Swiss watches are mostly known due to their premium top notch build quality, precision craftsmanship, and a very old-standing institution of watchmaking brilliance. However, there are many factors that are considered to rank Swiss- made watches as a higher cost and quality watches.
Quality Materials:
High quality material such as stainless steel is mostly used in the making of Swiss-made watches. Moreover, there are some precious metals like gold and platinum also use in making these watches. Stone work is also seen which includes sapphire, ruby and other crystals in watch face making. These materials collectively very durable and luxurious.
Precision Engineering:
The meticulous attention detail and precision engineering is one of the core class that could be seen in these watches. Where each component is carefully crafted and assembled by experts, using modern techniques and great traditions that have been passed down for generations. Thus it makes them a higher featured watches.
Technical Innovation:
These watchmakers for year are at the lead of technical innovation in the watch industry. There are many unique and complex mechanical movements that can only be witnessed in Swiss-made watches. These innovative features need wide-ranging study, research, designs and development. Thus it increase the value of a watch.
Heritage and Prestige:
When one hear the name of a Swiss-made watches or watch making the first thing that hits the mind is rich heritage and prestige that is associated with these watches. These watches and their making has an elongated history dating back spans. Over the centuries many Swiss brands have built a reputation for excellence and extravagance.
Limited Production of Swiss Watches:
Some Swiss-made watches are developed and produced only in limited quantities. Thus, these limited edition watches entice the buyers all over the globe to get them as soon as possible and at any price. Because theses handcrafted watches require skilled labor and scrupulous work to shape them. As a result watch enthusiast pay any price to have these limited relics.
Brand Reputation:
Swiss-made watches are often associated with well-known luxury brands over a long period of time. It is one of the reasons that these watches due to their prestige gain a perceived value in the market. And it is another reason of the watch that justifies a higher price point.
At the end factors including quality materials, precision engineering, technical innovation, heritage, limited production, and brand reputation contributes to make a Swiss-made watches such a valuable and unique watch. Although how a watch meet certain parameters to be named as a Swiss watch? Let’s read about it.
A watch can be labeled as “Swiss Made” if it meets convinced criteria set by Swiss law. These criteria are planned to guarantee that the watch is definitely manufactured in Switzerland and meets the following criteria:
Movement Origin:
At least 60% of the produced cost behind the movement (or the mechanism that powers the watch) must be Swiss-made. Furthermore, the movement must be assembled and examined in Switzerland.
Assembly in Switzerland:
All the basics such as casing, dialing and more importantly the final inspection must be done in Switzerland. Thus, the whole watch’s assembly must take place in Switzerland.
Final Inspection of Swiss Watches:
As above mentioned that it’s the final inspection that makes a watch and approve it to be sold in the marketplace. Thus, the final inspection of the watch must be carried out in Switzerland to ensure if the watch meets Swiss quality standards.
Quality Control:
The quality control parameters are set by the Swiss Federal Council to meet the desired results for a Swiss made watch. These principles cover features such as accuracy, water resistance, and robustness.
Swiss Certification:
An official Swiss body certified these watches. Famous body is known as the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH (Fédération de l’industrie horlogère suisse FH) or the Swiss Made label administered by the Swiss Federal Council.
Labeling Requirements:
The watch must be correctly branded as “Swiss Made” on the dial or caseback. In addition, if the movement is not exclusively Swiss origin, then it must be labeled to specify it. (e.g., “Swiss Movement” or “Swiss Parts”).
These standards are intended to defend the status of Swiss watchmaking and certify that clients can trust that a watch labeled as “Swiss Made” meets some values of quality, craftsmanship, and origin. The Swiss Made label is highly viewed in the watch industry and is allied with accuracy, luxury, and institution.
Some Myths and Realities of Swiss watches.
Swiss watches have long been associated with indulgence, meticulousness, and artistry. Although there are also some myths and fallacies connected to these watches. Some of these myths and realities are:
Myth: All Swiss watches are extremely expensive.
Reality: Indeed many Swiss watches are expensive. But, there are also some Swiss watch brands that offer more reasonable options. Furthermore, the worth of a Swiss watch depends upon few factors such as the brand, material, complexity of the movement, and designing.
Myth: Swiss watches are always better quality than watches from other countries.
Reality: Swiss watches are recognized for their great quality and expertise. Although there are many brilliant watches made in other countries of the world. Famously in Japan, Germany, and the United States.
Myth: Swiss watches are all handcrafted.
Reality: It was once when most of the Swiss watches were handcrafted but now many are produced using a combination of handcraftsmanship and modern engineering techniques. Mass production also utilize automated processes. But higher-end luxury watches often involve more hand-finishing.
Myth: Swiss watches are always more accurate than other watches.
Reality: Swiss watches are identified for their correctness and accuracy, particularly those with mechanical movements. But with the technological advancements more highly accurate quartz watches and atomic timekeeping pieces are made in all over the globe.
Myth: Swiss watches hold their value better than other watches.
Reality: It is a matter of fact that some Swiss watches, particularly those from prestigious luxury brands, can retain their worth well over time. But the scenario is not same for all Swiss watches. Many factors such as brand reputation, rarity, condition, and market demand play a major role in defining the value.
Myth: A Swiss Made label guarantees the highest quality.
Reality: Undeniably Swiss Made label means that a watch meets certain standards of origin and quality set by Swiss law. But it does not mean that it guarantee the highest watch quality. There are tremendous watches created outside of Switzerland with comparable or even greater quality in certain features.
Accepting the realities behind these myths can help buyers to make more conversant decisions when purchasing a watch, irrespective of its origin. Furthermore, it is crucial to contemplate reasons such as brand standing, skill, materials, and personal likings when taking a watch that suits one’s needs and budget.
I still remember when my Father gifted these Swiss watches to my brother and me. Although he was from Italy. But his love for Swiss watches was inevitable. Such a nice article to read. The Swiss Watch is the best.