Product classification
HS code for Gold watch cases: 9111.10
Watch cases, of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal.
Classification of gold watch cases under HS 9111.10
Watch cases made of gold or gold-clad material are classified under HS code 9111.10. Chapter 91 of the Harmonized System deals with horological instruments. Heading 9111 is dedicated to watch cases and their parts. Within this heading, the first subheading, 9111.10, specifically identifies cases made of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal. This classification applies to the protective housing of a watch movement. The determination for this code relies on the material of the case body itself. Even if the internal mechanism is not present, the case is classified here based on its specialized design for watches and its high-value material composition. Note 2 to Chapter 91 is relevant here, as it clarifies that heading 9111 includes cases for the movements of watches. The classification remains in 9111.10 even if the case is set with precious stones, provided the primary material is precious metal. If the case were made of base metal, even if gold-plated (as opposed to clad), it would fall under 9111.20. The distinction between \"plated\" and \"clad\" is vital in Chapter 91, where \"clad\" involves a thicker layer of precious metal bonded to a base. The case includes the bezel, the case back, and the middle part of the case. Parts of watch cases, such as the bars for attaching the strap, are also classified under this heading if they are made of the same precious materials. This code ensures that the high value of the precious metal is accounted for in customs valuation and trade statistics.
- Covers
- Solid gold housings for wristwatches
- Gold-clad watch cases without movements
- Bezels made of precious metal
- Gold case backs for luxury watches
- Middle parts of watch cases made of platinum or gold
- Also under 9111.10
- Rolex Oyster case (gold)
- Patek Philippe Calatrava case (platinum)
- Cartier Tank case (gold)
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak case (gold)
- Omega Speedmaster case (gold)
- Vacheron Constantin case (platinum).
Codes often confused with 9111.10
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is HS code 9111.20, which covers watch cases of base metal, even if they are gold-plated. Importers must verify if the material is \"clad\" or \"plated.\" Another error is using 9112.20, which is for clock cases; watch cases are strictly for portable timepieces and must be classified under 9111.
Top exporters and importers of HS 911110 (the code used for gold watch cases), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 911110 (the code used for gold watch cases) in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 53% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 49% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 911110, not only gold watch cases.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Switzerland $20M 53% of world exports
- 2 Italy $5.9M 16% of world exports
- 3 China $3.2M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $37M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $16M 49% of world imports
- 2 Switzerland $7.6M 24% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $2.6M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $32M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for gold watch cases
Brazil classifies gold watch cases under NCM 9111.10.00: HS 9111.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about gold watch cases
What is the HS code for Gold watch cases?
The HS code for Gold watch cases is 911110 (Watch cases; of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal). The HS code for watch cases made of precious metal or metal clad with precious metal is 9111.10.
How do I classify Gold watch cases for customs?
Gold watch cases is classified under HS code 911110 — Watch cases; of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the glass or crystal?
If the glass is imported as part of the case assembly, it is included. If imported separately, watch crystals are classified under 7015.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of gold watch cases (HS 911110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 911110 (the code used for gold watch cases) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($20M, 53% of world exports), Italy ($5.9M) and China ($3.2M). World exports came to about $37M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of gold watch cases (HS 911110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 911110 (the code used for gold watch cases) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($16M, 49% of world imports), Switzerland ($7.6M) and Hong Kong ($2.6M). World imports came to about $32M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Gold watch cases the same in all countries?
The base HS code 911110 for Gold watch cases is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for gold watch cases in Brazil?
In Brazil, gold watch cases (HS 911110) is classified under NCM 9111.10.00.