Geneva seal
The Geneva Seal is an important quality judgment for Swiss watches
The Geneva Seal is the oldest certificate of origin in watchmaking. Its basis is a law from the canton of Geneva that has existed since 1886. The seal of quality, also known as the Hallmark of Geneva or Poinçon de Genève in French, applies to mechanical watches that are assembled and regulated in the canton of Geneva. Its criteria are updated regularly.
Mechanical movement as a requirement
Only watches with mechanical movements are permitted for evaluation according to the Geneva Seal regulations. Only applicants whose calibers are assembled, regulated and activated in the canton of Geneva may apply for the Geneva Hallmark. Entry in the local commercial register is essential. Since 2009, Timelab, the Geneva watchmaking and microtechnology laboratory, has been responsible for compliance with all the Geneva Seal regulations.
Regular controll
The manufacturing quality is checked regularly. A magnifying glass with a magnification of four to fifteen times is used. The aesthetic requirements for the Geneva Hallmark are also high. No part of the works to be tested may be made from polymers. This eliminates the need for components made of silicon. Polished edges and elongated flanks are mandatory on molded parts. Even the heads of the screws must be polished. There are strict regulations for springs, circuit boards, plates for additional modules, bridges and many other components.
Many important components
To be awarded the Geneva Seal, watches must have a water resistance of at least 3 bar. It must also withstand a negative pressure of 0.5 bar. There are also strict requirements when it comes to accuracy. The deviation must not be more than one minute within seven days. If the watch passes all tests, it may bear the Geneva Hallmark. This is entered into a certificate. No watch bearing the Geneva Seal may be sold without this certificate.
