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

IPC subclass G04D recorded 3,191 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 128 in 2013 to 405 in 2023 (+216%), peaking at 434 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class G04 are THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (1,570 applications), ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGERE SUISSE (1,409 applications) and CASIO COMPUTER COMPANY (1,172 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings