Obtaining the "Swiss made" watchmaking label

Basic criteria for the "Swiss made" label

For a watch to receive the Swiss made label, several essential conditions must be met. For example, at least 60% of the production cost must be generated in Switzerland, and this percentage excludes the costs of unprocessed raw materials.

This criterion ensures that the Swiss contribution to the creation of the watch is significant, thereby enhancing the value of Swiss craftsmanship and engineering.

Final assembly of the watch

The final assembly of the watch is a crucial stage in obtaining the Swiss made label. This process includes fitting the movement into the case, as well as installing the dial, hands, and often the crown and strap.

For the watch to be considered Swiss, assembly must take place in Switzerland, under the direct supervision of qualified Swiss technicians.

To obtain the Swiss made label for a watch, manufacturers must submit a full application to the Swiss certification body. This application must include several essential elements that prove not only compliance with the specific criteria, but also the quality and authenticity of the manufacturing processes used. These are the main components of the application:

Product description

The product description must be detailed and include all the specifications of the watch, including :

• Model and design : Detailed description of the design, including dimensions, materials used for the case, dial, crown and strap.
• Movement: Type of movement (mechanical, automatic, quartz), list of main components and their origin. An explanation of how the movement is manufactured and assembled in Switzerland is required.
• Special functions : Description of all complications such as chronograph, date display, moon phases, etc.

Manufacturing process

A document detailing each stage of the manufacturing process must be provided, including:

• Sources of materials : The origin of the materials used, with an emphasis on how they are processed in Switzerland.
• Assembly details : Description of each stage in the assembly of the movement and the watch, indicating where and how these stages are carried out in Switzerland.
• Quality control : Methods and frequency of quality inspections during the manufacturing process, specifying the standards applied.

Documented evidence

Documented evidence must accompany the product description and manufacturing process to verify the claims made in the application. Such evidence may include:

• Invoices and receipts : Documents showing the purchase of materials and associated costs, proving that 60 % of the cost price is generated in Switzerland.
• Audit reports : Internal or external audit reports confirming adherence to Swiss quality standards and certification criteria.
• Quality certifications : Copies of quality certifications for the materials used or for the manufacturing process itself.
• Photographs and videos : Images and videos of the manufacturing process, showing the key stages carried out in Switzerland.

Manufacturer's responsibilities

The manufacturer must also provide a signed declaration attesting to the truth and accuracy of all the information provided. The manufacturer must also undertake to notify the certification body of any changes in the manufacturing processes or supply chain that could affect the Swiss made status of the watch.

This complete application and supporting documentation must be submitted to a Swiss certification body, which will assess the product's compliance with Swiss made standards. The process is rigorous and requires careful attention to detail to ensure that all requirements are clearly met and documented.

1. Visit the FH website Their website provides information on the standards, regulations and processes involved in obtaining the Swiss made label. The URL is www.fhs.swiss.
2. Direct contact Swiss made: Use the contact details provided on their website to discuss your specific Swiss made certification requirements. They will be able to guide you through the steps to be taken and the documents to be supplied.
3. Consultation with experts You may also wish to consult certification experts or consultants specialising in the Swiss watch industry to help you prepare your application.

Regular audits can be carried out to ensure ongoing product compliance!

Over and above the strict technical criteria that have to be met, obtaining the Swissmade label is of crucial strategic importance for Swiss watch manufacturers. This label significantly enhances the reputation for quality, reliability and prestige associated with Swiss watches.

For consumers, the "Swiss Made" label is synonymous with exceptional watchmaking expertise, mechanical precision and durability. It reassures buyers of the authenticity and value of the product they are buying. This international recognition of Swiss craftsmanship adds value to certified watches.

At industry level, this label plays an essential role in the competitiveness of Swiss watch brands on the world market. It enables them to stand out from foreign competition and justify higher prices, reflecting the superior quality of their production. This certification is therefore a major asset in maintaining Switzerland's leading position in the luxury watch sector.

This is not just a guarantee of technical conformity, but also a powerful marketing lever that reinforces the perceived value of Swiss watches among consumers and ensures the competitiveness of Swiss manufacturers on the international stage.

Summary: