“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
Swatch Group Confirms That It Won’t Return to Baselworld
A company spokesperson also backed CEO Nick Hayek’s recent statement regarding watch parts for LVMH and Richemont.

Biel/Bienne, Switzerland—Swatch Group will not be returning to Baselworld any time soon.
CEO Nick Hayek made that clear at a press conference held last week in Switzerland ahead of the company’s annual report, and a Swatch Group spokesperson confirmed the company’s permanent pullout to National Jeweler via email Tuesday.
“There’s no need for it anymore,” Hayek said of the trade show in an interview with Bloomberg. “The world has changed.”
The confirmation is a blow to Baselworld, which is struggling to remain relevant in the digital age, and comes just as the 2019 edition of the show is set to kick off in Switzerland.
Show organizers did not respond to National Jeweler’s request for comment on Hayek’s announcement but said there will be a press conference held Wednesday at Baselword.
Swatch Group also manufactures movements powering many competitors’ watches, but not for long.
The company will no longer supply parts to LVMH Moёt Hennessy Louis Vuitton and Richemont brands once their contracts expire at the end of the year, the company spokesperson confirmed to National Jeweler.
LVMH’s watch brands are TAG Heuer, Hublot, Bulgari and Zenith while Richemont owns a slew of high-end watch brands, including A. Lange & Sohne, Baume & Mercier, Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Neither LVMH or Richemont responded to National Jeweler’s request for comment on the decision.
The announcements about Baselworld and watch parts came ahead of Swatch Group’s release of its full-year financials for 2018.
The company posted strong results in its annual report, with its prestige and luxury range leading the charge.
Sales rose around 6 percent to 8.48 billion Swiss francs ($8.49 billion) compared with 7.98 billion Swiss francs ($7.99 billion) in 2017.
Sales from its watches and jewelry segment, which includes brands like Tissot and Longines, rose about 11 percent, contributing 8.21 billion francs ($8.22 billion) to the total, compared with sales of 7.73 billion ($7.74 billion) francs a year ago.
Annual net income totaled 867 million francs ($868.28 million), a nearly 15 percent jump compared with 755 million francs ($756.12 million) in 2017.
Swatch Group USA saw double-digit sales growth and market share gains in every segment, according to the annual report.
The strongest sales growth stemmed from the prestige and luxury range, specifically Blancpain, Omega and Longines.
The highlighted brands increased their visibility through events and sponsorships throughout the year.
Blancpain touted its Fifty Fathoms Collection, both a tribute to the marine world and a call for ocean
Omega showcased its watches during sporting events, including the PyeongChang Games and the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The brand was also as an official patron and watch of the PGA Championship.
Longines served as the official timekeeper and watch of the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, presenting an exhibition on the history of the brand in the United States.
Sales from Swatch Group’s electronics segments, which includes batteries and crystal for watch cases, rose about 2 percent to 273 million francs ($273.4 million) compared with 267 million francs ($267.4 million) the previous year.
Looking to the year ahead, Swatch Group is forecasting “healthy growth”, specifically in Japan and the U.S., and expects to resolve the production problems that led to delivery delays for Omega and Longines.
The Latest

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.


Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.