Product classification
HS code for Precious metal watch cases: 9111.10
Watch cases, of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal.
Classification of precious metal watch cases under HS 9111.10
Watch cases made of precious metal or metal clad with precious metal are classified under HS code 9111.10. This classification is part of Chapter 91, which covers clocks, watches, and their parts. Heading 9111 is specifically for watch cases and parts thereof. The subheading 9111.10 is reserved for cases where the primary material is a precious metal (such as gold, silver, or platinum) or where a base metal has been clad (thickly coated) with a precious metal. This classification is critical because the value of the material significantly impacts the duty and regulatory requirements compared to base metal or plastic cases. Under the Harmonized System, clad with precious metal refers to a product made with a metal base on one or more surfaces of which there is affixed by soldering, brazing, welding, hot-rolling, or similar mechanical means a layer of precious metal. This is distinct from simple electroplating. When classifying these items, it is necessary to determine the thickness and method of the precious metal application to ensure the correct subheading is applied, as this affects both valuation and trade statistics. The case includes the body of the watch but excludes the movement and the glass.
- Covers
- 18k and 14k gold watch cases
- Sterling silver watch cases
- Platinum watch housings
- Gold-clad stainless steel watch cases
- Palladium watch cases
- Parts of precious metal watch cases (e.g., bezels)
- Also under 9111.10
- Rolex Oyster case (gold)
- Patek Philippe Calatrava case (platinum)
- Cartier Tank case (gold)
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak case (gold)
- Omega Speedmaster case (gold)
- Vacheron Constantin case (platinum).
Codes often confused with 9111.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is 9111.20, which covers watch cases of base metal, whether or not gold- or silver-plated. The distinction between clad (9111.10) and plated (9111.20) is a frequent source of error; plating is a thin layer usually applied by electrolysis, whereas cladding is a thicker, mechanically bonded layer. Additionally, 7115 (Other articles of precious metal) is incorrect because watch parts are specifically provided for in Chapter 91. Importers should also avoid 9111.80, which is for cases of other materials like plastic or ceramic, unless the precious metal is merely a decorative inlay.
Top exporters and importers of HS 911110 (the code used for precious metal watch cases), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 911110 (the code used for precious metal watch cases) in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 53% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 49% 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 911110, not only precious metal watch cases.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Switzerland $20M 53% of world exports
- 2 Italy $5.9M 16% of world exports
- 3 China $3.2M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $37M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $16M 49% of world imports
- 2 Switzerland $7.6M 24% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $2.6M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $32M 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 watch cases
Brazil classifies precious metal watch cases under NCM 9111.10.00: HS 9111.10 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 watch cases
What is the HS code for Precious metal watch cases?
The HS code for Precious metal watch cases is 911110 (Watch cases; of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal). The HS code for watch cases made of precious metal or metal clad with precious metal is 9111.10.
How do I classify Precious metal watch cases for customs?
Precious metal watch cases is classified under HS code 911110 — Watch cases; of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the watch movement?
No, this code is strictly for the outer case. The internal watch movements are classified separately under heading 9108, and complete watches are under 9101 or 9102.
Which countries are the top exporters of precious metal watch cases (HS 911110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 911110 (the code used for precious metal watch cases) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($20M, 53% of world exports), Italy ($5.9M) and China ($3.2M). World exports came to about $37M, 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 watch cases (HS 911110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 911110 (the code used for precious metal watch cases) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($16M, 49% of world imports), Switzerland ($7.6M) and Hong Kong ($2.6M). World imports came to about $32M, 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 watch cases the same in all countries?
The base HS code 911110 for Precious metal watch cases 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 watch cases in Brazil?
In Brazil, precious metal watch cases (HS 911110) is classified under NCM 9111.10.00.