Financials

LVMH’s Watch, Jewelry Sales Were Up 12% Last Year

FinancialsJan 31, 2019

LVMH’s Watch, Jewelry Sales Were Up 12% Last Year

Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo watch and Fiorever jewelry collection were among the segment’s top sellers.

013119_Bulgari-minute.jpg
The Octo Finissimo watch was among the top sellers for Bulgari in 2018, LVMH said. Pictured here is the Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater, which was introduced at Baselworld in 2016.

Paris—LVMH, a titan in the world of luxury goods, reported strong full-year results with watch and jewelry sales climbing by a double-digit percentage.

Sales of LVMH-owned watch and jewelry brands totaled €4.12 billion ($4.73 billion) in 2018 compared with €3.80 billion ($4.36 billion) in 2017.

Organic (like-for-like) revenue growth was 12 percent.

Bulgari had a show-stopper of a year with relative newcomers like the Octo Finissimo watch and Fiorever jewelry collection performing especially well.

Among LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer’s smartwatches took off while Hublot saw strong growth and increased visibility as the official timekeeper for the FIFA World Cup, which took place in summer 2018.

Headquartered in Paris, LVMH Moёt Hennessy Louis Vuitton is to luxury products what Procter & Gamble is to consumer staples with its household name brands spanning jewelry, watches, wines and spirits, leather goods, perfumes, and cosmetics.

Total fourth-quarter revenue for the company reached €13.70 billion ($15.70 billion) compared with €12.54 billion ($14.40 billion) a year ago, continuing the upward trend of the previous quarters.

Full-year revenue clocked in at €46.80 billion ($53.70 billion), a 10 percent year-over-year increase compared with €42.60 billion ($48.91 billion) in 2017. Operating income rose by 21 percent, passing the €10 billion mark ($11.48 billion).

LVMH averted the “China slowdown,” with sales in Asia growing 15 percent organically. U.S. sales, meanwhile, increased by 8 percent while sales in Europe were up 7 percent.

“The desirability of our brands, the creativity and quality of our products, the unique experience offered to our customers, and the talent and the commitment of our teams are the group’s strengths and have once again made the difference,” CEO Bernard Arnault said.

Revenue from LVMH’s fashion and leather goods segment totaled €18.45 billion ($21.18 billion), a 15 percent increase in organic revenue compared with €15.47 billion ($17.76 billion) a year ago, buoyed by Louis Vuitton’s iconic leather goods as well as its shoe lines.

The perfumes and cosmetics segment reported organic revenue growth of 14 percent to €6.09 billion ($6.99 billion) compared with €5.56 billion ($6.38 billion) a year ago.

LVMH’s wine and spirits segment reported organic revenue growth of 5 percent to €5.14 billion ($5.90 billion) compared with €5.08 billion ($5.83 billion) a year ago, benefiting from strong momentum in China as well as growth in the U.S. and Europe.

The selective retailing segment saw organic revenue growth of 6 percent to €13.64 billion ($15.66 billion) compared with

€13.31 billion ($15.28 billion) a year ago.

Sephora saw another year of growth as online sales increased, especially in North America and Asia. About 100 new Sephora stores opened around the world, including one in Shanghai and the first Sephora-branded stores in Russia.

DFS, LVMH’s chain of duty-free luxury stores, returned to profitability after closing its Hong Kong airport concessions at the end of 2017. New locations have opened in Cambodia and Italy.

LVMH’s retail network spans 70 brands and 4,950 stores worldwide.

The company said while the retail environment remains uncertain, it is “cautiously confident” for the year ahead.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Briony Raymond Carousel Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard Stones

The new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Ridgeland Mississippi exterior
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi Flagship

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.

Sean Milliner
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology Manager

Sean Milliner has joined the company.

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.

GIA London Canary Wharf campus
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London Campus

Classes will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.

Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

×

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