This increase nonetheless afforded the branch its highest ever monthly value of 2.2 billion francs. Growth in the sector has therefore slowed somewhat but remains at a very high level, as predicted by FH forecasts.
Gold and steel watches buoyed growth in the sector, while bimetallic products lost ground. The total number of watches exported attained a high level in November, with a significant role played here too by gold and steel. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the category of other materials registered a decline.
Recording the only downturn among the different price segments, the number of watches costing less than 200 francs (export price) fell by 2.3%. The 200-500 francs category, bouncing back slightly, recorded the steepest rise. Timepieces between 500 and 3,000 francs saw their value stagnate compared to November 2011, while those costing more than 3,000 francs set the tone for the average with an increase of 6.2%.
The trend continued to slow in Hong Kong and China. The United States meanwhile maintained the level of growth recorded in recent months. In Europe, Germany and Italy recorded sharp increases. Singapore recovered slightly following a marked lean period at the end of the summer.
All the statistics of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH
