The Evolution and Standards of the QF Mark
The QF Mark, symbolizing the Qualité Fleurier certification, has long been regarded as a hallmark of unparalleled precision, durability, and aesthetic in the realm of horology. Initially founded on four stringent criteria, the certification has evolved to incorporate a significant addition in 2012, further elevating its prestige.
**1. Accuracy**
To achieve the coveted QF Mark, each watch must have its movement certified by the COSC (ISO 3159 standards), ensuring remarkable precision. This step is crucial, as it lays the foundation for a timepiece’s reliability and accuracy, a core tenet of the QF certification.
**2. Durability**
Undergoing the rigorous “Chronofiable” test is a testament to a watch’s resilience. This includes a battery of tests like periodic crown operation, anti-magnetism, shock (excluding complicated timepieces), and water resistance. The number of watches submitted for testing scales with production, ensuring that each piece adheres to the highest standards of durability.
**3. Real-world Precision**
Distinct from COSC standards, complete watches are tested on the “Fleuritest” simulator for a 24-hour period. This simulation records the timepiece’s performance under constant motion, maintaining an error margin of 0 to +5 seconds per day, echoing the daily accuracy a wearer can expect.
**4. Technical and Aesthetic Requirements**
Mirroring the rigor of the Geneva Seal, the QF Mark mandates meticulous decoration, polishing, and the use of quality materials in the movement. Regulations include the prohibition of plastic components, mandatory beveled edges, assembly by hand or machine (excluding bulk assembly), and a ban on nickel plating except for stainless steel oxidation prevention.
In 2012, a pivotal addition was made to these standards: the requirement for 100% Swiss manufacturing of the watch head. While materials can be sourced globally, their processing and the assembly must occur within Switzerland. This new rule ensures that even if certain procedures are outsourced, they’re transparently disclosed to the Fleurier Quality Foundation.
The QF Mark not only celebrates the craftsmanship and innovation of Swiss watchmaking but also assures the wearer of owning a timepiece that meets the highest standards of precision, durability, and beauty. It’s a testament to a commitment to excellence and a legacy of quality that is unmistakably Swiss.
.
.