Octant Watch · Watchmaking Origin

Understanding Swiss Made

Swiss Made is a regulated indication of origin. It establishes a concrete link between a watch and Switzerland, but it does not replace the analysis of its movement, materials, finishes, or use.

01 · Definition 02 · Criteria 03 · What it means 04 · Our selection

01 · Indication of origin

Swiss Made is not just a slogan

The use of the name "Switzerland" and the mention "Swiss Made" for watches is regulated by Swiss law. Since the strengthening of the Swissness rules came into force in 2017, the link with Switzerland is assessed based on the watch as a whole, not just its movement.

This regulation protects an indication of origin. It does not, by itself, constitute a universal mark of quality: two Swiss Made watches can have very different movements, materials, finishing levels, and prices.

02 · Main criteria

An economic and technical link with Switzerland

Production cost

At least 60% of the production cost of the watch, considered as a finished product, must be generated in Switzerland, according to the applicable rules.

Swiss movement

The movement itself must meet the specified criteria to be designated as Swiss.

Technical development

The technical development of the Swiss Made watch must be carried out in Switzerland within the framework provided by the ordinance.

Assembly & inspection

The regulation also imposes decisive Swiss operations related to the movement, casing, and final inspection.

To remember: the 60% threshold does not mean that 60% of each component must be Swiss. The regulation particularly focuses on production costs and provides specific criteria for the movement and the finished watch.

03 · Correctly interpreting the label

What Swiss Made says… and doesn’t say

The label provides information on	It does not automatically guarantee
The regulatory origin of the watch	A mechanical movement rather than a quartz
A minimum level of value and operations linked to Switzerland	A sapphire crystal, specific water resistance, or a precise material
Compliance with the legal criteria for using the indication	Identical artisanal finishing across all price ranges

04 · At Octant Watch

How we use this information

The references presented by Octant Watch as Swiss Made are based on information provided by their manufacturers and their product documentation. We do not present ourselves as an independent certification body.

To choose between two models, we recommend comparing the movement, crystal, dimensions, water resistance, strap, complications, and style. Our Watch Guide explains each of these criteria.