Find HS Code and trade information for pressurized watch

Pressurized Watch

A pressurized watch, also known as a compression watch, is a type of watch designed to withstand extremely high external pressure. This is achieved through specialized construction techniques and materials, differentiating them from standard, water-resistant watches.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of a pressurized watch is to maintain accurate timekeeping in environments with significant external pressure, typically underwater at great depths. They are essential tools for professional divers, saturation divers, and those involved in subsea operations. Unlike standard dive watches designed for recreational depths, pressurized watches are built for extended exposure to much higher pressures.

Function:

Standard watches rely on seals and gaskets to prevent water ingress. However, at extreme depths, these seals can be compromised. Pressurized watches address this by equalizing the pressure inside the watch case with the external pressure. This is typically accomplished through a system involving oil filling. The oil transmits the external pressure equally throughout the watch's internal components, preventing crushing or deformation.

Key functional aspects include:

• Pressure Equalization: The core function, achieved through oil filling.
• High Accuracy: Maintaining timekeeping precision despite extreme conditions.
• Durability: Robust construction to withstand corrosion, shock, and other harsh environmental factors.
• Legibility: Clear display, often with luminous markers, for underwater visibility.

Usage Scenarios:

• Saturation Diving: Used extensively by divers living in pressurized habitats for extended periods.
• Deep-Sea Exploration: Employed in submersibles and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
• Subsea Engineering & Construction: Utilized by professionals working on underwater infrastructure projects.
• Military Applications: Used in naval operations and specialized diving tasks.
• Scientific Research: Employed in deep-sea research and data collection.

Common Types & Technologies:

• Oil-Filled Watches: The most common type. The watch case is filled with a specialized inert oil (typically silicone oil) that equalizes pressure. These often feature a mineral glass crystal due to its compressibility compared to sapphire.
• Dry Watches (Less Common): These employ exceptionally robust case construction and seals to withstand pressure without oil filling. They are more complex and expensive to manufacture.
• Compression-Resistant Cases: Typically constructed from titanium or specialized alloys to resist deformation under pressure.
• Acrylic Crystals: While less scratch-resistant than sapphire, acrylic can compress under pressure, making them suitable for some pressurized watch designs.
• Automatic Movement: Most pressurized watches utilize automatic movements, as they do not require battery changes, which can be difficult in pressurized environments.
• Helium Escape Valve (Often Present): While not exclusive to pressurized watches, they are frequently included to prevent helium buildup inside the case during decompression, which can damage the movement.

Based on the provided information, “pressurized watch” can be categorized as follows, depending on its specific characteristics:

• 9101912000: This HS code covers wrist watches, pocket watches and other watches, including stop watches, with a case of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal: Other: Electrically operated: With opto-electronic display only. This applies if the watch has a precious metal case and features an electronic display. The total tax rate is 37.5% (0.0% basic tariff, 7.5% additional tariff, and 30.0% additional tariff after April 2, 2025).
• 9101297000: This HS code covers wrist watches, pocket watches and other watches, including stop watches, with a case of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal: Other wrist watches, whether or not incorporating a stop watch facility: Other: Having over 17 jewels in the movement. This applies to wrist watches with over 17 jewels in the movement, and includes straps, bands, or bracelets entered with the watches. The total tax rate is 40.6% (3.1% basic tariff, 7.5% additional tariff, and 30.0% additional tariff after April 2, 2025).
• 9102128000: This HS code covers wrist watches, pocket watches and other watches, including stop watches, other than those of heading 9101: Wrist watches, electrically operated, whether or not incorporating a stop watch facility: With opto-electronic display only: Other. This applies to electrically operated wrist watches with an electronic display, excluding those classified under heading 9101. The total tax rate is 37.5% (0.0% basic tariff, 7.5% additional tariff, and 30.0% additional tariff after April 2, 2025).
• 9102290200: This HS code covers wrist watches, pocket watches and other watches, including stop watches, other than those of heading 9101: Other wrist watches, whether or not incorporating a stop watch facility: Other: Having no jewels or only one jewel in the movement: With strap, band or bracelet of textile material or of base metal, whether or not gold- or silver-plated. This applies to wrist watches with no jewels or only one jewel, and includes straps, bands, or bracelets. The total tax rate is 51.5% (14.0% basic tariff, 7.5% additional tariff, and 30.0% additional tariff after April 2, 2025).

Chapter 91 covers miscellaneous manufactured articles.

Heading 9101 specifically covers wrist watches, pocket watches and other watches with a case of precious metal or metal clad with precious metal.

Heading 9102 covers wrist watches, pocket watches and other watches, other than those of heading 9101.

Subheadings further refine the classification based on features like jewels in the movement, type of display, and materials used for straps and bands.

Regarding HS code 9101297000 and 9102290200, please note that straps, bands, or bracelets entered with the watches and classifiable therewith are included, pursuant to additional U.S. note 2 to this chapter.