News While the year 2000 saw the Contrôle officiel suisse des chronomètres (COSC) pass the one million mark in terms of the number of certificates of all types issued, 2001 marked a new record for the mechanical chronometer, with 1,198,073 certificates issued for movements of this type. This impressive figure represents an increase of 25.9 % compared to the previous year and is proof of the growing interest among the public for these top-of-the-range products.
For its part, the quartz chronometer recorded a decline of 13.0 %, with 57,442 certificates. This downturn is not however indicative of the market trend. It is the consequence of the entry into force of new test regulations. Calibres meeting certification criteria have become increasingly complicated, more rare and more costly. Many firms have stopped producing them, however the quartz chronometer has become an exceptional product with an appeal that is set to last.
In total, 2001 saw an increase of 23.3 %, to 1,255,515, in the number of certificates of all types issued, representing an all-time record. The total number of registrations, meanwhile, rose to 1,315,752 pieces.
In terms of brands, Rolex was, as always, well ahead of the field with 762,175 certificates, followed by Omega (207,879), which took second place from Breitling (142,825). Next came: Bulgari (36,380), Panerai (27'275), TAG Heuer (20'650), Baume & Mercier (10'416), Chopard (7'273), Zenith (5'664), Vacheron Constantin (3'038), Ebel (2'837), Ikepod (2'687), Tissot (2'600), Krieger (2'267), Ulysse Nardin (2'253), Eterna (2'119), Ventura Design on Time (1'741), Mühle-Glashütte (1'290), Patek Philippe (1'286), Hermès (1'115) et Paul Picot (1'085). All other applicants obtained fewer than 1,000 certificates.
August 29, 2002