"Swiss Made" Designation
Use of the words "Swiss made" on a watch is governed by the Swiss federal Ordinance on the Use of the Designation 'Swiss' for Watches (RS 232.119). The current version, in force since 1 January 2017, raised the previous 50% threshold for mechanical watches and extended cost-based criteria to the full watch (not only the movement).
What the law requires
At least 60% of manufacturing costs must be generated in Switzerland; the movement must be Swiss (which itself requires ≥60% Swiss costs and assembly, casing, final inspection in Switzerland); the technical development of both watch and movement must take place in Switzerland.
Enforcement
The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) brings actions against misuse. Cases have been pursued against importers using 'Swiss Made' on quartz watches assembled in Switzerland from largely non-Swiss components.
Key facts
- ▸Federal ordinance RS 232.119, in force 1 January 2017
- ▸60% Swiss manufacturing-cost threshold
- ▸Applies to the whole watch, not only the movement