FinancialsMay 17, 2024
Watches of Switzerland’s Fiscal-Year Sales Flat FinancialsMay 17, 2024
Richemont Appoints Van Cleef & Arpels’ Nicolas Bos as New CEO
The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
A spring campaign image by Richemont-owned Buccellati. Richemont’s jewelry brands posted strong sales in its recent financial results.
Geneva—Richemont posted its highest-ever group sales for this fiscal year, boosted by its jewelry brands and retail sales.
The luxury giant also announced changes to its board of directors, naming a new CEO.
Nicolas Bos, currently CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, will take on the re-established role June 1. Jérôme Lambert will continue as chief operating officer, reporting to Bos and remaining on the board.
“With his strong track record, Nicolas will bring a rare combination of creativity, deep industry expertise, and entrepreneurship to his new role,” said Richemont.
As for its results, for the fourth quarter ended March 31, Richemont posted sales of €4.8 billion ($5.2 billion), a 2 percent year-over-year increase at actual exchange rates (down 1 percent at constant currency rates).
For the full year, sales were up 3 percent at actual exchange (8 percent at constant currency rates) to €20.62 billion ($22.33 billion).
The luxury giant posted sales growth across all regions and business areas, at constant currency rates, for the year.
The Asia Pacific region led the charge by value for the year, up 4 percent (10 percent at constant currency rates), while Japan saw the highest boost by percentage, up 8 percent (20 percent at constant currency rates).
The U.S. posted 1 percent growth (5 percent at constant currency rates) for the year, becoming Richemont’s largest individual market, it said, coming in just ahead of Europe.
Retail was its strongest channel for the year, with sales up 5 percent (11 percent at constant currency rates), with growth seen in all business areas and regions.
In the fourth quarter, retail sales were down 2 percent (up 2 percent at constant currency rates).
Online sales were down 2 percent at constant currency rates for the year and flat in Q4.
Wholesale sales and royalty income were up 4 percent at constant currency rates for the year, boosted by jewelry, and up 2 percent in Q4.
Richemont’s jewelry brands, Buccellati, Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels, saw sales increase 6 percent year-over-year (12 percent at constant currency rates).
For Q4, jewelry sales were down 1 percent (up 3 percent at constant currency rates).
The full-year sales increase “was underpinned by growth across price points and regions and included a sharp double-digit progression at Buccellati,” Chairman Johann Rupert said in a statement.
“To accompany the three maisons’ dynamic development, we have stepped up investments in manufacturing, distribution and communication.”
Related stories will be right here …
The luxury giant also announced changes to its board of directors, naming a new CEO.
Nicolas Bos, currently CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, will take on the re-established role June 1. Jérôme Lambert will continue as chief operating officer, reporting to Bos and remaining on the board.
“With his strong track record, Nicolas will bring a rare combination of creativity, deep industry expertise, and entrepreneurship to his new role,” said Richemont.
As for its results, for the fourth quarter ended March 31, Richemont posted sales of €4.8 billion ($5.2 billion), a 2 percent year-over-year increase at actual exchange rates (down 1 percent at constant currency rates).
For the full year, sales were up 3 percent at actual exchange (8 percent at constant currency rates) to €20.62 billion ($22.33 billion).
The luxury giant posted sales growth across all regions and business areas, at constant currency rates, for the year.
The Asia Pacific region led the charge by value for the year, up 4 percent (10 percent at constant currency rates), while Japan saw the highest boost by percentage, up 8 percent (20 percent at constant currency rates).
The U.S. posted 1 percent growth (5 percent at constant currency rates) for the year, becoming Richemont’s largest individual market, it said, coming in just ahead of Europe.
Retail was its strongest channel for the year, with sales up 5 percent (11 percent at constant currency rates), with growth seen in all business areas and regions.
In the fourth quarter, retail sales were down 2 percent (up 2 percent at constant currency rates).
Online sales were down 2 percent at constant currency rates for the year and flat in Q4.
Wholesale sales and royalty income were up 4 percent at constant currency rates for the year, boosted by jewelry, and up 2 percent in Q4.
Richemont’s jewelry brands, Buccellati, Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels, saw sales increase 6 percent year-over-year (12 percent at constant currency rates).
For Q4, jewelry sales were down 1 percent (up 3 percent at constant currency rates).
The full-year sales increase “was underpinned by growth across price points and regions and included a sharp double-digit progression at Buccellati,” Chairman Johann Rupert said in a statement.
“To accompany the three maisons’ dynamic development, we have stepped up investments in manufacturing, distribution and communication.”
The company recently acquired Italian jewelry brand Vhernier, and took a controlling stake of footwear brand Gianvito Rossi.
“We very much look forward to realizing Gianvito Rossi’s and Vhernier’s full potential over time, benefitting from the group’s infrastructure and backing as well as from the thriving luxury footwear and branded jewelry markets,” he said.
“We always strive to create goodwill rather than buy goodwill and, in this vein, I am pleased to report the four and-a-half-fold increase in sales at Buccellati since acquisition in 2019,” added Rupert.
Richemont’s watch brands are: A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, and Vacheron Constantin.
Full-year sales in the category were down 3 percent (up 2 percent at constant currency rates).
Sales of these brands fell 4 percent in the fourth quarter (1 percent at constant currency rates).
A. Lange & Söhne and Vacheron Constantin posted strong sales, said Rupert.
Retail sales were strong, he noted, with retail and online retail sales accounting for 60 percent of sales in the category.
Richemont did not provide guidance for the year ahead, but Rupert said the company’s financial discipline in an inflationary environment set the stage for future profitable growth.
He thanked the Richemont team and cautioned them to “remain alert and responsive amidst the ongoing global uncertainty.”
“I continue to have every confidence that the strong combination of our strategy, unique assets and healthy balance sheet will enable us to achieve our long-term ambitions,” he said.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Financials
The Latest
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
