For centuries, jewelry and watch companies have assured watch connoisseurs that they are purchasing timepieces of the highest quality based on the claim that they are made in Switzerland.

While other countries produce exceptional watches, it is the Swiss who have maintained their reputation as superior watchmakers through technical and aesthetic innovation. When a timepiece is made in Switzerland, it has been deemed to be of the highest quality.

Recently, jewelry lines and watch companies have abused the privilege of the Swiss made label by only carrying out part of production in Switzerland and doing the rest in other cheaper countries such as Asia. To protect the integrity of fine watches, the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH, has now proposed tighter control. These new regulations require that 80 percent of mechanical watch production costs and 60 percent of electronic-watch production costs have to be attributable to Switzerland, instead of the 50 percent previously enforced. They also demand that the development of the model for a watch and all technical assembly must take part in Switzerland, as well.

While the suggestion of these new rules might come as a shock to some, according to the National Jeweler Network, many feel it would strengthen the U.S. watch industry. The FH will now submit its proposal to federal authorities.

Do you agree or disagree that this new regulation will strengthen the U.S. watch industry?

*Photo Credit: Timezone.com