IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
WatchesFeb 07, 2016
Swiss Watch Exports Drop in 2015
Recently released statistics show that Swiss watch exports declined in 2015, the first slump for the sector in six years.
Biel/Bienne, Switzerland--Recently released statistics show that Swiss watch exports declined in 2015, the first slump for the sector since the global financial crisis put a damper on exports in 2009.
The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) said Tuesday that the total global value of watch exports in 2015 was approximately $21.1 billion, a 3 percent decrease when compared with 2014.
Development of the Hong Kong market “weighed heavily in the overall balance,” FH said. Exports deteriorated steadily throughout the year, falling from a positive 3 percent in the first quarter to a negative 7 percent in the fourth.
Factors contributing to the decline, according to FH, were the overvaluation of the Swiss franc, market development in Hong Kong, the economic slowdown and political decisions in China, tension in the Middle East, the low level of the Russian ruble, and terrorism.
FH said these issues will continue to influence results for the Swiss watch industry into the first part of 2016 and, consequently, “watch exports are likely at best to achieve the same value this year as in 2015.”
When it came to product in 2015, Swiss watches generated a value of approximately $19.9 billion, a nearly 4 percent decline. In volume terms the downturn was more moderate at about 2 percent with a total of 28.1 million timepieces exported, a number more similar to 2013 levels. In total, almost 500,000 fewer watches left Switzerland in 2015.
Mechanical watches generated 80 percent of export sales, a value decrease of 2 percent. Exports of quartz timepiece declined almost 10 percent.
FH said all main price segments saw value contract in 2015, though results were not uniform: the value of watches costing less than $200 (export price) dropped about 1 percent, and even recorded a slight increase in volume terms at 1.3 percent. The $200 to $500 category was hardest hit, seeing a value downturn of about 9 percent.
When it came to watches costing between $500 and $3,000, value declined by 4 percent. Watches exporting for more than $3,000 saw a 3 percent drop.
When it came to main markets, Swiss watch exports to the U.S. dropped by almost 1 percent, the result of a steady growth until August when a sharp decline led to a year that ended flat.
Hong Kong saw significant decline at 23 percent, followed by the United Arab Emirates (7 percent),
China (5 percent), Taiwan (3 percent) and Japan (2 percent).
Markets that absorbed more Swiss watches in 2015 were the United Kingdom (up 19 percent), Austria (15 percent), Saudi Arabia (11 percent) and France (9 percent).
“Asia was the leading market for Swiss watchmakers and absorbed exactly half of exports by value,” FH said. “It recorded a sharp decline. Europe, accounting for one-third of sales, registered a healthy increase of 6 percent compared to 2014. Growth on the American continent suffered a reverse from September onward and ended the year on a negative note.”
More on Watches
The Latest
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
