Watch exports remained stable in August 2013. They reached 1.5 billion francs (+0.5%), i.e. 7 million more than a year ago.
Two thirds of the way through the year, the cumulative value stands at 13.8 billion francs (+1.1%). This result represents consolidation at a high level for the sector, which continues to grow, albeit slowly .
Steel watches remained on a par with the general trend, while gold and bimetallic timepieces recorded a slight downturn. The number of watches exported increased.
Watches between 200 and 500 francs (export price) continued to stand out, registering growth of more than 15%. Adjacent price segments lost ground slightly, while timepieces costing more than 3,000 francs recorded an increase of around 1%.
The Swiss watch industry’s three main markets - Hong Kong, USA and China - recorded moderate declines in August, which appears to indicate a degree of stabilisation for Hong Kong and a modest rebound for China.
In the United States meanwhile, growth continues to slow on a gradual basis. Germany recorded a significant upturn (+4,7%), as did Singapore (+7,6 %) and Japan (+ 6,4%). The ranking differed from usual, with France (- 36.4%) dropping to seventh place and Italy (+1.9%) placed ninth.
