What does FQF mean in FOUNDATIONS

The Fleurier Quality Foundation (FQF) is a Swiss non-profit organization established to bring higher standards of excellence and authenticity in the watchmaking business. It focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship, with the mission to promote excellence of traditional mechanical watches by certifying and controlling their quality. FQF certification ensures that a watch meets strict criteria for precision, accuracy and durability.

The FQF was created to help watchmakers, both large and small, produce timepieces that meet the highest standards of quality. By introducing stricter controls on production processes, it encourages innovation while maintaining traditional watchmaking craftsmanship. Ultimately, FQF certification guarantees that luxury timepieces are reliable and trustworthy investments.

To qualify for FQF certification, a watch must meet rigorous chronometric standards for accuracy, resistance to external shock and water-resistance. In addition, it must pass tests designed to check its robustness over time, as well as its design integrity against counterfeiting or unauthorized modifications. These tests are completed in an independent laboratory and conducted according to international norms.

After completing a series of tests at an independent laboratory, watches submitted for FQF certification go through a multi-stage evaluation procedure with review by qualified experts who assess their performance against set criteria. Following successful approval through these steps, watches are registered in an exclusive online database held by the foundation where they can be identified throughout their lifespan.

All evaluators at FQF-approved labs possess specific skills which enable them to assess all aspects of a watch's performance accurately - from precision timing to shock resistance testing - before issuing approval for its registration in the online database maintained by the foundation.

Consumers benefit from FQF certification because it confirms that a timepiece meets stringent international quality standards verified independently in an approved laboratory before being put on sale — giving them confidence that their investment is secure no matter what happens over time with extremes in temperature or other conditions.

No — although many prestigious watchmakers based in Switzerland do adhere to these standards — any mechanical watch manufacturer can submit their products for analysis provided they conform fully with applicable laws covering safety and consumer protection.