Financials

Watches of Switzerland’s U.S. Sales Soar 86% in H1

FinancialsNov 10, 2022

Watches of Switzerland’s U.S. Sales Soar 86% in H1

The company opened five stores in the United States in the second quarter as it continues growing its footprint.

2021_Watches of Switzerland Mall of America store.jpg
Pictured here is Watches of Switzerland’s store in the Mall of America. The company’s second-quarter revenue was up 29 percent year-over-year.
London—Watches of Switzerland had a strong second quarter as demand continued to exceed supply.

The watch company has high hopes for the months ahead, raising its fiscal year guidance.

“We are pleased to report another quarter of strong trading driven by broad-based sales growth across our portfolio of world-leading partner brands,” said CEO Brian Duffy.

Here are five important takeaways from the company’s recent earnings report.

Watches of Switzerland posted double-digit growth in the second quarter and first half.

For the second quarter ending Oct. 30, the company posted £374 million ($424.5 million) in total revenue, up 29 percent year-over-year.

In the United States, Watches of Switzerland’s revenue climbed 73 percent in Q2, totaling £159 million ($180.7 million) compared with £92 million ($104.6 million) in the prior-year period.

For the first half of the year, revenue was £765 million ($869.5 million), up 31 percent year-over-year.

In the U.S., first-half revenue totaled £311 million ($353.5 million), up 86 percent year-over-year.

The company’s recent acquisitions of independent jewelers, including Betteridge and a Ben Bridge store, have bolstered its numbers, but it would have seen double-digit growth even without them.

Excluding its acquisitions, quarterly revenue was still up 30 percent at constant exchange rates in the U.S. while first-half revenue climbed 44 percent.

Demand is still exceeding supply in the watch category.

Demand for the company’s high-end watches continues to outpace supply, a trend in its recent quarters.

Watches of Switzerland recently placed Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet watches in its “super high demand” category but said supply issues have also impacted Zenith, Omega, and IWC.

“Demand remained strong through the quarter and continues to exceed supply, with client registration lists extending as consumers respond to innovative new products, impactful marketing and elevated client service,” said Duffy.

Quarterly sales in the luxury watches category rose 30 percent year-over-year while first-half sales in the category climbed 31 percent.

 Related stories will be right here … 

The luxury jewelry category had another strong quarter.

Jewelry sales also continue to be strong at Watches of Switzerland’s stores.

Revenue in the luxury jewelry category climbed 38 percent year-over-year to £29 million ($33 million) in the second quarter.

In the first half, jewelry sales were up 37 percent to £56 million ($63.7 million).

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

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

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

Movements in foreign exchange rates led to a more positive outlook.

Watches of Switzerland upped its fiscal guidance for the year ahead, citing a change in the foreign exchange rates.

The company is projecting a pound-to-dollar exchange rate of $1.20 in the second half of the year, compared with $1.14 as of press time.

This would mean an adjustment of about £15 million ($17 million) to group revenue and about £2 million ($2.3 million) to adjusted EBIT.

The company expects to reach £1.5 billion to £1.55 billion ($1.7 billion to $1.8 billion) in sales, up from its prior guidance of £1.45 billion to £1.50 billion ($1.65 billion to $1.7 billion).

It is predicting “more challenging market conditions in the second half” but expressed confidence in the strength of the watch and jewelry categories.

“While we continue to monitor the wider macroeconomic environment, we believe that the strength of the luxury watch and jewelry categories, the unique supply/demand dynamics of luxury watches and client registration lists, our portfolio of leading brand partnerships, and the success and agility of our model will continue to support long term sustainable sales growth,” said the company.

Its guidance reflects the “current visibility of supply of key brands,” announced pricing, and its confirmed showroom refurbishments, openings, and closures. It excludes “uncommitted capital projects and acquisitions.”

Watches of Switzerland is expanding its footprint.
 
In addition to its recent acquisitions, the company has been opening new stores in the U.S., the U.K., and Europe, and refurbishing some as well.

In the second quarter, the company opened 17 stores, including five in the U.S., nine in the U.K., and three in Europe.

Five mono-brand boutiques opened in the U.S., including TAG Heuer and Breitling stores in Boca Raton, Florida.

In its home market of London, Watches of Switzerland recently announced that next year it will relocate its current 900-square-foot Rolex boutique on Bond Street to a new 7,200-square-foot space on Old Bond Street.

The Latest

Hogback diamond ring
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home

A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.

Kris Averi Rainbow Prism Thorn Ring
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ Ring

The rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.

A tray of Rembrandt charms
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’

The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Bernard James Knickerbockers Special Edition Aura Band
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with Ring

The Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.

Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Brandee Dallow
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEO

Dallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.

SCAD Jewelers Mutual Studio exterior
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler Shortage

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Mejuri Steel Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With Steel

Its new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.

Watches and Wonders 2027
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 Dates

The week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.

New Gem Legacy board members Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy Board

The three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.

Smart Age CEO and National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online Cart

Jewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Hyacinth Charm on Hackmanite Bead Strand, Peach Opal Bead Strand, Hydrangea Charm on Aquamarine Bead Strand
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-Trend

The fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.

“Elements” bracelet best of show AGTA Spectrum 2025
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026

This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.

Columbia Gem House alexandrite
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee Online

The collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.

Dhaval Raja
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales Officer

Dhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.

Francesca Villa On the Road Collection Race On Brooch and Long Road Necklace
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’

The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.

A group of Paraiba tourmalines, two of which are possibly from Ethiopia
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in Ethiopia

SSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.

Etsy Shop Other Jeffs campaign on a truck
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime Day

As Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.

Cole Winward
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship Winner

Cole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.

NeverNot Feel The Rhythm Boombox Pendant
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas

Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.

Picture from press conference in Basel for new trade show, Basilia
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in Basel

Scheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.

Gem Awards 2027 Logo
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination Period

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace Ball watch
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball Watch

The beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.

Sotheby’s Paraiba tourmaline 7.70 carats
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby's

The recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”

Almasika Le Cauri Endiamanté Drop Earrings
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine Power

She wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.

Graphic for Episode 6 of My Next Question featuring Michelle Orman
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken Bathrooms

Couture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.

×

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