Mark in Paris[Purist]
10488
Indeed, on the principal, this looks like a strange idea
Oct 11, 2017,14:06 PM
I must say that personally, I don't really care about the different hallmarks :p
I look at the watches I'd like to have, that are appealing to me and if they don't look good, I leave them aside and move on, whatever the brand is.
Whatever the brand on that segment, they usually all have the certification as they do what it requires to get it. Thus no surprise really and I don't check if they have it or not. There is in the end no real interest for me and I think for us here. Maybe this has an interest for people who are not into watches in order a brand (a salesperson) explains what is required when they consider a watch. But I would nearly say that when buying the established high end brands, it is not necessary.
On the other hand, it would help less known brands to show they complied to these Geneva standards and avoid brands cheating on the product when they are new in the field or not wellknown.
For the Patek hallmark you're mentionning, I would say that their requirement is in theory higher, and I decide to trust them. But I don't have any proof of course. I guess each of us will have to decide what they do. As usual, globally speaking, we all have a look at what we get for what we pay. Then everyone will rank their requirements to take a decision.
I must say I didn't pay more attention to the certification before or after the new one. I just have a look at the watch and see if this is enough for me or if it isn't (in the latter case I just leave the watch and look for something else).
I imagine that, like all certifications, if the product sold is not compliant with what you announced, it can cost a lot in terms of image or financially after a client complains in court. I guess the additional accuracy target (-3,+2) can be controled and the fact that the brand is able to service any of its watches, from its start, is also something that I think can be checked.
Hence, I don't see this as a problem, in that field, as they satisfy to the Geneva ones at least (in the case we have a doubt on the reliability of a self applied hallmark). It would be less acceptable in other sectors where it is easier to cheat (food etc...).
Thanks Gary
Best, Mark