The Hallmarks of Swiss Pocket Watches

May 14, 2011 – If you are a collector of Swiss pocket watches, you already know by now that they have distinctive hallmarks which set them apart from pocket watches made by other nations. It is said that these hallmarks are clues about the excellence in craftsmanship of Swiss watches. These hallmarks, by the way, are mandatory. They can be found on pocket watch for men and women. But what it is about them? What do they mean exactly?

Hallmarking is the process of stamping jewelry for their purity or their metal composition. The materials which are mostly hallmarked are platinum, gold and silver. It is mandated by the Swiss government that Swiss pocket watches must be hallmarked. Even foreign pocket watches which are sold in Switzerland are required to be hallmarked.  The head of the Saint Bernard is the official hallmark of Swiss pocket watches. The Saint Bernard is a dog rescuer which roams the Alps. However, the Saint Bernard is not the only hallmark symbol of all Swiss pocket watches.

Aside from the symbol, hallmarks also include the assayer’s stamp. What is the assayer’s stamp? It is the initial of the place where the pocket watch was assayed. The few examples are:

B for Biel

T for Chiasso

J for La Le Normoit

If you see a pocket watch with the Swiss hallmarks, you can be sure that it has been reviewed and deemed qualified by Swiss authorities. As you may well know, the Swiss are very strict with their timepieces. If your pocket watch bears a stamp that means it is made of high quality materials and it is made of precious metals. Swiss watches also have certain distinct marks which are difficult for forgers to copy.

You may also find some pocket watches which may not have serial numbers. However, they do have stamp marks which ascertain their authenticity and quality.

 

 

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