Why Do Renowned Watches Seek “COSC” Certification?[/size]
Anyone slightly acquainted with Swiss watches has likely heard of observatory-certified watches, which come with a “COSC certificate,” standing for the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute. But what exactly does this institution certify, and how are these certificates issued?
Though observatory-certified watches make up only 3% of Swiss watch production, their market popularity warrants a closer look. For many, the terms “Chronometer” (observatory-certified) and “Chronograph” (stopwatch) may be confusing, but it’s crucial to distinguish between a “Precision Chronometer” (COSC) and a chronograph, as they represent entirely different concepts.
According to COSC, a precision chronometer is a highly accurate watch with a second-hand function, whose movement undergoes rigorous testing by an official neutral body (COSC) over several days in various positions and temperatures, and is certified only if it meets the ISO3159 precision standards.
What is the “ISO3159 standard”? Often reverently called the “Bible” of precision chronometers by those within the Swiss Observatory, it mandates a set of criteria that a movement must meet to earn certification. The summary below provides an overview of the precision statistics required.
In 2010, a total of 1,276,714 movements were certified by COSC, predominantly mechanical, with a rare few quartz movements (19,799 in 2010). The COSC, a legitimate non-profit organization created by the Swiss watch industry federation (FH) and five watchmaking cantons (Bern, Geneva, Neuchâtel, Solothurn, and Vaud) in 1973, releases the number of certificates issued to various brands annually.
The leading recipients of COSC certifications in 2010 were Rolex with 611,424 movements, Omega with 42,798, and Breitling with 122,649. Other notable mentions include Chopard with 34,254, Panerai with 26,291, and Mido with 25,384, among others.
The 16-day testing process each movement undergoes is comprehensive, ensuring that only the highest-quality movements receive the coveted COSC certification. Despite criticisms about the method of testing movements without their cases, the certification remains a potent symbol of precision and quality within the Swiss watch industry.
The value of certification is undeniable. It not only adds prestige to the timepiece but also guarantees that the watch meets stringent accuracy standards. With COSC-certified Swiss watches being a minority, the certification stands as a testament to the excellence and dedication of watch manufacturers to uphold the highest standards of watchmaking.
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