9111.10.00.00 - Cases of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal

This HTS category, 9111.10.00.00, specifically covers watch cases that are made entirely of precious metal or are constructed from base metal that has been clad with precious metal. This means the primary construction material, or at least a significant outer layer, must be gold, silver, platinum, or other precious metals as defined by customs regulations. The inclusion of "metal clad with precious metal" indicates that cases where a non-precious metal base is covered by a layer of precious metal also fall under this heading.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings is crucial for accurate classification. Unlike category 9111.20, which pertains to cases made of base metal (even if gold- or silver-plated, implying the plating is a surface treatment rather than a core material for this distinction), 9111.10.00.00 requires the precious metal to be a fundamental component of the case's structure or a substantial cladding. Category 9111.80.00.00, for "other cases," serves as a residual category for watch cases not specifically covered by the material definitions in 9111.10 or 9111.20. Finally, category 9111.90 addresses watch case parts, which are distinct from complete cases.

As a leaf node, 9111.10.00.00 has no further subcategories. Therefore, classification within this heading relies solely on determining whether a watch case meets the criteria of being constructed from precious metal or precious metal-clad metal. Examples might include solid gold watch cases, platinum watch casings, or cases where a substantial layer of gold is bonded to a base metal, providing the primary appearance and value contribution of precious metal.