Swiss made watches explained

How does a watch become 'Swiss made'?

 

I recently bought a Luminox Navy Seal 3001, knowing that the watch was Swiss made was a big plus for me when deciding to buy it. But apart from naively knowing "it's made in Switzerland" I wasn't sure exactly what this meant. So, if you're like me you've probably wondered at some point why Swiss made watches are seen as being more desirable and quite often followed by an increase in price.

Manufacturers such as Bell & Ross, Breitling, Cartier and IWC (to name a few) all produce Swiss made watches and are considered as creating some of the most iconic and well built watches to date.

However, it's easy to get confused with what the term Swiss made actually means, especially as some watches contain Swiss made movements but don't adhere to the other criteria that allow them to state it on the watch face.



For a watch to be called 'Swiss made' and to actually print it at the six o'clock position of watch dial the manufacturer must follow four strict rules created by the Swiss Federation.


1. Movement must be made and assembled in Switzerland

The first rule is a pretty obvious rule, however, it is important to be stated that the movement must be made in Switzerland. As touched upon earlier, it's possible to buy a Swiss movement that contains Swiss made components but that isn't made in Switzerland, thus saving on costs after being sent off to another country to be assembled. However, this is no longer really a Swiss movement.



2. Movement must be encased in Switzerland

This rule is set in place to prevent manufacturers from paying a lot of money for a Swiss made movement and then saving money by sending it out of the country to save on labor costs. After all Swiss labor (like everything else Swiss) comes at a much higher price but is also the most precise.


3. Quality control must be carried out in Switzerland

This could be the most important of the four rules stated by the Swiss Federation. For example, a production line in India may assemble 500 watches, of those watches five may fail quality control due to huge glaring issues. If the same number of watches at the same quality went for inspection in Switzerland perhaps only half would pass due to much smaller, minute defects due to their stricter standards.

The costs are increased due to the skill of the people inspecting the watches and for the watches that are bounced back and re-touched.


4. Swiss made components must make up at least 60% of the watch price.

The final rule is a rule that changed relatively recently, the rule previous stated that only 51% of the value of the watch must consist of Swiss made components. However, this has been raised and now stands at a much more substantial 60%, this will undoubtedly change a lot of things over the next few years in the watch industry.

Swiss parts carry a larger price tag but are made to a much higher standard compared to parts from say, Hong Kong, as a result you can rest assured you have a quality made watch.


If all of these rules are followed exactly then a manufacturer will have have the privilege of stating that their watch is Swiss made and as a result, created by expertly skilled craftsman to the highest of standards.

Best digital 'do it all' watch ever?

G-Shock Mudman G-9300-1ER: Best digital 'do it all' watch ever?

31 years ago in 1983 the first G-Shock was released by Casio, with the intention of producing a bombproof, go anywhere wristwatch and by 1998, 19 million G-Shocks had been sold worldwide.

The G-9300-1ER makes up a part of the Master of G series, argued by many to be the most robust and durable series of watches produced by G-Shock due to it's usable functions and impressive build quality. 

The Mudman hints towards its purpose within its name, built to be used (and has been used) in the harshest of environments - it boasts being mud resistant, water resistant to 200m and capable (like all G-Shocks) to withstand extreme shocks and vibrations.

 For more videos showing how all G-Shocks are tested visit: http://www.gshock.com/toughness.

Specifications:

• Case width approx: 50mm 
• Case depth approx: 18mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel and Resin
• Strap type: Rubber
• Water Resistancee: 200m
• Date: Yes
• Clasp type: Strap buckle
• Movement: 'Tough Solar'
• Chronograph: Yes
• Alarm: Yes
• Day: Yes
• Month: Yes
• Back-light: Yes
• Dual time: Yes
• Glass: Mineral
• Perpetual Calendar: Yes 

 

Best EVER?

Okay, I admit calling anything the best ever is going to raise a few eye brows and put my neck on the line but I'm going to explain why it's been the best wristwatch for me over the past couple of years. I've owned this watch for around 2 years now after buying it as a go-anywhere, do-anything daily wearer and after a few days of extensive use it quickly became an extension of my body only leaving my wrist whilst I slept. 

During this time it's taken more knocks and bangs than I would wish upon any 'normal' watch, especially anything mechanical; door-frames have become particularly friendly with the G-9300-1ER. 

The first few knocks gave me that sinking feeling that all watch owners experience at various points in time - I can only imagine it being comparable to dropping a child you're mildly fond of. That was, however, before I understood the just how tough this watch actually is, now whenever I strike an object I'm more likely to check that for damage over the watch.

 

 

 

Just another G-Shock?

As well as being inherently bombproof, the G-9300-1ER brings along a moon phase indicator, thermometer, 'Tough Solar' movement and digital compass to the horological party. Although I view the moon phase and thermometer as added 'extras' on this watch I now believe the digital compass to be absolutely essential in my daily lifestyle to the point that I now feel lost without a watch with this function. Another really nice feature of the Mudman (as with many other G-Shocks) is the 'world-time' function, this lets you change the time of the watch based on your closest major city, anywhere in the world, whilst also being able to display your 'home' time - great for keen travelers. 

I can already here people saying - "THIS G-Shock has a barometer, THIS G-Shock is both analog and digital", but adding anything to this watch would ruin it, for me it provides what is necessary and doesn't bother you with needless, cluttering additions. 

G-Shock G-9300-1ER and Luminox Navy Seal 3001

I've recently bought a Luminox Navy Seal divers watch (reference 3001) but have yet to have time to put it through its paces, although I am fully expecting the Mudman to remain as my 'do it all' watch due to its proven track record and multiple functions. 

This watch has gotten me out of a lot of tricky situations when other watches wouldn't,  perhaps that's why I swear by it so much, either way I cannot fault the G-Shock G-9300-1ER. 

It came, it saw and it conquered all in its path.

Click here to view the full range of G-Shocks available.