Foundation of the Geneva Laboratory of Watchmaking and Microtechnology
TIMELAB Foundation
The Foundation of the Geneva Laboratory of Watchmaking and Microtechnology, better known as the TIMELAB Foundation, is a neutral and independent institution dedicated to the promotion, development, and international reputation of Swiss watchmaking. It tests, measures, inspects, and certifies timepieces through three complementary activities: the Geneva Seal, the Geneva Observatory Chronometer Certification, and the Watchmaking and Microtechnology Laboratory.
Origins and History
Founded in 2008, TIMELAB is the heir to a long-standing watchmaking tradition. The Foundation took over the responsibilities of the Geneva Watchmaking School, which had housed the Geneva Seal since 1886. It also manages the Observatoire Chronométrique de Genève, part of Geneva’s long-established time-measurement tradition, which began with the Geneva Astronomical Observatory founded in 1772.
In addition to its certification missions, TIMELAB serves as a bridge between the academic world and the industrial sector. It contributes to the development of vocational training, applied research, and technical innovation, collaborating with technical schools, advanced watchmaking institutes, and universities.
Certifications Granted
The TIMELAB Foundation awards three certifications of excellence:
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1/ The Geneva Seal, which since 1886 has guaranteed the origin, craftsmanship, and performance of Geneva-made watches.
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2/ Official Chronometer Certification, which assesses the accuracy of watches according to the international standard ISO 3159.
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3/ The OC+ Label, which certifies the precision and reliability of Swiss watches according to standards that go beyond ISO 3159.
Through its certification programs, innovation research, and training initiatives, the TIMELAB Foundation remains a key institution in the field of high-precision watchmaking.