In November, exports of timepieces rose by 11% to CHF2.4 billion ($2.6 billion), reaching the best figure ever in a single month, said the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry and the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security.
The industry is going from strength to strength: in October, exports increased by almost 7%, in September by as much as 19% and in August by 15%. And in the first 11 months taken together, watch exports grew by 12% to CHF22.8 billion.
Last year Swiss watches worth CHF22.3 billion were exported in the wake of the strong recovery from the crisis caused by the Covid pandemic.
US business
The driving force for the Swiss watch industry remains strong demand from the United States, according to the watchmaking federation.
In November, watches worth CHF400 million were exported across the Atlantic, an increase of 33% compared with the same month last year.
Markets in Asia, notably Japan and Singapore, have also recovered, while the strict anti-Covid measures in China and Hong Kong had a negative impact on the Swiss watchmaking business.
Demand is very good for both inexpensive and expensive Swiss watches. In November, the highest price category with watches at export prices of CHF3,000 and more increased by almost 16%. Exports in the cheapest segment at prices of less than CHF200 rose just as strongly, according to latest figures, notably as a result of the commercial success of Swatch’s MoonSwatch.
More
More
Why the future for Swiss watchmakers lies beyond the ultra-luxury market
This content was published on
Renewed interest in luxury watches may be good news for the most prestigious brands, but it spells trouble for the industry as a whole.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Switzerland’s highest campsite closes due to mudslide risks
This content was published on
The Valais authorities have ordered the closure of Switzerland's highest campsite in Arolla due to the risks of mudslides.
Rhine could warm by up to 4°C by 2100, scientists warn
This content was published on
The water temperature of the Rhine River could rise by up to 4.2° degrees Celsius by the end of the century due to the warming planet, scientists warn.
This content was published on
The Federal Council wants to explore the possibilities of joining the European Union’s €800-billion rearmament programme without compromising Swiss neutrality.
Defence Minister Pfister stresses importance of Swiss mission in Balkans
This content was published on
During a visit to the Balkans region last week, Swiss Defence Minister Martin Pfister met Swisscoy peacekeeping troops in Kosovo.
Premiere for Swiss Air Force on French National Day
This content was published on
On July 14, the Swiss Air Force will take part in the traditional air parade in Paris to mark the French bank holidays with an F/A-18 fighter jet. This is a first for Switzerland.
Swiss launch competition for memorial to Nazi victims
This content was published on
The victims of Nazi Germany are to be commemorated on the Casinoterrasse in Bern. A competition will be held to determine what the site will look like.
This content was published on
The cantonal police of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland have arrested and convicted five cocaine dealers in Chur within a week.
This content was published on
The Swiss business umbrella organisation Economiesuisse and the employers' association broadly support the package of agreements negotiated with the European Union.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss watchmakers must boost training to meet labour shortages
This content was published on
Around 4,000 watchmakers must be trained or recruited over the next four years to manage labour shortages, according to an employers’ association.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.