Product classification
HS code for Luxury quartz watches: 9101.11
Wrist-watches, electrically operated, with or without a stop-watch, with case of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal, with mechanical display only.
Classification of luxury quartz watches under HS 9101.11
Luxury quartz watches are classified under HS code 9101.11 because they meet three specific criteria defined in the Harmonized System nomenclature. First, they are wrist-watches as defined by the size and portability requirements of Chapter 91. Second, they are electrically operated, utilizing a quartz crystal oscillator to maintain time, which distinguishes them from mechanical movements. Third, and most importantly for this specific code, the case is constructed of precious metal (such as gold, silver, or platinum) or metal clad with precious metal. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 and the Chapter 91 notes, the material of the case is the primary determinant between heading 9101 and 9102. Subheading 9101.11 specifically identifies those with a mechanical display, meaning they use traditional hands to indicate time rather than a digital screen.
- Covers
- Solid 18k gold quartz wrist-watches
- Platinum-cased quartz watches with analog hands
- Silver-cased quartz watches with mechanical displays
- Quartz watches with cases made of base metal clad with at least 50 microns of gold
- Luxury quartz chronographs with precious metal cases
- Also under 9101.11
- Cartier Tank Quartz (gold case)
- Patek Philippe Calatrava Quartz (if mechanical display and precious metal case)
- Rolex Oysterquartz (if precious metal case and mechanical display)
- Omega De Ville Prestige Quartz (gold case)
Codes often confused with 9101.11
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 9102.11. While 9102.11 also covers quartz watches with mechanical displays, it is strictly for watches with cases made of base metal, such as stainless steel, titanium, or brass. Even if a steel watch is gold-plated, it typically remains in 9102 unless the plating is thick enough to be considered 'clad.' Another common error is using 9101.19, which is reserved for watches with opto-electronic (digital) displays only. Importers must verify the exact composition of the watch case to avoid significant duty discrepancies between precious and base metal classifications.
Top exporters and importers of HS 910111 (the code used for luxury quartz watches), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 910111 (the code used for luxury quartz watches) in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 11% 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 910111, not only luxury quartz watches.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Switzerland $1.5B 43% of world exports
- 2 United States $564M 16% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $258M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $3.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Switzerland $347M 11% of world imports
- 2 France $267M 8.6% of world imports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$219M 7.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $3.1B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 quartz watches
Brazil classifies luxury quartz watches under NCM 9101.11.00: HS 9101.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about luxury quartz watches
What is the HS code for Luxury quartz watches?
The HS code for Luxury quartz watches is 910111 (Wrist-watches; electrically operated, with or without a stop-watch, with case of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal, with mechanical display only). The HS code for luxury quartz watches with precious metal cases and mechanical displays is 9101.11.
How do I classify Luxury quartz watches for customs?
Luxury quartz watches is classified under HS code 910111 — Wrist-watches; electrically operated, with or without a stop-watch, with case of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal, with mechanical display only. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include smartwatches?
No, smartwatches are generally classified under heading 8517 as telecommunication devices, regardless of the case material, because their primary function exceeds simple timekeeping.
Which countries are the top exporters of luxury quartz watches (HS 910111)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 910111 (the code used for luxury quartz watches) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($1.5B, 43% of world exports), the United States ($564M) and the United Kingdom ($258M). World exports came to about $3.5B, 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 quartz watches (HS 910111)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 910111 (the code used for luxury quartz watches) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($347M, 11% of world imports), France ($267M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $219M). World imports came to about $3.1B, 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.
Is the HS code for Luxury quartz watches the same in all countries?
The base HS code 910111 for Luxury quartz 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 quartz watches in Brazil?
In Brazil, luxury quartz watches (HS 910111) is classified under NCM 9101.11.00.