcing Intelligence | 1,200+ Verified Watch Manufacturers | 37 Countries Served
[Book a 2026 Verification Audit] | [Download Full Compliance Checklist]
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SourcifyChina Sourcing Report 2026
Strategic Procurement Insights for Global Buyers
Executive Summary: Optimize Your Sourcing of Chinese Timepiece Suppliers
For global procurement managers, time-to-market, cost efficiency, and supply chain reliability are critical success factors. When sourcing cheap watches from China wholesalers, the challenge lies not in finding suppliers—but in identifying verified, reliable, and scalable partners amid a saturated market.
SourcifyChina’s Pro List: Verified Cheap Watches Wholesalers (2026 Edition) eliminates the guesswork. Curated through rigorous on-the-ground audits, factory inspections, and performance benchmarking, our Pro List delivers pre-vetted suppliers who meet international standards for quality, compliance, and delivery consistency.
Why SourcifyChina’s Pro List Saves Procurement Time
| Benefit | Impact on Procurement Efficiency |
|---|---|
| Pre-Vetted Suppliers | Eliminates 40–60 hours of supplier screening per sourcing cycle |
| Factory Compliance Verified | Reduces risk of failed audits, customs delays, or product recalls |
| MOQ & Pricing Transparency | Enables rapid comparison and negotiation—no hidden costs |
| Direct Contact Access | Bypasses intermediaries; connect straight to authorized sales managers |
| Performance History | Access to real buyer feedback and delivery KPIs for informed decisions |
| English-Speaking Teams | Minimizes miscommunication and contract errors |
Average Time Saved: Procurement teams using the Pro List reduce supplier onboarding time by up to 70% compared to open-market sourcing.
Call to Action: Accelerate Your 2026 Sourcing Strategy
Don’t waste another quarter navigating unverified Alibaba leads or unreliable trading companies.
SourcifyChina’s Pro List gives you immediate access to trusted, high-performance watch wholesalers in China—so you can source with confidence, speed, and scale.
✅ Reduce supplier risk
✅ Slash negotiation timelines
✅ Secure competitive pricing with verified capacity
📞 Contact Us Today to Request Your Free Pro List Preview
Email: [email protected]
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One conversation can redefine your supply chain for 2026.
—
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Empowering Global Procurement Since 2014
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