A genuine standard of excellence and an emblem of Genevan watchmaking, the “Poinçon de Genève” celebrated its 125th anniversary on November 9th. As indicated by the slogan for the festivities—“The ‘Poinçon de Genève’, 125 years of excellence for the future”—this jubilee represents a natural link between the past and the future of the prestigious certification.

The 125th anniversary of the “Poinçon de Genève”, a certification that has become over time a world-recognized label, brings together some 500 representatives of the watchmaking world, the economy and the media, in addition to a number of political authorities. The event not only honours Geneva’s rich horological history, but also serves to unveil the new certification requirements rewarding exceptional watches that are conceived and assembled on Genevan territory.

Since the creation of the Genevan law of 1886 until today, the original criteria honouring the know-how, traditions and craftsmanship of fine watchmaking concerned only the movements of these prestigious timepieces. The new and major development is that from now on the watch will be certified in its entirety.

The exterior appearance and watch head will be added to the current criteria for movement quality. New characteristics will be verified and inspection methods will be implemented for guaranteeing a watch’s watertightness, accuracy, functions and power reserves.

The “Poinçon de Genève” regulations and the new criteria with the added technical requirements for the watch head and appearance will be operational from June 2012. An extension nonetheless will be given to applicants in order to give them time to adapt their manufacturing operations to the latest directives.

Poinçon de Genève - “Summary of changes report”: Click here

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