When Timex launched their American-assembled American Documents watch – powered by a Swiss automatic movement (which probably contains Chinese parts) – it was a drug on the market. Where once an American-made timepiece meant quality (e.g., Hamilton), now it means nothing save a bit of easily ignored faux flag-waving. consumers view Swiss watches (e.g., Rolex) and some Japanese watches (e.g., Seiko) with reverence and. When it comes to a watch’s “nationality,” U.S. So what? It takes an enormous leap of imagination to believe consumers are going to know, care or act upon the difference between a “Swiss made” and a “Swiss crafted” timepiece. “The ‘Swiss Crafted’ label certifies that 100% of the watch has been developed, manufactured, and crafted in Switzerland,” its promoters proclaim.
To reclaim jobs and prestige, a group of insiders have rebelled against the Swiss watch industry’s sleight-of-hand.
In case you missed it, the regulation has more holes than a block of Swiss cheese. For example, research and development expenses count towards “production costs.” Thanks to the legal verbiage about “component value,” eighty percent of a “Swiss Made” watch can be made in China. assembly) must take place in Switzerland. And at least 60 percent of the movement’s production (i.e. It must contain at least 50 percent Swiss-made components in value. To qualify for the designation, 60 percent of a watch’s production costs must be in-country. While we’re at it, let’s take a closer look at those “Swiss Made” watches. It’s a Chinese-made product sheltering under an American brand’s umbrella, built by humans only because they’re cheaper than robots. The Apple Watch – the watch that outsells the entire traditional watch industry combined – is not exactly as American as apple pie (which was invented in England). This despite Carpenter, Wolfpoint and Shinola heavily promoting their hometown connection (Brooklyn, Chicago and Detroit, respectively). At best, their products are American assembled. “American” watch brands like Carpenter Watches, Wolfpoint and Shinola depend entirely on Chinese parts and labor. What’s needed from us, the watch community, is to buy American-made timepieces. They’re raising money to “purchase raw materials in bulk for smaller companies that lack the financial resources to invest in the materials and parts needed to make the products that are desperately needed.” Um, what? Great landing, wrong airport. has launched the Keep The Lights On For American Manufacturing campaign.
0 kommentar(er)
