COSC Certifies 1,437,209 Watch Movements In 2007

The Swiss offices of the Contr?le Officiel Suisse des Chronometres (COSC) issued 1,437,209 chronometer certificates in 2007, with all brands and participants represented.  Overall, there was a 13.6% increase compared to 2006.    

Rolex, Omega, and Breitling continue to represent by far the largest recipients of chronometer certificates.  Rolex claimed a substantial first place standing, with 728,256 certified movements.  Omega came in at second place with 341,161.  Breitling obtained 222,650 certificates; of that number, 62,000 were for quartz movements.  By way of comparison, Ulysse Nardin and Corum had 12,634 and 10,659 COSC-certified movements, respectively.  

Other brands of interest include Panerai, whose manufacture calibers are playing a larger role in its COSC stats, and TAG Heuer, whose results point to an increasing focus on watches with mechanical calibers, rather than quartz ones.  Fashion house Chanel is also placing a greater emphasis on developing themselves as a "serious" luxury watch brand; it received 6,632 chronometer certificates in 2007.