The House of Cartier, one of the most prestigious watch-making firms in the world, has opened a new chapter in its history by joining the extremely select group of watch manufactures certified to display the Geneva Seal. This highly sought-after stamp seals the installation of Cartier Watch-Making in Geneva, where its master craftsmen have developed and crafted the calibre 9452 MC* that now bears this greatly coveted certification.

Created in the 19^th century by a guild plagued by counterfeit products, the Geneva Seal is currently considered to be the symbol of watch-making perfection.
Enacted into law in 1886, the Geneva Seal is probably one of the oldest professional labels, recognised both as an indication of independent origin and a guarantee of superior quality.


Three prerequisites determine the award of the Geneva Seal:

• The movement must be mechanical and, at a minimum, assembled and adjusted in the canton of Geneva.
  
• Each calibre must meet twelve technical and aesthetic criteria outlined in the regulations, which have a bearing on its design and characteristics as well as the quality of the manufacture and finishes.
  
• The calibre must be approved and officially recognised by the Office for the Voluntary Inspection of Watches from Geneva (Bureau de Contrôle Facultatif des Montres de l’Etat de Genève). This Office is supervised by a sworn-in commission composed of members that have been appointed by the government of the canton.

For Cartier, winning the Geneva Seal certification for this new calibre confirms its priority to uphold the most prestigious watch-making tradition of all.

* The first Cartier creation to be stamped with the Geneva Seal will be unveiled at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, taking place from 7 to 12 April 2008.