'The Swiss made label reaps billions of francs for Swiss watchmaking'

After more than ten years of intense lobbying and heated parliamentary debates, the new law on “Swissness” takes effect at the start of 2017. The “Swiss made” label is particularly important to reinforce the credibility of Swiss watchmakers, as Jean-Daniel Pasche, president of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH), explains. Pasche has worked to strengthen the Swiss watchmaking brand for more than two decades. His efforts – supported by most industry players – finally come to fruition this year with the new “Swissness” law, which will take effect along with a partial revision of the “Swiss made" label for watches. Timepieces must now meet the requirement of containing a minimum 60% of Swiss value to carry the Swiss made label. Previously, the proportion was fixed at 50%, and it affected only the incorporation of a Swiss movement – the heart of mechanical watches. swissinfo.ch: Does the New Year mark a milestone in your professional career? Jean-Daniel Pasche: