default-output-block.skip-main
BoF Logo

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Swiss Watch Exports Jump Again in June as Demand Stays Strong

OMEGA watches.
Swiss watch exports jumped again in June as demand for pricey luxury timepieces from the US and China stayed strong. (Omega)

Swiss watch exports jumped again in June as demand for pricey luxury timepieces from the US and China stayed strong.

Shipments surged by 14 percent last month to 2.4 billion francs ($2.8 billion), the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry said Thursday. The increase underscores continued demand for expensive watches from brands including Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin despite concerns that shaky economic growth and higher prices might stall consumer interest.

In first half of the year, the key Swiss sector’s exports rose 12 percent to 13.3 billion francs. Last year, shipments reached a record.

Exports to the US, the biggest market for Swiss watches, increased 8.8 percent in June. That followed an increase in May and a decline in April, the first in more than two years.

Shipments to China, the second biggest market, rose 9 percent.

Deliveries to European markets rose 13 percent as strong demand in Italy and Germany offset a decline in Spain and the Netherlands, the Federation said.

Exports by value and number of units rose across all price categories, suggesting improving demand for lower priced watches. Swatch Group AG reported better than expected first-half financial results last week and the company’s CEO said demand for less expensive timepieces drove the performance.

The value of exports for watches priced between 200 and 500 francs rose by 19 percent last month and shipments of watches priced between 500 francs and 3,000 francs rose 8 percent.

Watches in the lowest price category, below 200 francs, increased by 10 percent, driven by sales of Swatch Group’s Omega MoonSwatch.

Learn more:

Swiss Watch Exports Jump Again in May as US Demand Rebounds

Swiss watch exports jumped again in May as deliveries to the US rebounded and demand for luxury timepieces from China stayed strong.

In This Article
Topics

© 2023 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

More from Retail
Analysis and advice from the front lines of the retail transformation.


A small but growing online fashion community is practising a more critical form of consumption, marrying the quiet luxury trend with a desire for value and environmentally responsible products.


With consumers expected to buy less this holiday season, categories poised to outperform the industry include off-price and personal care. But brands can still appeal to shoppers by conveying a sense of value, whether through discounts or a point of differentiation.


view more

Subscribe to the BoF Daily Digest

The essential daily round-up of fashion news, analysis, and breaking news alerts.

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
CONNECT WITH US ON
Voices 2023 Live
© 2023 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy and Accessibility Statement.
Voices 2023 Live