You must have come across these major wristwatch brand names such as Louis Vuitton, Rolex, TAG Heuer, Breitling, Tissot, Swatch, Cartier or Omega. You have seen them at the back and inside covers of glossy international magazines and simply been wowed.

What all these rugged but exquisitely refined time-pieces have in common is the mark: SWISS MADE.

Swiss made watches have enjoyed a reputation like no other and even the globalization of world markets has not diminished their prominence.

Of course, the Swiss are not the only watchmakers who manufacture quality watches but due to their innovation and the existence of unique infrastructure in their country, they have always maintained the lead.

A unique thing the owners of these brands have done is to work together in an alliance to provide the consumer with the best of guarantees.

Before this tag is accorded to a brand, the amount of work actually carried out on a watch in Switzerland has to be verified, even if some foreign components are used in it.

For instance, it requires that the assembly work on the movement (the motor of the watch) and on the watch itself be carried out in Switzerland, along with the final testing of the movement.

It also requires that at least 50 percent of the components of the movement be manufactured in Switzerland.

For the consumer, the words Swiss Made translate into a concept of quality that has been cultivated for years. This includes the technical quality of the watches i.e. their accuracy, reliability, water-resistance and shock resistance.

In short, if the watch claims to be water proof, it is guaranteed to do exactly that. 

Also, this label guarantees artistic quality i.e. elegance and originality of design. It also covers both traditional manufacturing and new technologies.

Finally, the Swiss closely protect their brand with laws such as those drawn up by the World Intellectual Property Organization and other laws protecting brand names and place of origin which, if broken, carry stiff penalties.

So, the next time you can spare some loose USD 3,500 you can be sure of maximum guarantees with an original Swiss Made watch: Or maybe not.

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