Geneva Seal (Poinçon de Genève)
Established by Geneva cantonal law on 6 November 1886 and substantially revised in 2011, the Geneva Seal certifies origin (the watch must be assembled, cased and adjusted in the Canton of Geneva) and quality (a published specification covering finishing, materials and chronometric performance).
Modern criteria
The 2011 revision (effective 2012) extended the seal from the movement to the entire watch and added performance tests: 7 days of running, water resistance, power-reserve compliance and rate within ±1 minute over 7 days. Finishing requirements include polished bevels, drawn flanks, and traditional decoration of plates and bridges.
Brands certified
Notable users include Vacheron Constantin, Roger Dubuis, Cartier (selected references), Chopard L.U.C and Louis Vuitton (La Fabrique du Temps). Rolex and Patek Philippe maintain their own equivalent or higher in-house standards in lieu of the seal.
Key facts
- ▸Established 1886; major revision 2011
- ▸Restricted to the Canton of Geneva
- ▸Now certifies the whole watch, not just the movement