Product classification
HS code for Luxury automatic watches: 9101.21
Wrist-watches, (not electrically operated), automatic winding, whether or not incorporating a stop-watch facility, case of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal.
Classification of luxury automatic watches under HS 9101.21
Luxury automatic watches are classified under HS code 9101.21 based on the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6. This specific subheading is reserved for wrist-watches that are not electrically operated and feature an automatic winding mechanism. An automatic watch, or self-winding watch, utilizes a rotor that pivots in response to the wearer's motion, thereby winding the mainspring. Furthermore, the classification requires the watch case to be constructed from precious metal—such as gold, silver, or platinum—or metal clad with precious metal. Metal clad with precious metal refers to a base of metal upon which one or more layers of precious metal are bonded by soldering, brazing, welding, hot-rolling, or similar mechanical means. This code is part of Heading 9101, which is exclusively for watches with precious metal cases, distinguishing them from Heading 9102, which covers watches with cases of base metal. The precision of this classification is essential for international trade, as it affects duty rates and import restrictions. The presence of a stop-watch facility does not change this classification, provided the other criteria are met.
- Covers
- 18k gold automatic chronographs
- Platinum self-winding perpetual calendars
- Rose gold automatic diving watches with precious metal cases
- Silver-cased automatic dress watches
- Automatic wrist-watches with cases clad in 20-micron gold
- Also under 9101.21
- Rolex Daytona (gold)
- Patek Philippe Nautilus (rose gold)
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (yellow gold)
- Vacheron Constantin Overseas (pink gold)
Codes often confused with 9101.21
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 9102.21, which covers automatic watches with cases made of base metal (like stainless steel or titanium). It is also frequently confused with 9101.29, which is reserved for manual-winding watches with precious metal cases. Confusing "gold-plated" (which falls under 9102) with "gold-clad" (which falls under 9101) is a frequent error in customs declarations.
Top exporters and importers of HS 910121 (the code used for luxury automatic watches), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 910121 (the code used for luxury automatic watches) in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 63% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 20% 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 910121, not only luxury automatic watches.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Switzerland $8.3B 63% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $953M 7.3% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $944M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $13.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $2.6B 20% of world imports
- 2 United States $1.3B 9.9% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $1.2B 9.8% of world imports
World total: $12.7B 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 luxury automatic watches
Brazil classifies luxury automatic watches under NCM 9101.21.00: HS 9101.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about luxury automatic watches
What is the HS code for Luxury automatic watches?
The HS code for Luxury automatic watches is 910121 (Wrist-watches; (not electrically operated), automatic winding, whether or not incorporating a stop-watch facility, case of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal). The HS code for luxury automatic watches with a precious metal case is 9101.21.
How do I classify Luxury automatic watches for customs?
Luxury automatic watches is classified under HS code 910121 — Wrist-watches; (not electrically operated), automatic winding, whether or not incorporating a stop-watch facility, case of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include watches with leather straps?
Yes, the classification is determined by the case material and movement; the strap material (leather, textile, or precious metal) does not change the primary HS code for the watch itself.
Which countries are the top exporters of luxury automatic watches (HS 910121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 910121 (the code used for luxury automatic watches) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($8.3B, 63% of world exports), Hong Kong ($953M) and Singapore ($944M). World exports came to about $13.1B, 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 luxury automatic watches (HS 910121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 910121 (the code used for luxury automatic watches) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($2.6B, 20% of world imports), the United States ($1.3B) and Singapore ($1.2B). World imports came to about $12.7B, 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 Luxury automatic watches the same in all countries?
The base HS code 910121 for Luxury automatic watches 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 luxury automatic watches in Brazil?
In Brazil, luxury automatic watches (HS 910121) is classified under NCM 9101.21.00.