Swiss-made watches have a deserved reputation for quality. For a watch to have been labelled as “Swiss made” it needs to not only pass rigorous quality control but a set of specific standards need to be met. To understand the appeal of Swiss watches you only have to take a look at their history.
History of “Swiss Made”
The birth of the Swiss watch stems from the thriving Swiss economy. Due to austerity measures that prevented vulgar displays of wealth, jewellers had to turn to watchmaking. Whilst being innovative, more efficient and cheaper than their foreign counterparts, the Swiss were also very commercially astute and watch exportation shortly followed. Indeed, very early on, Swiss merchants were able to report on design and functional tastes from around Europe. Even from as early as the 17th century, the Asian markets were also exploited.
In the 19th century, mass-production became a reality thanks to the creation of machine tools for watch components in Switzerland. This not only took sales but manufacturing figures miles ahead of those of Swiss watchmakers’ British rivals.
The Swiss industry has since gone from strength to strength. In order to maintain their position at the top, they have built on earlier foundations, used clever marketing and implemented legislation to protect the ‘Swiss-made’ label.
So, with this pedigree and history, it is easy to see why Swiss watches are so desirable. Though the label sometimes comes with a higher price tag, there are always options that guarantee superior Swiss quality at affordable prices. The majority come from brands that are all about their watch and less about their personal image.
The meaning of Swiss-made and Recommendations
When a timepiece is marked as Swiss-made it means the movement or ‘inner-workings’ are Swiss, cased in Switzerland and the final inspection has been carried out in Switzerland. Whereas a timepiece with the label ‘Swiss movement’ denotes that just the movement is Swiss. That means it has been assembled, tested and made of at least 50% parts, by value, from Switzerland. Both the ‘Swiss made’ and ‘Swiss movement’ marks carry a similar level of quality.
Examples of brands that offer consummate reliability, classy designs and the much sought-after Swiss stamp are Luminox who have a range of handsome yet and functional timepieces, Tissot – with their modern take on classic designs, Certina with their highly durable timepieces and many Rotary timepieces for that smart and elegant look.
Luminox Leather Back Sea Turtle 0320 Giant Black Green XS.0337
This Luminox watch is part of the Sea Turtle 0300 Series. The 44 mm case of the watch is extremely durable and lightweight due to the brand’s patented Carbonox material. Keeping the design subtle and functional is the camo green dial and the dark green NATO strap. Luminox Light Technology has been implemented to guarantee ultimate visibility in any condition. Features of the watch include a date aperture placed at the 3 o’clock position. A Swiss-made quartz movement powers the watch.
Tissot Men’s PRX 40mm Quartz Blue Dial T1374101104100
This Tissot PRX model is inspired by vintage models from the 1970s. The case is made of stainless steel and measures 40 mm in diameter. A stainless steel strap secures the watch. The case shape and dial highlight the watch’s retro look. The silver-coloured hands and indices contrast the blue sunray dial. Features on the model include a date aperture and an EOL function.
Certina DS-1 Powermatic 80 Brown Dial Watch C0298071129102
Certina is a brand dedicated to its craft. Its DS protection system is renowned. This Certina DS-1 model combines the brand’s love for engineering with a modern design. The watch features a stainless steel case and Milanese mesh bracelet. The brown dial has a sunray finish. It is contrasted by yellow-gold plated hands and indices. The movement of the watch is automatic with an 80-hour power reserve. Increasing the durability of the watch is a sapphire crystal.
Rotary Men’s Windsor Black Leather Strap Watch GS05300/01
If you’re after a model that carries Swiss quality alongisde an appealing classic design we suggest this model by Rotary. The 37 mm case is made of stainless steel. Accenting the elegent design of the watch is a black leather strap. The white dial is contrasted by painted black Roman-numeral hour-markers and thin black hands. Positioned at the 3 o’clock position are a date and a day aperture.
To browse more of our Swiss-made watches follow the link here.
Do you prefer Swiss movements over any other? Let us know in the comments below.
