Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff Impact
CEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.

On an earnings call Thursday morning, Movado CEO Efraim Grinberg talked tariffs, the growing popularity of fashion watches, and what’s new for its owned and licensed brands.
The retailer took a $2.2 million hit from tariff expenses in Q2, said CEO Efraim Grinberg on the company’s earnings call Thursday morning.
“Although we’ve taken certain actions to partially offset tariffs, those actions will predominantly impact future periods,” he said.
The retailer announced in April that it would raise prices on select timepieces to offset the impact of tariffs.
Notably, the 39 percent tariff on Swiss imports was announced after its Q2 had ended.
“During the second quarter, we built a strong position in inventory of Swiss-made watches in the United States and would expect a substantial portion of this year’s needs are covered,” said Grinberg.
Movado will continue to monitor the situation and remains hopeful that the Swiss tariff rates will be lowered, he said.
In the second quarter ending July 31, Movado’s net sales rose 3 percent year-over-year (1 percent on a constant dollar basis) to $161.8 million.
Movado attributed the rise to an increase in sales of its licensed brands and sales at its owned stores, though it was partially offset by a decrease in sales of its owned brands.
The company’s brand portfolio includes Movado, Ebel, and Concord, as well as licensed brands like Coach and Tommy Hilfiger.
For the first half of the year, net sales were up 1 percent (less than 1 percent on a constant dollar basis) to $293.6 million, which it attributed to higher volume demand from its wholesale customers.
Second-quarter net sales in the U.S. were down 2 percent as the company focused on “rebalancing our chain jewelry store distribution,” said Grinberg.
International sales were up 7 percent in the quarter (4 percent on a constant dollar basis), led by a strong performance in Europe, Latin America, and India.
The international sales increases were offset by its Middle East business, which is rebuilding following a recent incident at a subsidiary branch in Dubai that led the company to have to restate a few years’ worth of financial results.
For the first half of the year, U.S. sales were down 2 percent while international sales were up 3 percent in the quarter (2 percent on a constant dollar basis).
“International markets led our performance, driven by our licensed brands, with particular strength in our women’s watch collections and men’s jewelry. We also experienced growth in our global digital business,” said Grinberg in a statement.
Its namesake Movado brand saw sales drop 6 percent in the quarter.
However, Grinberg said the brand is making progress on its rebrand, noting a strong e-commerce performance with the Movado brand returning to growth in its department store channel.
The brand has seen success in its women’s watches, including the new bangle watch, as well as its “Bold” and “Heritage” collections.
There will also be new marketing content featuring its celebrity ambassadors, which include actresses Jessica Alba and Julianne Moore, Grammy-winning rapper and actor Ludacris, Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers, and Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers.
Its licensed brands saw sales jump 9 percent (7 percent on a constant currency basis).
“We're seeing a return to the fashion watch and jewelry category with increased interest by Gen Z consumers across digital platforms like TikTok, Reels, and YouTube,” said Grinberg.
Hugo Boss saw growth in its “Time Traveler” and “Candor” lines as well as its new women’s watches, particularly the “Mae” line which features small, square-shaped watches.
The Tommy Hilfiger brand has been refocusing on its women’s watch category, said Grinberg, with its “Mia” and “Moira” lines doing well. For men, its 70’s-inspired “Chronograph Hudson” collection is doing well and will be featured in its holiday campaign.
Lacoste is introducing new watch models, but its jewelry offerings were the standout, exceeding expectations, said Grinberg. The “Metropole” bracelet is a notable best-seller.
Calvin Klein is introducing some smaller watches, including a new mini version of its “Pulse” collection and a new 18mm contemporary collection “that has really piqued our retailers' attention,” he added.
Its Coach offerings have performed “extremely well,” especially in the U.S. with momentum in Europe. It will introduce new products in the second half of the year and expand its “Charter” collection for men.
Sales at Movado’s outlet division were up 2 percent in the second quarter, said Grinberg, noting an improved performance in its U.S. department stores and e-commerce.
Looking at other financial metrics, gross profit in Q2 was $87.6 million, or 54 percent of net sales, compared with $85.3 million, or 54 percent of net sales, in the previous second quarter.
In the first half of the year, gross profit was $158.9 million, or 54 percent of net sales, compared with $158.2 million, or 54 percent of net sales, in the previous second quarter.
The decreases in gross margin percentage were primarily due to the increased U.S. tariffs, said Movado, as well as the negative impact of currency fluctuations.
Looking to the year ahead, Movado declined to provide financial guidance due to “the current economic uncertainty and the unpredictable impact of tariff developments.”
“As we enter the second half of the year, we recognize that uncertainty remains around tariffs and the broader retail environment,” said Grinberg.
“At the same time, we're excited by the new products we have introduced and encouraged by the resurgence we are seeing in the fashion watch market.”
The Latest

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.


Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

Lazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.

A portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.

Their partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.

Our Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.

Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.

“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.

Believed to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
























