The Geneva Seal
The Geneva Seal was created in 1886 by the institution named “Poinçon de Genève” to identify timepieces built following Geneva’s traditional watchmaking standards. It can apply only to locally crafted mechanical movements which comply with the highest quality criteria. It is probably the most stringent set of rules ever established for any manufactured product. To qualify for the hallmarked coat of arms of the city of Geneva, a movement must fulfill all 12 criteria of the regulation. 100% of the mechanical watches (manual and self-winded) crafted by Patek Philippe proudly display the coveted Geneva Seal hallmark.
History behind the Geneva Seal
Geneva has long been home to the finest watchmakers in the world. Watchmaking was first recorded in the city in 1554, and rapidly became central to Geneva's society and economy.
By the end of the 18th century, around one third of Geneva's working population was involved in the watch industry, and the engraving of the word 'Genève' on the movements made in the city was soon considered as a superlative level of quality and craftsmanship.
The Society of Watchmakers was formed in 1873 to better formalise the ongoing search for excellence in watchmaking. The Society persuaded Geneva's Grand Council to set up an inspectorate, drawn from the city's Ecole d'Horlogerie, to examine and certify the best mechanical watch movements.
Thus was born the 'Poinçon de Genève' - the « Geneva
Seal » which today still sets the most demanding standards for watchmaking anywhere in the world.
At Patek Philippe we adhere to the requirements of the Geneva Seal throughout the manufacturing and assembly process. The initial blueprints are drawn up with the Bureau's requirements in mind, from the choice of materials and finishes - angled edges, polished or brushed surfaces, to the technical specifications - jewelling, arbors and pivots, to the care taken in the crafting of the winding mechanism.