HS Code for Watch
Watches are classified under HTS heading 9101 (with cases of precious metal) and 9102 (other cases). The classification structure is unusual because watches use **compound duty rates** — typically a specific cents-per-watch amount plus separate percentages on the case, strap/bracelet, and battery. The exact rate depends on the case material, the type of display (mechanical, opto-electronic), the movement (battery-operated, automatic winding, mechanical hand-wound), and the number of jewels. Watch straps, dials, and other parts have separate headings under 9113 and 9114.
| HTS Code | Description | Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 9101.11.40.10 | Wrist watches, pocket watches and other watches, including stop watches, with case of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal — Wrist watches, electrically operated, whether or not incorporating a stop watch facility, With mechanical display only, Having no jewels or only one jewel in the movement, Movement Quartz watches with precious-metal cases (gold, silver, platinum) | 51¢ each + 6.25% on the case and strap, band or bracelet + 5.3% on the battery |
| 9101.21.50.10 | Wrist watches, pocket watches and other watches, including stop watches, with case of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal — Other wrist watches, whether or not incorporating a stop watch facility, With automatic winding, Having over 17 jewels in the movement, Other, Movement Mechanical automatic-winding watches with precious-metal cases (Free MFN rate) | Free |
| 9102.11.45.10 | 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 mechanical display only, Having no jewels or only one jewel in the movement, Other, Other, Movement Quartz analog watches with non-precious cases (most common consumer watches) | 40¢ each + 8.5% on the case + 2.8% on the strap, band or bracelet + 5.3% on the battery |
| 9102.12.40.00 | 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, Straps, bands or bracelets entered with watches of subheading 9102.12.80 and classifiable therewith pursuant to additional U.S. note 2 to this chapter; all the foregoing whether or not attached to such watches at the time of entry, Other Pure digital watches with LCD or LED display only (Free MFN rate) | Free |
| 9102.21.50.10 | 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, With automatic winding, Having over one jewel but not over 17 jewels in the movement, Other, Movement Mechanical automatic-winding watches with non-precious cases | $1.75 each + 4.8% on the case + 2.2% on the strap, band or bracelet |
| 9102.91.40.10 | Wrist watches, pocket watches and other watches, including stop watches, other than those of heading 9101 — Other, Electrically operated, Other, Having no jewels or only one jewel in the movement, Movement Pocket watches and other non-wrist watches, electrically operated | 40¢ each + 6% on the case + 5.3% on the battery |
| 9113.20.20.00 | Watch straps, watch bands and watch bracelets, and parts thereof — Of base metal, whether or not gold- or silver-plated, Straps, bands and bracelets, Valued not over $5 per dozen Watch straps, bands, and bracelets of base metal (steel, titanium, aluminum) | 11.20% |
| 9114.30.40.00 | Other clock or watch parts — Dials, Not exceeding 50 mm in width Watch dials, not exceeding 50 mm in width | 0.4¢ each + 7.2% |
Watch classification is one of the more structurally distinctive areas of the HTS because of its **compound rate** system. Almost every consumer watch carries a duty composed of three parts: a specific amount per unit (e.g., 51¢ each), plus an ad valorem percentage on the case, plus an ad valorem percentage on the battery (and sometimes on the strap/band/bracelet).
The top-level split is by case material:
**9101 — Wrist watches, pocket watches, and other watches with cases of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal** (gold, silver, platinum cases or plating). 9101.11 covers electrically operated watches with mechanical display; 9101.21 covers automatic-winding mechanical watches in precious-metal cases.
**9102 — Wrist watches, pocket watches, and other watches with cases other than precious metal** (steel, titanium, plastic, ceramic, etc.). This is where the bulk of consumer and luxury watches sit. Subheadings include:
- 9102.11 — Electrically operated, with mechanical display only (analog quartz watches)
- 9102.12 — Electrically operated, with opto-electronic display only (digital LCD watches)
- 9102.19 — Electrically operated, with both mechanical and opto-electronic display (ana-digi watches)
- 9102.21 — Automatic-winding mechanical watches
- 9102.29 — Other mechanical watches (hand-wound)
- 9102.91 — Pocket watches and other non-wrist watches, electrically operated
Specific suffixes within each subheading further split by **number of jewels** (none, no more than 1, more than 1) and presence/absence of features like opto-electronic displays.
A crucial nuance: the rate on the **strap/band/bracelet** is sometimes broken out separately and sometimes combined with the case rate, depending on the specific 10-digit suffix. Watch straps imported **separately** fall under heading 9113 (e.g., 9113.20 for straps of base metal, 9113.90 for straps of textile or other materials). Watch dials, watch movements, watch crystals, and other parts have their own breakouts under 9108–9114.
**Smartwatches** are a special case. A device that primarily functions as a watch (telling time, basic display, basic notifications) generally classifies under heading 9102. A device that is functionally a wearable computer (cellular connectivity, full apps, fitness sensors) may classify under heading 8517 (telecommunications) or 8543 (electrical machines) under "essential character" rules. The boundary is fact-specific and a licensed customs broker should review smartwatch entries.
Watch duty rates are compound — typically a specific amount per unit (40¢ to 51¢ per watch) plus separate ad valorem percentages on the case, strap/band/bracelet, and battery. As a result, the simple "Duty Rate Range" varies depending on watch value and component prices. Examples: a quartz analog watch with a non-precious case (9102.11) carries 40¢ each + 8.5% on the case + 2.8% on the strap + 5.3% on the battery. Watches with precious-metal cases under 9101 carry similar compound rates. Watches with automatic mechanical movement under 9101.21.50 are at a Free rate. Country-specific additional duties may apply.