TIMELAB
The Fondation du Laboratoire d’Horlogerie et de Microtechnique de Genève, commonly known as Timelab, offers certifications that guarantee the precision, quality, and craftsmanship of timepieces.
Origin and History
Timelab was founded in 2008 as an independent foundation to oversee the certification of Geneva-made watches and to expand its scope to include other precision and quality certifications, ensuring its relevance in modern horology.
It is the sole authority for issuing the Geneva Seal, a certification guaranteeing the origin, craftsmanship, and quality of Geneva-made timepieces. It also provides the Observatory Chronometry certification, which evaluates the precision and performance of watch movements.
The foundation conducts research in microtechnology and metrology, exploring advancements in precision timekeeping and materials science.
Timelab offers training programs for professionals in watchmaking and microtechnology, ensuring the transfer of skills and knowledge to future generations.
Criteria for Certification
Timelab offers two primary certifications: The Geneva Seal and Observatory Chronometry Certification. The latter guarantees the precision and reliability of a watch movement.
To obtain Observatory Chronometry Certification, a watch must undergo specific tests.
- Chronometry Testing: Movements are tested for 15 days in five positions and at three temperatures (8°C, 23°C, and 38°C) to ensure their accuracy.
- Rate Deviation: Daily rate deviations must fall within -4/+6 seconds per day, adhering to the ISO 3159 standard for chronometers.
- Cased Movement Testing: Unlike some certifications, Timelab tests fully cased watches, ensuring that results reflect real-world conditions.
Official Seal of the TIMELAB