G04D APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
Description
G04D encompasses specialized equipment, tools, and devices used in the manufacture, assembly, repair, and maintenance of timepieces including clocks and watches. This subclass covers manufacturing apparatus such as escapement-testing equipment, balance-wheel truing devices, and tools for case opening and component handling. It also includes diagnostic and adjustment instruments employed by watchmakers and horologists for calibration, rate correction, and quality control throughout the production and service lifecycle of timepieces.
Filing statistics
CPC subclass G04D recorded 3,452 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 157 in 2013 to 379 in 2023 (+141%), peaking at 457 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class G04 are THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (1,705 applications), ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGERE SUISSE (1,443 applications) and SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COMPANY (1,104 applications).
Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings
6 direct subcodes
Child Classifications
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- G04D 1/00 Gripping, holding, or supporting devices
- G04D 3/00 Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials
- G04D 5/00 Oiling devices; Special lubricant containers for watchmakers
- G04D 7/00 Measuring, counting, calibrating, testing or regulating apparatus
- G04D 9/00 Demagnetising devices
- G04D 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
Top Applicants
Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class G04, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT
- THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CH 1,705
- ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGERE SUISSE CH 1,443
- SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COMPANY KR 1,104
- APPLE US 1,038
- SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION 875
- NIVAROX-FAR CH 781
- CASIO COMPUTER COMPANY 734
- MONTRES BREGUET CH 715
- SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION JP 715
- OMEGA CH 555