Thoughts on certifications?
I'm curious what the general opinions on certifications are aside from COSC. Geneva seal, Patek seal, Qualite Fleurier, JLC 1000 hours, etc...Who's got the most stringent? Do they differ in any interesting ways? Or are they all just BS? added image for in...
What I like about COSC—and Omega’s METAS—testing is that they refer to a quantitative performance metric that’s highly relevant to me: the watch’s ability to keep accurate time.
The other metrics are concerned with levels of finishing (Geneva seal) or general functionality (JLC 1000 hrs). So they really all mean very different things.
Agree that chronometry certifications are generally useful
I'm quite surprised that so many high end watches come with no accuracy specifications whatsoever. Especially ones with chronometry complications like torbillons.
Certifications are intended to demonstrate facts...
...and not judgments. They mean that the thing being certified has been specifically verified to be true by the certifier. As such, evidence is required to support the fact. Thus, “our watches are great because we are great” certifications are rather vacu...
Testing to the Grand Seiko standard
I have been to a number of Swiss workshops including V-C, JLC, BP, PP, Fleurier, etc. Everyone tests their watches to some degree - though JLC explains their Master Control 1000 hr test as one of the best. I have the best pictures to share with you from m...
Thanks for your writeup!
Fascinating to see how much testing goes into a Grand Seiko! From your visits to other manufacturers, were there any other notable qualities of the certifications or testing processes across brands? I'm particularly interested in better understanding the ...
Finishing is much more subjective; staring with Geneva Seal
The GENEVA SEAL We give you the 12 criteria, reminding also that it must be created in the Canton of Geneva: Compliance with the standards outlined by the Office for the Optional Inspection of Genevan Watches must include the quality of all parts and comp...
Fleurier Quality
Rules for obtaining the FQF Quality seal The "QUALITE FLEURIER" quality label applies to mechanical watches and finished watches, whether or not these form part of an item of jewellery, that are produced in series in Switzerland. To be awarded the "QUALIT...
Omega METAS
DOUBLE CERTIFICATION: METAS AND COSC To own a MASTER CHRONOMETER is to be confident that your watch has been certified not once – but twice! The 8 stringent METAS tests your timepiece must face to earn the title MASTER CHRONOMETER can only begin with move...