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| Joined: | Sat Jul 19th, 2008 |
| Location: | Chicago, Illinois USA |
| Posts: | 661 |
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This is what I know so far about the Claro CL 888
caliber automatic movement.
In 1961 Georg von Burg founded CLARO Watch Co.
in Bienne,Switzerland for the finishing of pin-lever
movements and assembly of complete watches
under various brands.
Modern CLARO CL-888:
CLARO-Semag is Fossil's Switzerland based in-house
mechanical movement "manufacturer." Fossil produced
a movement called the CL-888,which was used in the
Zodiac Oceanaire Diver's watch,eventually the same
movement can be found in several Fossil models.
However, according to a moderator of another
watch forum. He concluded that the CL-888 was
fact a Tianjin ST-16. Which became the Tianjin
Sea-Gull.
Here's the kicker, the CL-888 only differs from the
ST-16 in its finishing. It is likely that the movement
was polished and decorated in Switzerland.
What basically Fossil did was that they've turned
a Chinese made movement and called it Swiss.
This is not illegal,according to the Swiss Federation
because it pushed past the 50% mark,in order
to maintain a "Swiss" label.
However, in order to get Swiss Made on the dial.
The watch must be built and assemble in Switzerland,
and it must past the 80% mark to achieve this level.
Both the ST-16 and the CL-888 automatic winding
mechanism,was patented by Seiko, the patent
remained in until the late 1980's or early 1990's.
Unless, Fossil had the movement built under an
agreement with Seiko prior to the purchase of
Zodiac Watch Co.
Cheers,
Simon
What you say about the ST 16 and the CL 888 is correct according to my information however, it is my understanding that the CL 888 is manufactured in both locations. I do not believe that Gevril would use any Asian built movements. I also understand that the 51% rule is still in effect. But, this is interesting and perhaps a little research is in order.