EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
FinancialsJul 25, 2018
Swatch Group Reports Record Half-Year Sales
Net sales in the six-month period reached $4.29 billion, with growth in all regions.
Seen here is the new Omega Seamaster Professional Diver 300, updated for the watch brand’s 25th anniversary. Unveiled at Baselworld earlier this year, the watch is set to hit stores in the second half of 2018.
Biel/Bienne, Switzerland—Swatch Group reported record half-year results, with growth led by strong sales in North America and Asia.
Group net sales were up 15 percent year-over-year (13 percent at constant exchange rates) to 4.27 billion Swiss Francs (about $4.29 billion), the watch retailer and manufacturer said in its financial results released July 18.
The company’s watches and jewelry division, which includes brands like Breguet, Longines and Tissot, constitutes about 4.14 billion Swiss Francs (or about $4.16 billion) of that.
The first-half results build on the momentum the company began to generate in the second half of 2017, which helped reverse two straight years of sales decline for Swatch Group in its fiscal full-year results.
First-half 2018 net income was up by 67 percent to 468 million Swiss Francs (approximately $470.8 million), while operating margin improved from 10 percent in the prior-year period to 15 percent this year.
Swatch Group said it saw “massive gains” in market share in all price segments and regions, leading to a strong increase in production of watches and jewelry.
North America saw a double-digit sales increase, while Asia also recorded strong growth, the company said.
Looking ahead, Swatch Group said it is optimistic about the second half of the year, especially as consumer demand for authentic brands continues to grow worldwide, regardless of region or pricing. Consumer demand for value is providing a countertrend to “commodity consumerism,” in which products lose their value quickly.
It added that there is increased interest in pre-owned and vintage products, as well as in understanding the production and provenance of products, an area in which the company sees a lot of opportunity given that it has digital archives and brand museums to communicate the heritage behind many of its brands.
Swatch Group plans to introduce a number of watches in the latter half of the year, including the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Day Date in a 1970s style, as well as other classics like the Montblanc Villeret Tourbillon.
Omega will debut the Seamaster Professional Diver 300, while Longines will expand its Conquest Collection with another VHP (Very High Precision) watch with GMT flash setting.
Rado, meanwhile, will introduce a new DiaMaster collection, called Ceramos, in ceramic and rose gold, and Swatch will add models to the Skin Irony collection.
More on Financials
The Latest
MajorsJul 29, 2026
Kevin Reilly Retires After 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for ArkansasShe was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain SaysBain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
