What Does "Swiss Made" Actually Mean? A Guide to Quality, The 60% Rule, and Smart Value
When you see the words "Swiss Made" at the bottom of a watch dial, you know it stands for quality. It is a seal of approval that carries weight around the world, promising precision, reliability, and craftsmanship.
But what does it actually take to earn those two little words?
At Jowissa, we believe in transparency. As an independent, family-owned watchmaker based in Bettlach, Switzerland since 1951, we don’t just slap a label on our watches—we live by the standards it represents every day. Here is everything you need to know about the "Swiss Made" ordinance and why it matters for your wrist.
The Legal Standard: It’s More Than Just a Location
Many people assume "Swiss Made" simply means the factory is in Switzerland. In reality, it is a strict legal protection (the Swissness Ordinance) enforced by the Swiss government to protect consumers from low-quality imitations.
Since the regulations were tightened in 2017, a watch must meet four specific criteria to legally carry the label:
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The Movement is Swiss: The engine inside the watch (whether quartz or automatic) must be Swiss.
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The Casing is Swiss: The movement must be encased into the watch head within Switzerland.
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Final Inspection in Switzerland: The manufacturer must conduct the final quality control checks in Switzerland.
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The "60% Rule": At least 60% of the manufacturing costs of the entire watch must be generated in Switzerland.
The "60% Rule" Explained
This is the most misunderstood part of the law. Before 2017, the rules mainly applied to the movement. Today, the entire watch is calculated.
This means that the technical development, the prototyping, and the majority of the production value must happen on Swiss soil. It ensures that when you buy a Swiss Made watch, you are paying for Swiss engineering and labor, not just a brand name with a Swiss address.
Why "Swiss Made" Matters for You (The Consumer)
Why should you care about these regulations? It comes down to Peace of Mind.
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Longevity: Swiss Made watches are built with higher-grade materials (like 316L stainless steel and sapphire or tempered mineral glass) designed to last for years, not months.
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Precision: Whether it’s a Ronda quartz movement or a specialized automatic caliber, Swiss engines are the gold standard for keeping accurate time.
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Serviceability: Because they are built to standardized high quality, Swiss watches can often be serviced and repaired for decades.
The Jowissa Difference: Authentic Swiss Quality, Fair Price
Many luxury brands use the "Swiss Made" label to justify price tags in the thousands. At Jowissa, we take a different approach.
We believe that high-quality Swiss watchmaking should be accessible. From our workshop in the village of Bettlach (Solothurn), close to the famous watchmaking hubs of Grenchen and Biel, we assemble watches that meet these strict federal standards—but at a price point that makes sense for everyday wear.
Hand-Assembled in Bettlach
When you order a Jowissa watch, it hasn't just passed through a warehouse. It has been hand-assembled by our skilled team in Bettlach. We oversee every step, from the cutting of our signature faceted glass to the final waterproofing checks.
By keeping our production local and family-run, we avoid the massive marketing markups of giant luxury conglomerates. The result? A genuine Swiss Made timepiece that brings style and reliability to your wrist, without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
"Swiss Made" is not just a marketing slogan; it is a promise of quality protected by law. Whether you are looking for a reliable daily companion or a sparkling accessory for a night out, looking for that label ensures you are getting a piece of genuine horological history.