News Established in Geneva since 1981, Cartier International has underlined its commitment to the values of Swiss watchmaking excellence by opening a luxury watchmaking workshop in Meyrin. At the outset employing ten highly qualified watchmakers specialising in assembly and timing, the unit is expected to expand very quickly.
Cartier has opened a new chapter in its history by joining the extremely select group of watch manufactures certified to display the Geneva Seal. This highly sought-after stamp seals the installation of Cartier Horlogerie in Geneva, where its master craftsmen have developed and crafted the calibre 9452 MC.
Created in the 19th century by a guild plagued by counterfeit products, the Geneva Seal is currently considered to be the symbol of watchmaking perfection. Enacted into law in 1886, it is probably one of the oldest professional labels, recognised both as an indication of independent origin and a guarantee of superior quality.
Three prerequisites determine the award of the Geneva Seal: the movement must be mechanical and, at a minimum, assembled and adjusted in the canton of Geneva; each calibre must meet twelve technical and aesthetic criteria outlined in the regulations, which have a bearing on its design and characteristics as well as the quality of the manufacture and finishes; the calibre must be approved and officially recognised by the Office for the Voluntary Inspection of Watches from Geneva. This office is supervised by a sworn-in commission composed of members that have been appointed by the government of the canton.
April 15, 2008
