Stricter Swiss made criteria for watches

In response to the industry's wishes, the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry launched a process in 2007 to strengthen the Swiss made designation for watches. The aim was to amend the ordinance regulating the use of the name 'Swiss' for watches, more commonly known as the Swiss made ordinance.

This initiative has three fundamental objectives:

• to ensure the long-term credibility and value of the geographical indication 'Swiss'
• to ensure consumer satisfaction: when purchasing a Swiss made watch, consumers expect it to reflect the quality and reputation of the Swiss watchmaking tradition and therefore to be manufactured in Switzerland with a substantial proportion of Swiss added value
• to close a legal loophole so that abuses can be tackled more effectively

The main change resulting from the stricter requirements is the introduction of a minimum Swiss value criterion for the watch as a whole, rather than for the movement alone. Accordingly, a watch must now contain at least 60% Swiss value to qualify for the Swiss made designation.

Previous requirements, such as the incorporation of a Swiss movement, casing-up and final inspection in Switzerland, have been retained. However, the definition of a Swiss movement now also requires a minimum of 60% Swiss value (compared with 50% previously).

New elements, including research and development and certification costs, are also taken into account when calculating Swiss value.

The new Swiss made ordinance entered into force on 1 January 2017.