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Switzerland’s sanctions on North Korea include an export ban on luxury goods, but that does not mean every watch is prohibited. The United Nations’ defined luxury-watch category covers wrist, pocket and other watches with cases made of precious metal or metal clad with precious metal. Swiss government reporting also records a small number of watch and accessory deliveries that were not models subject to the ban. The official sources cited here do not document a personal reaction from Kim Jong-un.
What Switzerland’s sanctions say about watches
Switzerland implements United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea through a Swiss ordinance. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) lists an export ban on luxury goods among the measures. SECO identifies the ordinance as the legally authoritative instrument, so a specific proposed shipment should be assessed against the ordinance and applicable rules, rather than inferred from a headline or a general description of the sanctions. SECO’s North Korea sanctions page
The UN’s coverage of Resolution 2270 (2016) defines the relevant luxury-watch category as “wrist, pocket, and other with a case of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal.” That wording makes case construction material to the category; it does not describe a blanket prohibition on every watch regardless of its materials or value. UN Security Council coverage of Resolution 2270
When Switzerland tightened the measures
On 22 February 2017, the Swiss Federal Council announced that Switzerland would implement Security Council Resolution 2321 (2016). The changes added goods to the existing luxury-goods export ban and extended certain restrictions on dual-use goods. The provisions entered into force at 6 p.m. that day. Swiss Federal Council announcement, 22 February 2017
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- 20-YEARS CONSTANT GLOW: Equipped with a tritium light source that provides over 20 years of constant glow and can be viewed in any lighting conditions or total darkness; Tritium markers are on 12/3/6/9 hour markers as well as the hour and minute hands (other markers have luminous paint)
- FEATURES: The UZI-001 Is a tactical-tough watch for men that is resistant to oil, and the most corrosive materials. Has a shock resistant body, a scratch resistant hardened mineral glass crystal that protects the dial of the watch, a rotating bezel, date display and two durable strap options. It's engineered for the fast-paced military and police sectors as well as emergency, safety, fans of adventure, sport and those in the armed forces, comes with rubber band.
- WATER RESISTANT: The stainless steel case back assures maximum water resistance up to 200-meters (660-feet), which will stand up to the rigors of recreational scuba diving, shower, swimming, fishing, water sports, ideal for adventures, sports and other rugged outdoor activities
- WARRANTY, WEIGHT & DIMENSIONS: Comes with a 1-year limited warranty, Face Diameter and Thickness (mm): 43 x 13, Item Weight (Oz): 6.20
- GREAT GIFT: For family and friends for Anniversary, Valentine's Day, Christmas, Birthday, Graduation, Father's day Gift for Dad, Wedding, Thanksgiving and any other occasion
Does the ban mean no watches reached North Korea?
No. A 2024 Swiss government report describes bilateral goods trade with North Korea as “almost non-existent” because of sanctions, while also recording that a small number of watches and watch accessories were delivered. It says those deliveries were not models subject to the ban. The report gives no count, so its description should not be turned into a numerical estimate. Swiss government, Data and statistics on North Korea (2024)
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Did Kim Jong-un express chagrin?
The official Swiss announcements and sanctions information cited here establish the sanctions measures, not Kim Jong-un’s personal response. “To Kim Jong-un’s chagrin” is therefore headline framing, not a documented reaction in these sources. The UN Security Council’s sanctions committee page provides further background on the sanctions framework, but does not substantiate that personal claim. UN Security Council Committee established pursuant to Resolution 1718
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- 【Price Review】 This product will be revised from March 1, 2023 (Wednesday)
- Set Contents: Watch, box, instruction manual (English language not guaranteed)
- 10 ATM
- Country of Origin: Switzerland
What matters for a specific watch shipment
- Check whether the watch falls within the defined luxury-goods category, including the case material or precious-metal cladding.
- Check the applicable Swiss ordinance and current sanctions requirements for the proposed export. The general category description alone does not establish a threshold or exception.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
