Product classification
HS code for Precious metal 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 precious metal automatic watches under HS 9101.21
HS code 9101.21 is the specific classification for wrist-watches that feature an automatic winding mechanism and a case constructed from precious metal or metal clad with precious metal. This classification is found in Chapter 91, which covers clocks and watches. To be classified under 9101, the case must be made of gold, silver, platinum, or a base metal clad with these materials. The subheading 91.21 further specifies that the movement must be "automatic," meaning it relies on a rotor to wind the mainspring through the wearer's physical movement, rather than requiring manual winding or a battery. These watches are mechanical and must not be electrically operated (which would fall under 9101.11 or 9101.19). The classification remains 9101.21 even if the watch includes additional features like a date display or a chronograph (stop-watch) facility, provided the primary movement is automatic and the case is precious metal.
- Covers
- 18k gold automatic wrist-watches
- Platinum-cased self-winding watches
- Silver wrist-watches with automatic mechanical movements
- Automatic chronographs with precious metal cases
- Metal-clad precious metal automatic watches
- 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. A common error is misclassifying these under 9102.21, which is for automatic watches with cases made of base metal (like stainless steel). Another frequent mistake is 9101.11, which applies to quartz (electrically operated) watches with precious metal cases. Manual-wind mechanical watches in precious metal cases fall under 9101.29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 910121 (the code used for precious metal automatic watches), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 910121 (the code used for precious metal 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 precious metal 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 precious metal automatic watches
Brazil classifies precious metal 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 precious metal automatic watches
What is the HS code for Precious metal automatic watches?
The HS code for Precious metal 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 automatic wrist-watches with a precious metal case is 9101.21.
How do I classify Precious metal automatic watches for customs?
Precious metal 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.
What if the watch is gold-plated?
If the watch is only gold-plated (not clad), it is usually classified under 9102.21, as plating is generally not considered "clad with precious metal" in the context of Chapter 91.
Which countries are the top exporters of precious metal automatic watches (HS 910121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 910121 (the code used for precious metal 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 precious metal automatic watches (HS 910121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 910121 (the code used for precious metal 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 Precious metal automatic watches the same in all countries?
The base HS code 910121 for Precious metal 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 precious metal automatic watches in Brazil?
In Brazil, precious metal automatic watches (HS 910121) is classified under NCM 9101.21.00.