Guides · Choosing a watch

What does Swiss Made mean?

Swiss Made is protected by law: at least 60 % of the production costs must be in Switzerland, the movement must be Swiss, and the watch must be assembled and given its final inspection there. Alpina is Swiss Made all the way — founded in Geneva in 1883. "Swiss movement" on its own only means the movement is Swiss; the case may have been assembled elsewhere.

Citizen and Maserati are not Swiss Made: Citizen makes its own Japanese movements, and the Maserati watches are made in Italy by Morellato with Japanese movements from Miyota and Seiko — good, solidly built watches that shouldn't be judged on that. Whether a particular item is Swiss Made is listed in the specifications; see Swiss Made watches and all watches.

If you have a question about a particular watch, ask Nord, our assistant, at the bottom right — or write to us.

More guides on choosing a watch

Choosing a watchWhich watch size suits your wrist?A watch's size is the diameter of the case without the crown, measured in mm. Choosing a watchWatch types: dress watch, dive watch, pilot's watch and chronographThe big families: a dress watch is thin and simple — small, clean dial, leather strap, often just three hands — and belongs with a shirt and suit (e.g. Citizen Ele… Choosing a watchHow to read a watch's reference numberThe reference number is the watch's exact identity: Citizen's look like NB6012-18L — the first part is model and movement, the ending tells you about the case and dial…