Product classification
HS code for Precious metal pocket watches: 9101.91
Pocket-watches and other watches, including stop-watches, (excluding wrist-watches), with case of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal, electrically operated.
Classification of precious metal pocket watches under HS 9101.91
HS code 9101.91 is designated for pocket watches and similar portable timepieces that feature a case made of precious metal (or metal clad with precious metal) and are electrically operated. The classification process begins with Chapter 91, which covers horological instruments. Heading 9101 is selected because the case is constructed from high-value materials such as gold, silver, or platinum. The distinction between the first part of the heading (wrist-watches) and the second part (other watches) is fundamental. Since pocket watches, lapel watches, and pendant watches are not designed to be worn on the wrist, they fall into the 9101.9x group. Within that group, 9101.91 is specific to those powered by electricity, which in modern horology almost exclusively refers to quartz movements powered by a battery. This code covers both digital and analog displays, as long as the movement is electric. It is the primary classification for modern luxury pocket watches that utilize quartz technology rather than traditional mechanical gears and springs. The inclusion of a stopwatch or other complications does not change this classification.
- Covers
- Quartz gold pocket watches
- Battery-operated silver pendant watches
- Electric platinum lapel watches
- Digital pocket watches with precious metal cases
- Precious metal stop-watches (non-wrist) that are electrically operated
- Also under 9101.91
- Tiffany & Co. quartz pocket watch (gold)
- Cartier 'Pasha' desk clock (silver-gilt, electric)
- various bespoke precious metal electric pocket watches
Codes often confused with 9101.91
Common mistake. A common error is 9101.11, which is for electric wrist-watches. Another frequent misclassification is 9101.99, which is for mechanical (non-electric) pocket watches. Additionally, if the case is only gold-plated base metal, the item should be classified under 9102.91.
Top exporters and importers of HS 910191 (the code used for precious metal pocket watches), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 910191 (the code used for precious metal pocket watches) in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, 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 910191, not only precious metal pocket watches.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Switzerland $14M 38% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $5.4M 15% of world exports
- 3 Australia $3.8M 10% of world exports
World total: $36M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $7.6M 16% of world imports
- 2 Switzerland $6.1M 13% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $6.0M 13% of world imports
World total: $48M 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 pocket watches
Brazil classifies precious metal pocket watches under NCM 9101.91.00: HS 9101.91 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 pocket watches
What is the HS code for Precious metal pocket watches?
The HS code for Precious metal pocket watches is 910191 (Pocket-watches and other watches, including stop-watches; (excluding wrist-watches), with case of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal, electrically operated).
How do I classify Precious metal pocket watches for customs?
Precious metal pocket watches is classified under HS code 910191 — Pocket-watches and other watches, including stop-watches; (excluding wrist-watches), with case of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal, electrically operated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for a quartz gold pocket watch?
The HS code is 9101.91, covering electrically operated watches with precious metal cases that are not wrist-watches.
Does this code cover silver pendant watches?
Yes, if the pendant watch has a silver case and is battery-powered, it is classified under 9101.91.
Which countries are the top exporters of precious metal pocket watches (HS 910191)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 910191 (the code used for precious metal pocket watches) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($14M, 38% of world exports), Singapore ($5.4M) and Australia ($3.8M). World exports came to about $36M, 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 pocket watches (HS 910191)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 910191 (the code used for precious metal pocket watches) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($7.6M, 16% of world imports), Switzerland ($6.1M) and Singapore ($6.0M). World imports came to about $48M, 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 pocket watches the same in all countries?
The base HS code 910191 for Precious metal pocket 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 pocket watches in Brazil?
In Brazil, precious metal pocket watches (HS 910191) is classified under NCM 9101.91.00.