Watches of Switzerland Slashes Guidance
The company pointed to a “volatile” holiday season and a challenging macroeconomic environment.

The retailer said it had a positive start to the third quarter of its fiscal year, which includes the months of November and December, but had “a volatile trading performance” before Christmas and beyond.
The company said it expects the challenging conditions to continue throughout the end of its fiscal year.
Watches of Switzerland’s full-year revenue is now expected to range between £1.53 billion to £1.55 billion ($1.94 billion to $1.97 billion), down from its prior guidance of £1.65 billion to £1.7 billion ($2.1 billion to $2.16 billion).
Constant currency revenue growth is forecast at 2 to 3 percent, down from 8 to 11 percent.
“The festive period was particularly volatile this year for the luxury sector, with consumers allocating spend to other categories such as fashion, beauty, hospitality and travel,” said CEO Brian Duffy.
“Whilst we are disappointed with this trend, we are encouraged by our market share gains in both the U.S. and U.K.”
In the United States, Watches of Switzerland’s sales continued to grow by double digits, though the U.K. market was “more challenged.”
Demand is still strong for its key brands, the company said, noting increases in its “Registration of Interest” lists, though it had to significantly mark down prices of its non-branded jewelry in order to move merchandise.
Watches of Switzerland will announce its third-quarter results on Feb. 8.
The Latest

“Ombré Desert Diamonds” will emphasize cream-, champagne-, and brown-colored diamonds, shades that set natural stones apart from lab grown.

It's one of the “Gresham grasshopper” rings English financier Sir Thomas Gresham was known to gift to acquaintances or business associates.

The brand also debuted its new “Zorae” collection featuring a talisman of protection and harmony inspired by a sheaf of wheat.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

As Loudr’s new account manager, Johansen will partner with clients to craft and execute marketing strategies.


Designers were recognized in 12 categories, from platinum to pearls, before the evening ended with a new, retail-focused award.

The rare turquoise and diamond jewel was the top lot at Bonhams’ June jewelry sale.

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.

The deadline to submit is June 16.

The diamond wholesaler is working with the insurance provider to seamlessly offer personal jewelry insurance to RDI retailers’ clients.

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.