Switzerland
Switzerland's state assay office independently tests and strikes precious-metal watch-cases — a legacy of the watch industry — under a single national mark since 1995.
In the atlas: Rue du Rhône & Watch‑Jewellery
Independent assay
National control runs under the Federal Act of 1933, administered by the assay office of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG). First watch-case marks date to 1882.
Compulsory state assay for watch-cases; voluntary for other jewellery.
What you'll see struck
St Bernard's Head
Since 1995National assay mark
Since 1995 a single St Bernard dog's-head mark — Switzerland's national dog — certifies legal fineness on all metals, replacing the older animal marks.
Helvetia Head
Historic — 18ct gold · historic
Before 1995, a helmeted Helvetia head marked 18ct gold; a squirrel marked 14ct, a bear 875 silver, a wood-grouse 800, a duck sterling.
Common Control Mark
Convention export mark
The balance/scales of the Hallmarking Convention, recognised across member states. Switzerland has been a member since 1975.
Responsibility mark
Maker's mark (required)
A registered sponsor's mark is legally required on every controlled article, whatever its origin.
Fineness
- Gold
- 375 · 585 · 750 (common) · 916 · 999
- Silver
- 800 · 850 · 925 (common) · 950 · 999
- Platinum
- 900 · 950 · 999
- Palladium
- 500 · 950 · 999
Decode a mark you've found
Seen a number struck inside a piece? Read what it means, and how Switzerland marks it.
Heading there to buy? These district buyer's guides show how to read a hallmark at the counter, what a fair price looks like, and how to spot a fake.
- Precious metal control of watch cases Verified
- Country profile: Switzerland Verified
- Federal Act on the Control of the Trade in Precious Metals Verified
* The historic animal marks (squirrel, bear, wood-grouse, duck) and the platinum chamois / import lynx are documented in secondary sources; exact poses vary by period.
A reference guide, not an authentication service. Marks vary by date and metal; consult the relevant assay office or standards body for definitive identification.