News The «Poinçon de Genève» is a yardstick for fine manufacture by the watchmaking brands in the Canton. To mark its 125th anniversary, it has benefited from a facelift.
On 9 November last, at the Forces Motrices building in Geneva, Timelab revealed the criteria for the new «Poinçon de Genève» which will take effect in June 2012. Backed by its 125 year history, this cantonal label testifies to the fine manufacture of the products which are entitled to bear the mark.
The adventure of the hallmark dates back to the 17th century when watchmaking became a prosperous industry in Geneva. At that time, watchmakers decided to form a grouping, draw up a constitution, reorganise their profession and adopt a quality label. Stringent regulations on qualifications were adopted. The very name of Geneva engraved on a watch movement is sufficient to guarantee the fact that this is a timepiece of superior quality.
But quality must be protected. Especially when it is misused by manufacturers based outside Geneva, who nevertheless use the name Geneva, and even by journals which exploit this name for their own publicity purposes. Founded in 1873, the Society of Watchmakers looked for ways of remedying this situation. In 1886, this resulted in the adoption by the Grand Council of a law establishing the «Poinçon de Genève».
Characterised by three conditions for admission and twelve rigorous technical criteria which have been adapted over the decades to reflect the evolution of the profession (1891, 1931, 1955), the «Poinçon de Genève» is granted only for movements which have been assembled and timed on the territory of Geneva by watchmaking houses which have their registered office in the canton. Those conditions explain the fact that only a few brands currently benefit from the prestigious label which guarantees the origin, manufacturing quality, durability and expertise of Genevan watchmakers.
Established until 2009 on the premises of the Geneva Watchmaking School, this label is currently accommodated and managed by the watchmaking and micro-technology laboratory of Geneva, Timelab. Created in 2008, this institution houses not only the «Poinçon de Genève», but also the official Genevan COSC Bureau (Official Swiss Chronometer Verification Body).
Since the Genevan law was adopted in 1886 and until the present day, the original criteria which honoured craft expertise, tradition and love of fine workmanship only concerned the timepiece movement. But from now on the whole watch will have to be certified. The present criteria for the quality of the calibre will therefore be supplemented by further criteria for the exterior parts and the watch head (water-resistance, rate accuracy, functions and power-reserve).
As in the past, the verifications will continue to be performed in the enterprises wishing to obtain the hallmark for their products. Timelab staff will pay regular visits to the entitled users and sub-contractors on the basis of an established monitoring plan. Within each watchmaking company, one responsible person will be designated to perform all the verifications required to qualify for the label. Hitherto, assembly and timing had to be performed on the territory of Geneva. With effect from June 2012, casing-up (placing the dial, hands, introduction and fixing of the movement in the watch case) will be added to the new criteria needed to qualify for the «Poinçon de Genève». When a timepiece has successfully passed the requisite tests, the laboratory will grant it the Geneva Hallmark label which will be engraved on the bottom plate or bridges of its movement. A certificate will also be delivered and must accompany the certified timepiece permanently.
For the past 125 years, the «Poinçon de Genève» has been a byword for quality and regional craft expertise. This is proved by the certifications delivered by Timelab: 19,197 in 2010 and 23,893 as of 9 November 2011. With its proud history, the «Poinçon de Genève» is therefore embarking upon a new era and enhancing its image with consumers who take a keen interest in fine watchmaking.
November 21, 2011
