Product classification
HS code for Precious metal wristwatches: 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 precious metal wristwatches under HS 9101.11
The classification of wristwatches under HS code 9101.11 is highly specific, relying on three primary criteria: the material of the case, the method of operation, and the type of display. According to the Chapter 91 notes, heading 9101 is strictly reserved for watches with cases made entirely of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal. This distinguishes them from heading 9102, which covers watches with cases of base metal or other materials. Subheading 9101.11 further narrows the scope to watches that are electrically operated, typically meaning they utilize a battery or a photovoltaic cell to power a quartz crystal oscillator. Finally, the mechanical display only requirement means the watch must show time using hands (analog) rather than a digital liquid crystal display (LCD) or light-emitting diode (LED). This classification reflects the luxury nature of the item combined with modern quartz technology. Even if the watch contains jewels or is highly complex, the case material remains the primary determinant for heading 9101. If the watch were to have an opto-electronic display, it would move to 9101.19, highlighting the precision required in selecting the correct code based on technical specifications. The classification also considers the strap or bracelet; however, Note 2 to Chapter 91 specifies that if the case is of precious metal, the watch belongs in 9101 regardless of the strap material, unless the strap itself is a separate article of jewelry. This ensures that the high value of the precious metal case dictates the primary classification of the timepiece.
- Covers
- 18k gold quartz watches with analog hands
- Platinum-cased battery-operated wristwatches
- Silver-cased wristwatches with mechanical dials
- White gold watches with quartz movements
- Metal clad with precious metal quartz watches
- 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 is with HS code 9102.11, which covers wristwatches with base metal cases. Even if a watch is gold-plated, if the base is not precious metal, it may fall under 9102 depending on the thickness of the plating. Another error is using 9101.19, which is for watches with digital or opto-electronic displays rather than mechanical hands.
Top exporters and importers of HS 910111 (the code used for precious metal wristwatches), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 910111 (the code used for precious metal wristwatches) 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 precious metal wristwatches.
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 precious metal wristwatches
Brazil classifies precious metal wristwatches 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 precious metal wristwatches
What is the HS code for Precious metal wristwatches?
The HS code for Precious metal wristwatches 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 electrically operated wristwatches with a precious metal case and mechanical display is 9101.11.
How do I classify Precious metal wristwatches for customs?
Precious metal wristwatches 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.
What if the watch strap is also made of gold?
If the case is precious metal, the watch remains in 9101. The strap material does not change the heading of the watch itself, though it may affect the valuation.
Which countries are the top exporters of precious metal wristwatches (HS 910111)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 910111 (the code used for precious metal wristwatches) 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 precious metal wristwatches (HS 910111)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 910111 (the code used for precious metal wristwatches) 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 Precious metal wristwatches the same in all countries?
The base HS code 910111 for Precious metal wristwatches 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 wristwatches in Brazil?
In Brazil, precious metal wristwatches (HS 910111) is classified under NCM 9101.11.00.