MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
WatchesOct 27, 2013
Swatch to continue supplying movements until 2019
A Swiss competition body has ruled that Swatch Group must continue supplying third-party watchmakers with at least some finished movements through Dec. 31, 2019.
Bern, Switzerland--A Swiss competition body has ruled that Swatch Group must continue supplying third-party watchmakers with at least some finished movements through Dec. 31, 2019.
Comco, which has been investigating Swatch Group’s request to halt supplies of mechanical watch movements and movement parts since the Swiss watch giant inquired about a possible reduction in June 2011, announced the decision on its website Friday.
According to a translated version of the release, the reduction in supply from Swatch Group’s ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse (ETA) will take place gradually over the next six years. It will use the average number of movements delivered in the years 2009 to 2011 as the base level for the reductions.
The supply will drop to 75 percent of this level in 2014/2015, 65 percent in 2016/2017 and 55 percent in 2018/2019.
After 2019, Swatch Group will not have to supply any finished movements, “if the market develops as foreseeable today,” a Comco spokesperson confirmed.
Comco ruled that Swatch Group and ETA must treat all of their customers equally and noted that it reserves the right to review Swatch Group/ETA’s obligation deliveries if the market moves in an unexpected way.
Swatch Group said that Friday’s decision was a “positive, albeit tentative step toward finally making it clear to all the brands and groups in the Swiss watch industry that they have to invest in their own mechanical movements and assume the associated industrial risk themselves.”
Jon Cox, an analyst with European brokerage and banking firm Kepler Cheuvreux in Zurich, said it is the smaller watchmakers that will be most impacted by the reduction in movement supplies from Swatch Group. “They lack resources to develop movements in-house and will have to pay more for them on the open market,” he said, noting that this likely will lead to further consolidations among brands.
In July, Comco agreed that Swatch Group could cut the number of finished movements it supplies to other watchmakers from 85 percent to 75 percent of 2010 levels beginning in 2014, but sent the company back to the drawing board to come up with a new plan for reducing deliveries beyond that.
At that time Comco said that Swatch Group is restricted in cutting deliveries of assortment kits, comprised of the parts that power its movements: the hairspring, balance wheel, anchor and anchor wheel. Other watchmakers, Comco said, do not
yet have enough sourcing alternatives for these parts.
In the decision issued Friday, Comco ruled that Swatch Group has to continue providing assortments at 2011 levels, which was a higher level of supply than 2012 and 2013.
More on Watches
The Latest
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
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.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
