Swiss Made vs Swiss Movement: What's the Difference? [2025]
When shopping for a Swiss watch, you'll often see terms like "Swiss Made" and "Swiss Movement" on the dial or caseback. But what's the actual difference? And more importantly, which one should you choose?
Understanding these distinctions isn't just about terminology—it directly affects quality, value, and authenticity. A "Swiss Made" watch must meet strict legal requirements, while "Swiss Movement" watches follow different standards.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down:
- The exact legal definitions of each term
- What percentage of Swiss content is required
- Which certification offers better value
- Real examples from leading brands
- How to verify authenticity
By the end, you'll know exactly what to look for when investing in your next Swiss watch.
What Does "Swiss Made" Mean?
The Strictest Standard in Watchmaking
"Swiss Made" is a protected designation regulated by Swiss law (Swiss Watch Ordinance). To earn this prestigious label, a watch must meet ALL of the following criteria:
1. Movement Requirements:
- The movement must be Swiss (assembled and inspected in Switzerland)
- At least 60% of the movement's manufacturing value must be Swiss
2. Assembly:
- The watch must be assembled in Switzerland
- Final inspection must occur in Switzerland
3. Value Threshold:
- At least 60% of the watch's total manufacturing costs must be Swiss
Why It Matters:
Swiss Made watches represent the highest standard of quality and craftsmanship. The 60% rule (updated in 2017 from 50%) ensures that the majority of components, labor, and expertise are genuinely Swiss.
What You Get:
- Swiss engineering and quality control
- Precision manufacturing
- Heritage craftsmanship
- Higher resale value
- Guarantee of authenticity
Examples of Swiss Made Watches:
Popular Swiss Made watches in the €500-€1000 range include brands like Tissot, Hamilton, Certina, and Longines. These timepieces represent true Swiss craftsmanship from case to movement.
The 60% Rule Explained
The 60% rule is often misunderstood. Here's exactly what it means:
Manufacturing Value Calculation:
This includes:
- Movement components
- Case and bracelet
- Assembly labor
- Quality control
- Research and development costs
What's NOT Included:
- Marketing costs
- Brand licensing
- Distribution expenses
- Retail markup
Real Example:
If a watch costs €500 to manufacture:
- €300 or more must come from Swiss components and labor
- €200 or less can be from non-Swiss sources
This ensures authenticity while allowing manufacturers to source certain materials (like sapphire crystals or specific metals) globally without compromising Swiss quality standards.
What Does "Swiss Movement" Mean?
A More Flexible Standard
"Swiss Movement" is a less stringent designation that focuses primarily on the watch's engine—the movement itself.
Requirements:
- The movement must be assembled in Switzerland
- The movement must be inspected in Switzerland
- At least 60% of the movement's value must be Swiss
Key Difference:
Unlike "Swiss Made," the case, dial, hands, and bracelet can be manufactured anywhere. Only the movement needs to meet Swiss standards.
Why Brands Use It:
- Lower manufacturing costs
- Competitive pricing for consumers
- Swiss quality where it matters most (the movement)
- Flexibility in design and materials sourcing
What You Get:
- Swiss movement quality and precision
- Reliable timekeeping mechanisms
- Swiss engineering expertise
- Better price-to-value ratio
- Non-Swiss case and dial components (typically)
Important Note:
A "Swiss Movement" watch can still be excellent quality. The movement is the heart of the watch—if that's Swiss-made, you're getting the core Swiss expertise where it counts most for accuracy and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Swiss Movement the same as Swiss Made?
No. Swiss Made requires 60% of the entire watch's manufacturing value to be Swiss, including assembly and inspection in Switzerland. Swiss Movement only requires the movement itself to meet these standards—the case, dial, and other components can be made anywhere.
Are Swiss Movement watches lower quality?
Not necessarily. The movement (the heart of the watch) is still Swiss-made with the same precision standards. However, other components like the case and finishing may not meet Swiss Made requirements. Quality depends more on brand reputation than the designation alone.
What percentage must be Swiss for "Swiss Made"?
At least 60% of the watch's manufacturing value must be Swiss. This includes the movement (which must also be 60% Swiss), assembly in Switzerland, and final inspection performed in Switzerland.
Do Swiss Made watches hold their value better?
Generally, yes. Swiss Made watches typically have better resale value due to higher overall quality standards, brand prestige, and collector demand. However, brand reputation and model popularity matter more than the designation alone.
Which Swiss movements are most common in €500-€1000 watches?
The most common are ETA-based calibers (ETA 2824-2, ETA 2892-A2) and Sellita movements (SW200-1, SW300-1). These are reliable, proven mechanisms used by many respected brands and are easily serviceable worldwide.
How often do Swiss automatic watches need servicing?
Swiss automatic watches typically need professional servicing every 5-7 years. This includes cleaning, lubrication, replacement of worn parts, and regulation to maintain accuracy and extend the watch's lifespan.
Last updated: November 2025
