{"id":99215,"date":"2025-09-22T13:50:12","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T11:50:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ohselection.com\/swiss-made\/"},"modified":"2025-09-22T13:51:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T11:51:00","slug":"swiss-made","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ohselection.com\/en\/swiss-made\/","title":{"rendered":"Swiss Made"},"content":{"rendered":"

The French have their “Made in France,” and the Swiss have theirs: the “Swiss Made,” a label specifically designed to distinguish watches manufactured or assembled in Switzerland. Swiss Made is among the numerous labels and certifications awarded<\/a> by Swiss organizations to timepieces, such as the COSC “chronometer” designation, the Geneva Seal, or the Fleurier Quality Foundation label. It emphasizes technical quality, innovation, and aesthetic appeal \u2013 all while adapting to contemporary trends. <\/p>\n

Once Swiss Made, Always Swiss Made<\/h2>\n

The origins of the Swiss Made label can be traced back to the 18th century. At a time when counterfeits of Swiss timepieces began to emerge, Geneva watchmakers, organized into a guild, proposed certifying the quality of local production by affixing a hallmark to the movements. This initiative directly led, a century later, to the creation of an official “Swiss Made” certification, as competition from American production threatened the Swiss watch industry. <\/p>\n

Since its inception, Swiss Made has aimed to provide the Swiss watch industry with the means to protect its expertise and unique characteristics. This need was further amplified by the “quartz crisis<\/a>” of the 1970s and the influx of products of varying quality from Asia. Consequently, the label was officially defined in 1971 by an Ordinance regulating the use of the word “Swiss” in relation to watches. <\/p>\n

This led to strict regulations intended to protect not only Swiss manufacturers but also consumers, who sought assurance regarding product authenticity. Thanks to Swiss Made, Swiss manufacturers were able to reposition their operations, focusing on quality and high-end products \u2013 a strategic shift that undoubtedly saved the industry during the 1980s. The national significance of this label is therefore undeniable\u2026 though occasionally challenged! <\/p>\n

\"\"A Controversial Label<\/h2>\n

Indeed, the Swiss Made label is not immune to criticism and controversy. For years, this prestigious designation was challenged due to outdated criteria that, within the context of globalized production, allowed for ambiguity. It was, in fact, the manufacturers themselves who were the first to voice concerns! <\/p>\n

According to the 1971 ordinance, to qualify for this coveted distinction, it was sufficient that:<\/p>\n