Geneva Seal
Although it is concerned mainly with the finishing and decoration of the watch movement, it is considered a high accolade in the industry.
In this context the German translation of hallmark, which is "stempel" or "stamp" may be helpful to foster an understanding of and distinguish the terms.
It is a certification reserved for wrist and pocket watch movements made in the City or Canton of Geneva.
Although it is concerned mainly with the finishing and decoration of the watch movement, it is considered a high accolade in the industry.
The seal is concerned with the quality and finishing of the watch movement, although it also addresses the precision of the timekeeping mechanism.
The first is entitled Loi sur le contrôle facultatif des montres (law on the voluntary inspection of watches [from Geneva]).
The "Office for the Voluntary Inspection of Watches from Geneva" has, as a matter of law, been located at the school since the inception of the seal.
In order to avoid the appearance of impropriety the inspectors must be Swiss citizens, must take an oath to discharge the duties of their office with fidelity and must not have any conflicts of interest, i.e.: they must not trade in watches.
In general, the watches may be marked if following an examination, they are recognized to have all qualities of good workmanship likely to ensure a uniform rate and durability and whose work, at a minimum was done on commission by workmen living the canton of Geneva.
Only mechanical watch works which were assembled and regulated in the city or canton of Geneva may be submitted; the manufacturer must certify this fact.
The workmanship of all of the movement's components, including those of complications must meet the requirements of the office of optional inspection.
The superintendents assist the inspector in the case of dubious watches presented for inspection 1 The good workmanship of all the parts of the caliber, including those of the additional mechanisms, must be in conformity with the requirements of the office of voluntary inspection of the watches from Geneva.
By way of clarification, a friction bearing (jewel) cut with an olive profile is one where the inside surface is rounded or beveled at the top and bottom of the hole providing a reservoir for lubricating oil.
5 Regulating systems with balance with radius of variable gyration are allowed insofar as they meet the conditions of article 3, subparagraph 1.
9 The angle traversed by the pallet lever is to be limited by fixed banking walls and not pins or studs.
2 Criteria of obtaining a rate bulletin are defined according to the NIHS standard 95-11 ( a/k/a ISO 3159) for chronometers.
