The governing body of the Swiss watch industry, la Fédération de l’industrie horlogère suisse (FH), yesterday approved tighter conditions that must be met before a watch may use the ‘Swiss made’ designation. This was done to address concerns that the designation was being devalued.

At the moment, a watch may use the ‘Swiss made’ designation if at least 50 per cent of its constituent parts were made in Switzerland. This figure was revised in yesterday’s meeting. In relation to a mechanical movement, the value of its constituent parts produced in Switzerland must be not less than 80 per cent. For electronic watches, the figure is 60 per cent.

The FH also decided to add a new criterion. In addition to fulfilling the above condition, a mechanical watch may not use the designation ‘Swiss made’ unless at least 80 per cent of its production costs is attributable to operations carried out in Switzerland. The figure for electronic watches is 60 per cent.

There is a transitional period before the changes take effect.

The recommendations are being submitted to the Federal authorities.