What is a Swiss Made watch and what are the requirements? - Watch and Learn #34
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- In today's episode of Watch and Learn, we tackle the topic of Swiss Made. Two little words cause so much confusion. We will break it down and explain to you what these words mean, and why there is so much contention when it comes to using these words. It is important to note that the requirements are ever changing and evolving.
We hope this video educates you some more about the Swiss Made label.
Please visit us at: www.longisland...
Bravo! Great explanation. I've seen watch enthusiasts, watchmakers, watch bloggers, trying to explain what actually Swiss made means. Finally someone took the document and cites it. No theories no maybe this or that. Technical education...
Thanks! Just giving the news, and explaining it a bit.
Your channel is the RUclips watch university! Thanks for sharing this.
Yes a very educational channel about Watches!
So refreshing to see a watch channel that gives good education.
Great explanation by a man who clearly knows (and respects) the ⌚ game 🙏
Great video Marc. Probably the most informative Watch and Learn I have watched (and learned). Thanks for this.
Thanks for watching.
That’s why I like Orient Watch, every little pieces is made in house in Japan by Orient.
Not the case anymore, unfortunately
Good point about the cost included in calculation. I've heard, some companies are going around with it by manufacturing most of the watch in countries when labour is cheap, and putting things together in switzerland, where labour is expensive. This way we've got a watch made in far east usually, with a cost of 40 $ and a few bits and pieces made in switzerland with cost of 60 $. This makes the watch " swiss made".
These videos complement TGV's and Federico's videos so well Marc.
Thank you sir!
Thank you Marc for this informative video on Swiss watches. Keep up the good work, I find all of your watch and learn videos are very good and I have learnt a lot from them.
thanks!
Learned a lot about watches from your channel, thanks marc...
The quality of most mechanical watches today is amazing. It seems to me that the Swiss needs to up their game a little. In the 70's you could buy an eta Movement for 29 dollars New. Made 100 percent in Switzerland parts and labor. Today 60 percent. I would like to see the Swiss watch's with their designation "Swiss Made or Made in Switzerland" 100 percent Swiss parts and labor. American made! 100 percent parts and labor, Japanese made! 100 percent parts and labor and German made! 100 percent parts and labor. After all most of the watch collectors, enthusiasts are quite anul about their watches weather from Invicta to Patek they love their watches.Mark a Great Video and thanks for making the watch world a better place.
Thanks for sharing.
It would seem a significant part of the movement could be manufactured in a country like China (on the original manufacturer's CNC machines) and then just assembled in Switzerland (maybe with a Swiss wheel or two, some Swiss springs and jewels which would easily give that 60% of total value based on currency exchange rates alone) and the movement is still considered "Swiss". Assemble that 60% Swiss movement in a Chinese case with a Chinese crystal, a Chinese case back, a Chinese band, and have a quick QC at a warehouse in Switzerland and it's anointed a "Swiss Made" watch. By comparison a "Made in USA" watch would need to be very near 100% from movement to band in the USA. You mentioned the Detroit company which didn't make the standard and that is correct. There is a California company (begins with a G) that gets close to Made in USA with their movement and case (and probably do it at a higher amount than the Swiss 60%), but the best they can do is label it as "Hand Built in America". Looks like the Made in USA or Hand Built in America might still be more honest than the Swiss Made label.
Good points, thank you.
Don't be so biased ... Grow up
Thanks Marc, awesome watch and learn. Really appreciate your candour in these videos.
Thanks.
I do like Switzerland and the people there. I'am from Europe and been there a lot of times. But, for me a Swiss watch means i can't afford them. I am perfectly happy with my Seiko and Casio Edifice watches. For me and my budget the are perfect. I have a lot of respect for the Japanese brands.
Thank you.
I want an edifice so bad. Cant justify it but going to get one anyway.
Ever heard of swiss military hanowa !? And festina ? Most of them labelled as swiss made
@@casteltheghettomonk4392 I have, just like Victorinox.
Superb, Marc. I get so much more out of these than the usual watch comparison videos Although I watch and enjoy both, (and learn from both), I really take away a lot of great information from these more in-depth, esoteric type W&L. Thanks!
Thanks so much for watching.
The whole "Swiss Made" thing has become almost meaningless (as Marc points out). It's another example (along with pricing, marketing, sales channel, etc.) of how the Swiss watchmaking industry has shot itself in the foot over the years. Seems like the easiest way to solve the problem, and bring some real prominence back to the "Swiss Made" label, would be to follow the "Made In The USA" example. Basically require that 100% of the piece be manufactured and assembled in Switzerland. As a consumer of entry level and mid-grade time pieces, I don't care if "Swiss Made" is printed on the dial since I know it's a watch that simply meets the bare minimum requirements. Anyway, thanks for another clear and concise video Marc. Keep 'em coming!
Thank you sir!
Is an automatic Tissot a good entry into the Swiss Made territory?
Great vid man. I'd like to see a rundown on Made in Japan pieces, especially with different variants of given watches available.
Thanks.
Excellent review Marc. So, make it so simple...! really enjoyed it.
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing the great info. I looked this up when I bought my Luminox 15 years ago and it had "Swiss made" label on the dial and was curious as to how Swiss is its Swissness.
And it has indeed changed!
Thank you for this video.
You explained elegantly and simply what Swiss Made means.
This has increased my appreciation for my very first luxury horological timepiece, which is also my first automatic watch: Tudor North Flag (Bracelet Ref: M91210N-0001, and purchased leather strap from Ref: M91210N-0002 as well).
😄👍⌚
Nice watch!
@Long Island Watch Thank you! 😄
Great informative video.
Question: Are Optima watches Swiss made? It says Swiss made on the dial but are they really?
Hi Marc, i know this video was made 7 years ago. I really appreciate the insights you have shared in this video. But i do have 1 question. If my brand is made in China but I use swiss movement in my watch, what label can I put in my watch dial for better branding? Can I put "swiss caliber" or "swiss calibre" instead of spelling swiss movement?
So I ordered a watch case, dial, hands and ETA 2824 movement from an eBay seller in Switzerland. All the stuff was made in Switzerland. I assembled the watch myself here in US Murica....I live in New Jersey. Will I be required to grind off all the 'Swiss Made' makings and replace it with 'Wiseguy Made'?
Best video marc. Most informative. Can we have similar video on what makes a watch a " luxury watch"
Can try, thank you.
Do you know anything about a vintage ladies watch, that says Sylvette, Swiss Made, Anti magnetic with the numbers 10184 on the back? The Swiss made is on the front, by the 6, and on the back? I can't find anything on it
Great video. It's all about protecting revenue. Same in many other industries. Look into Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Like a swiss watch, fakes all over the place, and legal definitions (and lawyers) abound. Keep up these watch & learns!
Thanks for the clarity of ,and on the information, people didn't believe me on this . l see a huge German watch industry growing very fast, thanks Mark by 2020 it will be 80% of the watch must be made in Switzerland. 👏👏👍😎
It is trending that way for sure.
your data24 yeah, unfortunately some German brands put Myota movements in their watches. 🙄 As for A. Lange & Sohne, well, they’re an exception and I think have the most beautiful watches in the world! For 99.9% of us, they’re unattainable.
Thanks Marc,great lesson and very informative. 👍 on a fun note you could become the human Google of the watch world .with you're knowledge.👍
Doubt it, but thank you!
Any comments on Swatch and Steinhart which both have Swiss Made markings on the dial. Thanks
Not really; I can only tell you what it is supposed to mean.
Steinhart is a German company who's factory is in Switzerland,the movements are ETA swiss made,some of the housings are outsourced some from China. Final assembly is in Switzerland.
Qc is german/swiss. Parts are 90 percent or more German except movements which are 100% swiss.
A great bargain non pretentious non snob brand that is destined to increase in price over the years as the brand gets more notice
Swatch owns ETA need I say more
Great video. Thanks! Learned a few new things today!
Another great video
Thanks!
It's so common to disguise things nowadays.
Great video Mark. Japanese watches ftw!
Thank you!
ani625 a lot of japanese watch parts are also made in China, Malaysia, etc.....with the exception of GS I believe........
What does Geneve on a watch mean? Do you have a video on that??
its the french name of the city of Geneva in switzerland
Good video man, many watch channels don't cover this.
Btw, you should do another video about "made in Japan" watches
Thank you. I will consider it.
Another insightful video once again. Thanks
Thank you for watching.
Awesome video Marc, I've learned so much from your videos, I learned how to use a divers bezel from one of your episode, btw I get lots of components on my Traser love that watch. Thank you for teaching me so much about horology.
Thanks for watching and buying!
thanks for the detailed explanation as always very interesting and informative cheers
Thank you.
Does the watch have to be assembled in Switzerland? I know the movement and final inspection does. But can you have the watch assembled and put together in another country then sent in for final inspection in Switzerland?
Not possible to my knowledge. The casing has to performed in Switzerland.
Any chance you could talk about the Ritmo Mundo Swiss Made IndyCar Seies chronograph I own. I love it, and it's about 5 years old now.But no one ever talks about these watches. I think it would for around $1500.00 when it was new. I just have so little info. I'm a begginer in horology.
I know Tissot is Swiss made but does it have Swiss movement?
I'd like to see a W&L that describes the basic qualities of a mechanical watch that establishes what high quality features are and then compare them based on countries. I'd be curious what it is that makes a "Swiss" watch versus a "Japan" watch better or not. What is it beyond the "name" or country designation that makes a watch mechanically desirable.
Thanks, will consider it.
Aram Krikorian
Yes, please. That would be Very interesting
After seeing the new seagull 1963, i must say chinese made is definitely not inferior!
Your reviews are awesome .
Thanks.
You are welcome . It is so refreshing to listen to a mechanical engineer talk about watches .
Great vid. Thanks Marc!
Great video Marc!
Thanks for checking it out.
I appreciate your videos Marc and I am trying to get to all of them! I love my Oris and Ball watches... but I am curious: What is a standard or common manufacturing practice that "just" meets the requirement? I am guessing the parts are stamped in Asia, maybe even partially assembled and then shipped to Switzerland to complete just enough of the process to meet the requirement?
For example, a case needs to have one major manufacturing process in Switzerland to be called Swiss made. So you could cast it in Greenland (why say China!) and then polish it in Switzerland, and it is likely "Swiss".
Marc! Dose this will raised the price of the final product next years????! Because already climbing and the price of mid range swiss watches become like high end ones ?? I hope am wrong
As they get more "Swiss", they will get more expensive.
Long Island Watch oooh, sad to hear that especially am planning for long term goals 😭and as you are expert in this field can you predict how much the price will rise ??
Great video
Good job Marc, very informative and educational. All comes down to making sure the money is being distributed correctly. Cornering the market? How many brands does the SWATCH Group have? Thank you for the info.
Many! And not just brands of watches, but companies that make parts. Their website has them all.
There should be a similar label for calling movements in house because I’ve seen a lot of slightly modified eta movements be called in house lately.
Great job as usual Mark! By the way, I love my new Junkers auto it's absolutely beautiful.
Thanks for your business.
Great explanation!
Does the swiss made legend in the front makes the watch expensive?
It means expensive labor went into it.
Good information; "thanks Mark".
Another very great video. Very enlightening. If I'm understanding you, if a watch says Swiss in the case back the case has to be made in Switzerland? There is a certain watch manufacturer that makes watches that say made in Switzerland in the dial and the caseback. Would that mean that the case is made there? This particular company makes really nice dive watches but receives a lot of hate because certain people say they are made in China. Thanks in advance.
From reading the document, that is how it appears.
Thanks Marc. That's good. Then all the naysayers on this watchmaker are just talking.
Hey Marc, what do you think about Tissot watches?
Love 'em
My Movado series 800 chronograph says Swiss Made. What’s your opinion? Thanks
Movado 800s are Swiss Made. Although they have a quartz movement, it is a Swiss-made quartz movement. But many of the minimalist ones people love so much are not, they have a swiss quartz movement so they are marked only as "Swiss Movement." Movado now makes such lower prestige fashion watch brands as Coach, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Scuderia Ferrari, MVMT, and Rebecca Minkoff.
Can you say something about Swiss Military Hanowa?! They say that are registred on swiss confederation... I'm almost purchesing the worldtimer (ronda movement gmt).
Thanks for sharing the knowledge. I heard they updated their regulations on Swiss Made recently. I understand Swiss want to protect the origin of the product. Totally agree. At the end of the day is more of marketing, and perhaps prestige, than anything else. As for me good timepiece, good music, everything artistry if good has no boundaries.
Yes, and they will continue to update it and make it tighter and tighter.
my rolex just got swiss instead of swiss made..whats the difference? thx
On my Tudor North Flag it says "Geneve" at 12. Could you please explain that?
That's because Tudor's headquarters are in Geneva. The use of city names is not regulated. Actually, other brands do/did that, too. There are Omegas marked Omege Geneve f.ex.
Gabriel Norberg How do u like the North flag?Had my eye on it for awhile still not sure of I should pull the trigger
Just another marking on the dial; not a trademark.
Great video, thank you
Thank you.
Thanks Marc. Schooled again. Would love to see a video about ETA. Being that they are the juggernaut of the industry. I'm sure they hold a controlling interest in a wide area of the watch world...
Would love to be enlightened.
Thanks!
That company in Detroit does not know sh-t from shienola. Very nicely researched video thanks !
How about mathey tissot watches. Swiss made. Any good?
I'd like to know what the requirements for French made is it seems like they have none .
Great vid Marc, very informative and interesting, keep it going!
Thank you sir!
Great video. So Steinhart watches are made in Germany but all their watches say Swiss Made. So they are in violation?
No, at least for now. They assemble the watches in Switzerland. But since Mr Steinhart designs all the watches himself (so they say), he has either to move to Switzerland (R&D) or find another solution.
True. But Made in Germany also has a different connotation than Swiss Made, different requirements too.
gmlasam Yes steinhart violates it very well, i know the factory in asia where they produce their bracelets, bezels, dials, cases, and crowns, and casebacks. only thing swiss about them is the elabore eta mvmt.
hentai Pawn you must really dislike steinhart, you mention them in a lot of replys
To add even more confusion: I have chronograph that says "Swiss parts" but with "China movement." From what I can tell, it's Swiss quartz but assembled in China.
This 'is reported as true Journalism should be! Future Video Suggestion: You like blue, I like blue, many do. How about a video comparing different shades of blue? For example, the blues of Squale aquamarine blue vs the Seiko pepsi blue vs the blue dial of the Orient mako , (which for some reason I can't warm up to), etc. With your archives, you could do a helluva smorgasbord of blues laid out across a table.
Did you see my video on blue faced watches?
Great video love it
Thank you for info. !!!
Nice video
What's your opinion on Swiss quartz?
Nothing wrong with it.
Mark, what is going on with Squale's and u. Will u be selling them? I saw a video giving your name and Squale but the sight would not come up. Help!!!!
I admire you so much man
How about Swiss Maid?
t swiss t what dose it means ?
I’ve wondered this as well. Maybe it have to do with the trademark (specified differently in Switzerland vs “TM” in USA)
Rolex and other high end watches used to have “ T Swiss T “ at 6 o’ clock years back.
That was due to exposed Tritium based paint.
"Swissness" lol, yeah reminds me of 'Truthiness' meaning of course, not exactly true at all, but sounding close enough
Informative
Thanks!
I have a quartz watch that reads movement made in Switzerland.
I had no idea they made any quartz at all!
ETA is a tremendous Swiss company that also makes quartz movements.
So I'm looking at victorinox ,are they really Swiss?
If it says so on the dial . . .
what about Wenger watches, are they really swiss made and how come they are cheap.
@@luiscastro5456 ik they have some automatics but they're rare
So I can assume a Swiss Made watch will become more expensive as the percentage of direct Swiss involvement increases. Made in Japan and Made in Germany is a much looser term and allows for more affordable prices. This will push Swiss Made watches more to the top of the price brackets. I wonder how companies like Hamilton and Tissot will come out in all this.
Indeed. It is a very interesting problem. That pedigree so many want to achieve will just become more valuable.
Too complicated. lol. I will just think "Earth made" from now on and pray what I buy last a few good years. Thanks for the videos.
Great video. I definitely think they should make it stricter to say "SWISS MADE". IMO Should be 100% made in Switzerland to say that really.. otherwise say things as you mentioned, like "swiss movements". Hot topic here! :)
True, thank you!
But what about Invicta? ;)
haha... glad you said what you said at 3:28 ... for a minute I I thought you were saying a Grand Seiko was a finer watch than a Patek Philippe.. Another great nation for watch making btw, is Germany..
Thanks for checking out the channel.
It should be 100% if it says "Swiss Made"! I just saw a video about a Seiko cocktail that stopped working and Chinese parts were found in the watch. I expected more from Seiko. :(
At least there are established rules for it.
Dan E unfortunately there are now chinese made fake seiko watches.
Howard Maryon-Davis maybe the americans could fake seagull 1963s;)
Always informative,and simple,Thanks.
Bone of contention !
Indeed it is.
This may piss off a lot of people but maybe high end more "legit" companies should come up with a new branding like 100% Swiss Made or Made in Switzerland.
They might, but Swiss Made is known throughout the world.
So this means that many Swiss Made watches are not 100% Swiss watches, like Steinhart, is assembly in Germany with Swiss mov. I like to know if MIDO is Made in Switzerland or other place? I believe they do that to increase the price and treat many people as a fools, buy Swiss and received a Chinese watch with Swiss Made requirements.
That's what the internet is for, educate yourself and only buy from reputable dealers
Why is the country of origin always in English? I have several Swiss and German pieces and I think it would be cool to have that in French or German. Personally, I don't care about "Swiss made," for example I think there are brands made in Germany that are fantastic (Junghans, Nomos, Sinn), and I always thought it was weird that Panerai, which is as Italian as spaghetti in my mind, goes for the "Swiss Made" mark.
Good vid, thanks for the info!
The Breitling I showed has it not in English on the caseback.
because english is the "international language" ?
This is why I have two Rolex both classic from 2002 and 2010, so I know they are truly Swiss. The third watch I have is an Omega SpeedMaster from 2002. I really like the Speedy, but I know the parts are not hundred percent Swiss. It's ok I really like the Omega. Problem with the sixty percent value Swiss is the labor costs in China a very, very low. Most of the parts can be Chinese they will have relatively low value, and the labor costs in Switzerland are so much higher the sixty percent value can be easily attained despite ninety percent of the physical watch is Chinese.
Thanks for the feedback.
The rules changes seem to be targeting Invicta.
Back in the 70's, one of my Professors had a watch that was denoted with SWISS, told me that it was 100% made in Switzerland. I have yet to see another watch like that. Is that a true fact to your knowledge?
So my 7 dollar "Swiss made" chinese watch isn't genuinly swiss?? How disappointing and unexpected ;-)
Swiss Cheese Made :)
There's probably a Chineese province named "Swiss" somewhere. :)
Really? What's the name of the watch
Thank you, Marc.
I have seen some watches with the single word SWISS on the dial. I assume from what you stated in the video, and from the attached link, that such watches did comply with relevant regulations that applied at the time of their manufacture.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_made