The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry reports that Swiss watch exports totaled 1.6 billion francs ($1.7 billion) in January – a 12.6% rise year-on-year, driven by “the dynamic performance of previous months and a favourable base effect”.
After declining for more than two years, watches costing less than 200 francs ($212 in export price) continued to fall in January. All the other segments “achieved sustained growth”, especially in the price range between 500 and 3000 francs ($531 and $3,190), which grew by more than 20%.
Hong Kong (+21.3%) posted its highest monthly increase for over five years. China (+44.3%) climbed up to second place, while the US (-1.9%) continued its two-year downward trend. Japan (+12.9%) confirmed the strong performance of recent months. Overall, the European markets lagged behind, apart from France (+19.0%) and the UK (+4.6%). Germany (-4.1%) reported a fall, as did Italy (-4.7%).
