Smoke, mirrors, innuendo and rumours

[Parabola]

wtf

[keygold]

I totally agree with this, thank you very much, best to deal in facts

[hannover_dk]

Just as a point - there is of course rules regulating swiss made in general - and further regulating swiss made on watches.

The main point is that there can be foreign materials in a Swiss made watch, BUT the movement has to be assembled, cased and inspected in Switzerland. Out of the components, 50% has to be Swiss - and here we talk 50% of the total value of the components, not including assembly or other costs/profit.

The rules are e.g. described here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_Made

I think it is reasonable to expect that many Swiss watches may have UP to those 49% of the component value coming from outside, but in general you can see a difference from a Swiss made movement (take the many 7750 or new versions of older Venus pillar wheel chronos made in China) compared to the Chinese.

I also expect that as it is max 49% of the components they can import, then there is not a fantastic saving, components are machine made by large - and the major cost in the watch lays in the assembly and finishing part - the man hours.

If one day, the Chinese movements have the same finish as the Swiss, and that day will come, then watches will not be an exemption from the globalisation.

vh

[c24/7]

Interesting how Eddie's intended topic took a wild turn - but I care to chime into the conversation of SWISS MADE - if I may of course.

I particularly collect primarily RARE VINTAGE GRAIL Swiss watches - key point VINTAGE for their TRUE higher (if not near 100%) genuine origin in Switzerland.

Prior to recent times where just about everything is made in CHINA or other parts of Asia for the cost of a bowl of rice, SWISS MADE meant just that, MADE IN SWITZERLAND - I honor that workmanship, and heritage. And that fact, does factor greatly into my pursuit of older SWISS timepieces vs. the newer breeds of hy-breeds.

And I am making NO adverse references to Asia (bowl of rice mention was in pure jest ), or products from there - other than to say that if they originate from there I would like those facts to be presented as such, rather than hidden and be charged as if there weren't any in my high dollar/euro item.

And to reiterate one of Eddie's original points of importance... unfounded allegations, suspicions etc that lay claim to defamitory or degradation of any individual/character or company CAN easily result in CIVIL LIABILITY... I (as always) applaud Eddie for being politically correct, as well as very well informed, and fair... now, only if "OTHER" forums held such a high standard, the watch comunity would be a MUCH better place.

Thanks to you all for your time, and interest.

[Huertecilla]

BUT you must be given the opportunity to make a informed choice.

Yesss, but, but, but.... where does that leave us with all the plastic surgery misleading us in our upfront choices?

[JOHNTY]

It would be very amusing wouldn't it! We had a good laugh at the thought.

Stella Artois premium Belgian lager. Brewed under license in the UK. If the rumours are true, perhaps certain "Swiss Made" watches should come with the small print "Made under license in the PRC", where appropriate?