Understanding the Broad Concept of “Made in Germany” in Watchmaking
The label ”Made in Germany” carries a broad d
Understanding the Broad Concept of “Made in Germany” in Watchmaking
The label ”Made in Germany” carries a broad definition, especially within the context of the European Union, of which Germany is a member. The “Council Regulation on the definition of the concept of ‘originating products'” issued by the European Community in June 1968 aimed to standardize the rules of origin among EU member states to facilitate the common customs tariff.
According to the regulation, a product is considered to originate from the country where it was entirely produced or manufactured. For goods processed in multiple countries, the origin is considered to be the last country where the product underwent substantial processing economically. This means that even if 90% of a watch’s components and manufacturing processes were completed outside of Germany, it could still be labeled as ”Made in Germany” if its final processing was done in Germany.
While the concept of “Made in Germany” may be broad, it’s essential to recognize the significant position that German watchmaking technology and quality hold in the global horology industry. The label signifies more than just the final point of assembly; it reflects the high standards and esteemed craftsmanship associated with German manufacturing.