Financials

Watches of Switzerland’s Jewelry Sales More Than Doubled in Q4

FinancialsMay 18, 2022

Watches of Switzerland’s Jewelry Sales More Than Doubled in Q4

The retailer also said demand for Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet watches continues to exceed its supply.

2021_Watches of Switzerland Mall of America store.jpg
Pictured here is Watches of Switzerland’s new store in the Mall of America. The company’s fourth-quarter revenue was up 48 percent year-over-year.
London—Watches of Switzerland closed out its fiscal year on a high note, posting double-digit revenue growth for the fourth quarter and the full year.

“We have delivered another record year of revenue and profitability as we continue to progress our long-range plan,” said CEO Brian Duffy.

"We delivered an outstanding performance in both the U.S. and U.K., supported by broad-based sales growth across our portfolio of world-leading partner brands and driven by domestic clientele.”

Here are five important takeaways from its recent earnings report.

Watches of Switzerland had a good year.

In the fourth quarter ending May 1, the company posted £304 million ($378 million) in total revenue, up 48 percent year-over-year.

For the full year, revenue totaled £1.24 billion ($1.54 billion), a 40 percent year-over-year increase.

Sales in the luxury watches category were up 33 percent year-over-year in the quarter and up 32 percent for the full year.

Full-year online sales grew only 5 percent year-over-year, but that is compared with last year when the retailer’s stores were closed for 26 weeks due to COVID-19 lockdowns.

Compared with fiscal 2020, online sales more than doubled, up 128 percent.

In the United States, Watches of Switzerland’s fourth-quarter revenue totaled £136 million ($169 million), up 50 percent year-over-year.

For the full year, U.S. revenue rose 48 percent to £428 million ($532 million).

The retailer predicts another good year ahead.

Pandora and Brilliant Earth both forecast a slowdown ahead in their recent first quarter results, but Watches of Switzerland has a more bullish outlook.

The company said it is entering fiscal 2023 with “strong momentum” and expects to see a recovery in footfall and airport traffic.

“We enter FY23 with visibility of product supply for super high-demand brands for the remainder of the 2022 calendar year and an exciting program of new products and marketing from other brands,” said Duffy.

Looking ahead, Watches of Switzerland expects to see full-year revenue of £1.45 billion to £1.50 billion ($1.8 billion to $1.9 billion).

 Related stories will be right here … 

Its Q4 jewelry sales more than doubled year-over-year.

The retailer’s luxury watch offerings account for a majority of its revenue, but its luxury jewelry category has been picking up steam.

Revenue in the luxury jewelry category more than doubled in the fourth quarter, up 124 percent year-over-year. For the full year, revenue was up 79 percent.

The company acquired a number of independent jewelers last year, including Betteridge, which has stores in Greenwich, Connecticut, and Vail and Aspen, Colorado.

It scooped up Ben Bridge at Mall of America outside of Minneapolis-St.Paul and Timeless Luxury Watches in Plano, Texas.

Watches of Switzerland also opened its first Bulgari boutique, which added to the increase in jewelry sales.

Demand for its luxury jewelry offerings has been “very positive,” said Duffy.

The company is growing its U.S. footprint.

Watches of Switzerland didn’t stop at the above acquisitions. It’s been steadily growing its U.S. store network.

The retailer announced the opening of a flagship store in Kenwood Towne Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Another new flagship showroom will open this year in the American Dream mall in New Jersey.

There are also plans to relocate two Mayors showrooms in Florida.

Watches of Switzerland also recently refurbished its Rolex boutique at the Wynn Las Vegas, reopened Mayors Millenia in Florida, and expanded its mono-brand boutique network with the opening of Breitling Short Hills, New Jersey and Tudor Millenia in Florida.

As of May 1, the company operated 171 stores across the U.S. and the U.K., including 55 mono-brand boutiques.

The company is also expanding in Europe, opening six mono-brand boutiques in Sweden, Denmark, and Ireland, set to open in the first half of its current fiscal year.

Demand for its high-end watches continues to exceed supply.

Watches of Switzerland places its Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet watches in its “super high demand” category.

Demand for these brands has continued to exceed supply, said Duffy.

The brands have been hampered by supply chain constraints, especially Rolex.

A “restricted supply” meant sales for these brands increased “modestly” compared with prior years. 

However, a limited supply of the above brands created an opportunity for other luxury watches, with sales of brands outside of these three more than doubling year-over-year.

The Latest

Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie in Pandora Bridgerton campaign
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms

“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.

Ana Khouri logo
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence

Founded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”

Stuller’s Color of the Year for 2026, “Signature Red”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s White

The jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Gracie Abrams Chanel Coco Crush
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry Campaign

The singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.

Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Bobbi L. Avery, Jeffery Bolling, Britney Phillips, and Lindsay Salvo
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board Directors

The nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.

Headshot of National Jewler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?

As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

Pinar Hakim Rainbow Seahorse Pendant, Nue Fine Jewelry Irene Charm, Susannah King Venus Ring
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC Show

The trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.

Akiva Gil garnet ring
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for Garnet

January’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.

Diamonds Do Good 2025 Impact Report
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact Report

The annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.

Police cars with lights on
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District Brawl

Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.

Rio Grande xTool F2 Ultra Portable Laser Engraver Bundle
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026

The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.

Zales storefront
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New Look

The Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”

Linda Coutu
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of Sales

Linda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.

AGA board 2026-2029
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Board

The governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.

Jenna Blake diamond Fan earrings
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s Edition

Sparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.

Ben Nighthorse Campbell
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92

The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.

Jacquie Aiche Alien Heart Eye Inlay Necklace, Cicada Dragonfly Brooch, Harkness After the Rain Earrings
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool Blue

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Saks Fifth Avenue flagship window installation
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global

Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.

Couture Retailer Liaison Jan Mohr
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah Real Gems
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of Directors

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

Lalaounis good luck charm 2026
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to Resilience

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.

Collage of NationalJeweler.com’s most-read stories of 2025
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025

Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.

Becka Johnson Kibby
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail Academy

As part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.

Stock image of rough diamonds from Diavik mine in Canada
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026

It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.

Bulova x Stetson collection
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western Flair

The new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy