[toc]
Our Guide to COSC Certification
When shopping for your next watch, whether this is for yourself or for a loved one, one of the most important aspects you’re going to be looking for is quality. Specific to watches, one of the indicators to the highest level of quality possible is keeping an eye open for a COSC Certified device.
Not sure what COSC Certification stands for or means? Don’t worry; today, we’re going to share with you everything you need to know to ensure you know exactly what COSC is and how it can benefit you when purchasing your next watch!
What is COSC Certification?
“COSC” stands for the Controle Official Suisse de Chronometres, and is an organization based in Switzerland. The organization is neutral and non-profit and is coveted around the world as being one of the most prestigious movements to test the ability of watchmakers.
The aim of these extensive tests is to find out which watchmakers are the best in terms of quality of build, the accuracy of timekeeping, and the quality of the individual components. Of course, this means that not every watch can gain this certification, but if a watch does, you know it’s one of the best.
The test is carried out in different ways. Finished watches are not tested, but more the specific components. They are tested in varying temperatures over the course of 16 days to see how they respond and whether they remain accurate.
If you’re interested in the specifics, the COSC Certification states that the watch must remain accurate between -4 and +6 seconds per day, which equates to around a 99.994% level of accuracy.
COSC Certified Watch Brands
There are many watches out there that come with the COSC certification, but there are only a few of the best brands that can consistently put out watches that can meet and exceed the quality level you would expect.
As of 2015, Rolex (795,716 models) is up there as one of the best, as are Breitling (147,917 models) and Omega (511,861 models). There are a few others, but these are the main ones you’ll want to start with when looking for a COSC watch yourself.
For more information, you can also check out their website for the most up to date list, especially since more watches are being tested and added all the time!
Price of COSC Certified Watches
The price of COSC Certified watches can vary dramatically, but since you’re purchasing a quality product that can pass an extremely rigorous test, you can bet it’s not going to be cheap, especially since every part has been designed and created to be as good as possible.
For a ballpark figure, COSC Certified watches start around the $400 mark but can exceed several thousand dollars. Of course, there are watch designers and manufacturers out there that run sales and promotions but remember that you’re paying for certified quality when it comes to COSC Certified watch.
Do you need a COSC Certified Watch?
Of course, having a watch is not essential in life, especially since you can tell the time on your phone, but there is several reasons why a COSC watch could be for you. If you’re a fan of luxury watches, like to treat yourself or a loved one for a special occasion to something they’ll love, or you just want a watch you know is going to last, a COSC watch will be for you.
If you need to keep accurate time, perhaps if you’re going on a trip or you’re working on some kind of project, you’ll need to watch that can not only keep time accurately but can also survive no matter what conditions and environments you put it through.
For example, if you’re going on a safari or a country like Australia, you’re going to be outside in hot temperatures where traditional watches may suffer. Depending on what you’re up too, this could cause problems. On the other hand, a COSC Certified watch will have been designed to survive and remain accurate in these temperatures.
This means you’ll never have to worry about things going wrong, and you know you’ll be wearing a watch you can trust. For some of you, this simply might be a level of quality you want to reflect the way you live your life!