COSC Certification Question

[ronburgundy]

Forgive me if this has been discussed, I am a new Rolex owner/forum member and was curious about the COSC certifications. Is this a marketing bit, or is this a legitimate, game changing certification? I can't find much information on what specific tests the watches go through and if most watches would pass this test or not. Any info would be much appreciated, thanks!

[Frenchie]

"I can't find much information..."?

Where did you look? The "COSC" article in Wikipedia, the obvious starting point, describes the tests in detail.

[ronburgundy]

Ah yes, Wiki does show the tests. I had been looking on the Rolex website and found a little info. My bad, Frenchie. However, I wouldn't mind hearing opinions about the COSC if anyone cares to share.

[Old Expat Beast]

Years ago, when Rolex started getting COSC certified, it was a very big deal, as watches were not that accurate in general. Nowadays, not so much, and it just clutters up the dial in the opinion of many.

[Tools]

By Swiss law, you cannot put the term "Chronometer" on a Swiss watch that is not COSC certified.. Since Rolex sells legitimate chronometers, they must subject those watches for testing..

Whether it is marketing or not is a good discussion. In any event it does give the buyer some confidence that the watch will perform to a certain standard and be consistent..

Other watches may indeed pass the COSC tests, but since they don't test them, you will never know..