According to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH:
“Swiss made” embodies a concept of quality that has been forged over the years. It includes the technical quality of watches (accuracy, reliability, water-resistance and shock-resistance), as well as their aesthetic quality (elegance and originality of design).
Essentially it is deemed to be the ultimate stamp of approval for quality made, precision craftsmanship thus making it highly desirable. But how hard is it really to get this accreditation? Under Swiss law, a watch can only be affixed with the label ‘Swiss Made’ if it satisfies the following criteria:
- its movement is Swiss and,
- its movement is cased up in Switzerland and;
- the manufacturer carries out the final inspection in Switzerland.
At first reading these requirements seem quite robust but in reality they are not. Although it may not be considered common knowledge quite a few Swiss companies have been known to have watches assembled in China for export to North America, Asia and even Europe. Whilst powered by a Swiss Movement these watches may consist of a Chinese-made case and crystal, a Taiwan-made dial and metal bracelet and Japanese hands. As long as it is all put together in Switzerland then it will satisfy the requirements for ‘Swiss Made’ approval.
Its important to note though that the law does not so much define Swiss made as it pertains to wrist watches, but rather it sets a minimum standard of what is required for a watch to be considered Swiss made. Often the inherent ‘Swissness’ of a watch is largely dependent on the brand and its reputation.
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