Product classification
HS code for Luxury mechanical watches: 9101.29
Wrist-watches, (not electrically operated), (not automatic winding), whether or not incorporating a stop-watch facility, case of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal.
Classification of luxury mechanical watches under HS 9101.29
HS code 9101.29 is designated for luxury wrist-watches that feature a case made of precious metal or metal clad with precious metal and utilize a mechanical movement that is not automatic winding. This specific classification covers manual-wind (hand-wound) timepieces. To fall under heading 9101, the case must be constructed from materials such as 18k gold, 950 platinum, or sterling silver. The Harmonized System distinguishes between different types of mechanical movements to facilitate precise trade statistics. Subheading 9101.29 is distinct because it excludes both electrically operated (quartz) watches and automatic (self-winding) mechanical watches. These watches are often considered high-end horological pieces where the user manually tensions the mainspring via the crown. The classification applies regardless of whether the watch incorporates additional complications like a moon phase or a power reserve indicator, provided it does not have an automatic rotor and is not battery-powered. The "luxury" designation in trade terms is a direct result of the precious metal case requirement, which significantly elevates the customs value compared to base-metal alternatives.
- Covers
- Manual-wind gold wrist-watches
- Hand-wound platinum luxury watches
- Mechanical wrist-watches (non-automatic) with silver cases
- Precious metal dress watches with manual movements
- Limited edition manual-wind watches in precious metal cases
- Also under 9101.29
- Patek Philippe Calatrava (manual, gold)
- A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia (manual, platinum)
- Vacheron Constantin Patrimony (manual, rose gold)
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso (manual, gold)
Codes often confused with 9101.29
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 9101.21, which is specifically for automatic winding wrist-watches with precious metal cases. It is also frequently confused with 9101.11 or 9101.19, which cover electrically operated (quartz) watches. Furthermore, if the watch case is made of stainless steel, titanium, or any other base metal, it must be classified under heading 9102 (specifically 9102.29 for manual mechanical), even if the watch is extremely expensive or from a luxury brand.
Top exporters and importers of HS 910129 (the code used for luxury mechanical watches), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 910129 (the code used for luxury mechanical watches) in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 16% 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 910129, not only luxury mechanical watches.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Switzerland $1.8B 49% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $450M 13% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $293M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Switzerland $564M 16% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $452M 13% of world imports
- 3 Australia $302M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $3.6B 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 mechanical watches
Brazil classifies luxury mechanical watches under NCM 9101.29.00: HS 9101.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about luxury mechanical watches
What is the HS code for Luxury mechanical watches?
The HS code for Luxury mechanical watches is 910129 (Wrist-watches; (not electrically operated), (not 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 manual-wind mechanical wrist-watches with a case of precious metal or metal clad with precious metal is 9101.29.
How do I classify Luxury mechanical watches for customs?
Luxury mechanical watches is classified under HS code 910129 — Wrist-watches; (not electrically operated), (not 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.
What is the difference between 9101.21 and 9101.29?
9101.21 is for automatic (self-winding) mechanical watches, while 9101.29 is for other mechanical watches, primarily manual-wind (hand-wound) models.
Which countries are the top exporters of luxury mechanical watches (HS 910129)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 910129 (the code used for luxury mechanical watches) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($1.8B, 49% of world exports), Singapore ($450M) and Hong Kong ($293M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 mechanical watches (HS 910129)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 910129 (the code used for luxury mechanical watches) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($564M, 16% of world imports), Hong Kong ($452M) and Australia ($302M). World imports came to about $3.6B, 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 mechanical watches the same in all countries?
The base HS code 910129 for Luxury mechanical 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 mechanical watches in Brazil?
In Brazil, luxury mechanical watches (HS 910129) is classified under NCM 9101.29.00.