Swiss Made = Swiss Made?

Switzerland stands for quality and reliability. There is nothing wrong with us making the best mechanical as well as quartz movement watches.

1. When being defined as a Swiss watch, the watch is assessed as an end product. In accordance with general “Swissness” criteria for industrial products, at least 60 percent of the production costs must have been incurred in Switzerland.
2. Of course, the clockwork plays an important role as well. Components manufactured in Switzerland must account for at least 50 percent of the value of a movement as well as at least 60 percent of the production costs.
3. Based on the trademark law, the technical development of a clock or clockwork must take place in Switzerland. The assembly and encasing of the mechanism as well as the final inspection of the clock or mechanism  must take place in Switzerland.

These criteria were only enforced from the 1st of January 2017. Since certain brands cannot meet such requirements yet, they have received an extension of two years to switch to the new Swiss Made process.

What should also be taken into account is that Swiss Made is not Swiss Made. A brand like Omega or IWC carries more Swissness than a Mondaine. Naturally, there are significant differences in quality, especially with regard to the accuracy of the mechanical clock.

According to the association of the Swiss watch industry, every “certified” Swiss Made watch generates an additional profit of 20 percent. Thus, this certification earns the manufacturers a profit of several billion per year.