There are only two Japanese mechanical mov.t left (which however equip a good 70% of the affordable microbrand makers) but the only player which can compete technically and in image with the Swiss is Grand Seiko. BTW GS don't even have any service center except in Japan, and their idea about the upper segment of the watch market is identical to the Swiss: keep the profit margin as high as possible and don't let anyone work on products. So if we compare apples with apples, we find that
If you're buying a watch (not quartz and not fashion) below $200 you have Japan or Chinese. Below $1,000 the same, plus the occasional Tissot. But at the $2,000 marker already, only Swiss and Germans are left, and I think they will remain at the top.
If you're an hobbyist, stay with Japanese or older / economical Swiss watches. Lots of parts and lots of fun, minus the anxiety of working on an expensive, late piece.
If you're a pro, step up your game and take the all the possible training from the official brands, which will give you access to parts and technical database. You can also keep doing special work like lathe and restoration, which is also well paid.
Sure, and I have in the drawer a design of my own which will be China made. In Hong Kong I've found that they're nice hard working people, but when you ask for something they don't have at hand, or have direct experience making, you may be disappointed. And their entire industry is very secretive also. If you look carefully the only truly high quality production that comes out of China is from European or Japanese factories (equipped with European or Japanese machinery). The only exception could be Sea-Gull, and the makers of the very top end fake Rolex. I'll admit that they know what they are doing