U.S. imports of Pocket Watches & Other Non-Wrist Watches with Precious Metal Cases (SITC 88539) totaled $355K in August 2026, imported from 11 countries.
Importers of Pocket Watches & Other Non-Wrist Watches with Precious Metal Cases paid $25K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 6.76% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Pocket Watches & Other Non-Wrist Watches with Precious Metal Cases imports of $355K in August 2026 ran 52% below the year-to-date monthly average of $744K.
Last updated: August 2026 dataPocket watches and fob watches — distinguished from wrist watches by their carrying format rather than movement type — with precious-metal or precious-metal-clad cases form a niche but high-value import category. The classification hinges on two simultaneous criteria: the watch must not be a wrist watch, and the case must meet the precious-metal or cladding standard. Antique and collectible pocket watches may also implicate separate CBP appraisement rules based on age and artistic merit, which can affect dutiable value.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
30 import shipments a month
The distinction is based on the intended wearing or carrying method: pocket watches are designed to be carried in a pocket or on a chain/fob, while wrist watches are designed to be worn on the wrist with a strap or bracelet. CBP looks at the physical design features — case shape, crown placement, attachment points — rather than how the importer or end-user actually uses the piece.
Antiques that are over 100 years old may qualify for duty-free entry under a separate HTS provision for antiques, which would take precedence over this heading. Importers should consult a licensed customs broker and provide authentication documentation (provenance, hallmarks, appraisal) to support an antique claim, as misclassification in either direction carries penalty risk.
Basic heading 390 of 419 in section 8
Basic heading 88539 · $355K of $46.9B
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Imports · August 2026
origin
Switzerland and France together supply 97% of it. China pays 20.0% duty; France 0.0%.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
$355KYoY · free account
Exports
$255KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $7.2M of Pocket Watches & Other Non-Wrist Watches with Precious Metal Cases.
Fewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade, or the latest month was under $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through August 2026 · exports 11 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.