GENEVA SEAL

Geneva seal is a state watchmaking certification created in 1886. It is probably the oldest certification still in force today. It is the result of a law adopted by the Geneva cantonal parliament at that time.

For most of its existence, between 1886 and 2009, this certification was the certification of the goodness and origin of a movement. The elements of the watch case (for example: hand, case, dial, bracelet) were not concerned. Also, there were no performance criteria, such as a level of precision to be reached.

In 2008 the rules of Geneva Seal were widely adopted and came into force in 2009. Since then it is a certification of a watch in its entirety. Hallmark, illustrating the coat of arms of the canton and the city of Geneva, can now also be affixed to components of the watchcase such as the case or the dial, which are now also certified.

This new version, which came into effect in 2009, now also tests the precision of the watch once it is fitted. The watches are put on a simulator for seven days and at the end of the test must remain within one minute. Also, the power reserve is tested and must be equal or superior to the value announced by the applicant.

Watch cases must also be waterproof to a minimum depth of 30 meters under water. If the applicant announces a higher water resistance, the announced water resistance will be checked. As for the origin, the watches bearing the Geneva hallmark must all be assembled and adjusted in the canton of Geneva.

The 2009 evolution of the Geneva Seal is interesting because this certification now covers the entire watch and includes performance criteria.