The Poinçon de Genève owes its strength neither to chance nor to Geneva's reputation alone. Its authority rests on a clear separation of roles: those who draw up the regulations are not those who apply them, nor those who safeguard the independence of the system as a whole.
The Poinçon de Genève operates through three complementary bodies, each safeguarding its integrity.
The Foundation Board, whose members are appointed by the Geneva Council of State, safeguards the system's independence and ensures that the mission entrusted to the Timelab Foundation is properly carried out.
The Technical Commission issues the official regulations and ensures that they evolve in step with technological innovation. Its members are appointed by the Foundation Board for their expertise and knowledge of watchmaking.
The Poinçon de Genève Office oversees the application of the regulations. Through its approval, certification and audit activities, it ensures compliance with the Poinçon de Genève requirements throughout the process.
Before it can bear the Poinçon de Genève, every timepiece undergoes a rigorous process. From administrative admission to final certification, components, functions and performance are verified through a structured process, supplemented by regular audits.
Admission to the Poinçon de Genève begins with one essential requirement: roots in Geneva. The watchmaking house must be established in the canton and carry out the essential stages in the production of its timepieces there, in accordance with the provenance criterion.
Approval takes place before certification. It involves submitting the movement components, additional mechanisms and connecting components to the Poinçon de Genève for validation. Each family of parts is assessed against the craftsmanship criteria set out in the regulations, ensuring that the components comply before production or integration.
The timepiece then undergoes performance testing. Watch functions are checked over a complete cycle. Water resistance and power reserve must at least meet the values stated by the manufacturer. Accuracy is tested over seven days under simulated wearing conditions, with a maximum tolerance of ±1 minute.
Once the components have been approved, the Poinçon de Genève may be applied to the bridges and baseplates of the movement. It reproduces Geneva's coat of arms: the eagle and the key. Formerly stamped using a mechanical press, the hallmark is now applied by laser, producing a highly precise engraving without deforming the components.
Once every approval and inspection stage has been successfully completed, the timepiece receives a unique, numbered certificate of origin and conformity. This document attests that the watch is of Geneva origin and meets the craftsmanship and performance criteria. Using the QR code or unique authentication code on the certificate, anyone can check online that the watch has been certified.
Audits ensure that these standards are maintained over time. Conducted within the manufactures themselves, they verify that components in production remain identical to those approved during the approval process, and that manufacturing processes comply with the principles of the Poinçon de Genève.
