We often go over those markings on our watches, and often go over their real meanings.
Here is what is implied when we see 'Swiss Made' on our watches.
The mention 'Swiss Made', sometimes shortened to 'Swiss', is very seriously regulated. The Swiss do not joke with this true certificate of origin of their watches, which is worth in their eyes, the mark of quality control. The 'Swiss Made' certifies technical quality (accuracy, reliability, seals (waterproof), shocks resistance) and aesthetic quality (elegance and originality of the design), and conforming with new technologies (micro-electronics).
To deserve the 'Swiss Made' or 'Swiss', a watch must have been 'worked in Switzerland’; even if a few components 'not-swiss' are allowed. The assembly of the wristwatch and the assembly of movement, the dial, the hands and other parts must be carried out in Switzerland, just as the final quality control by manufacturing. At least fifty percent (50%) of the movement’s parts or their value must be of Swiss origin.
If the movement meets with this standard but that the watch is not assembled in Switzerland, only the indication 'Suisse' could be affixed on movement. The outside of the wristwatch, can only mention 'movement Swiss' or 'Swiss movement'.
On the bracelet, 'Swiss made' is like wise of same the constraints of assembly and source, but such bracelet must be in accompanied of a Swiss wristwatch.
Otherwise 'Swiss Bracelet' is used in the case that a 'Swiss made' bracelet would be provided with a wristwatch that is NOT 'Swiss made'.
The mention 'Swiss Quartz' is very much used by the Asian, but very disputed by the Swiss. 'Suisse Parts' on movement means that some parts are Swiss, but that the watch was assembled elsewhere than in Switzerland.
The mention 'Geneva' is just as thoroughly protected. It generally accompanies the brand name. Only can claim (granted by: The Bureau de contrôle des montres de Genève) 'Swiss Made' wristwatches of which at least fifty percent (50%) of their production and assembly and the assembly were carried out in the canton of Geneva.
More info on 'Swiss Made' is available from:
Fédération de l'industrie Horlogère Suisse
Yves Odier.
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