Swatch shares rose as a lot as 7% as Chief Government Officer Nick Hayek mentioned income could attain a report this yr helped by demand in China and the US. Individually, Watches of Switzerland Group Plc surged as a lot as 18% after the UK retailer mentioned demand for luxurious timepieces remains to be stable regardless of worth will increase by a few of the greatest manufacturers.

Demand for lower-priced watches in Asia and the US stays sturdy, Hayek mentioned in an interview. He added that China’s return has but to succeed in full power. First-half earnings exceeded pre-pandemic ranges for the primary time.

Swiss watch exports have continued to extend in 2023 after reaching a report of greater than 24 billion francs ($28 billion) final yr. The experiences assuaged concern that demand for luxurious items within the US may be waning. Exports to that market dipped in April.

“What is admittedly spectacular is america in addition to Europe throughout all worth segments,” Hayek mentioned. 

Common gross sales per retailer rose 30% worldwide, boosting the quantity of income Swatch Group will get from its personal retail community to 40% of its complete.

“Right here you see the power of the consumption, even in america,” the CEO mentioned.

Working revenue superior 36% to 686 million francs within the first half, the maker of Omega and Longines watches mentioned Thursday. Analysts anticipated 604 million francs. 

Income reached 4 billion francs, topping the earlier first half report hit in 2018. Gross sales in Hong Kong tripled whereas mainland China grew by double digits. 

The corporate mentioned development was strongest within the lowest worth phase of watches and jewellery. Demand for the corporate’s widespread Omega MoonSwatch collaboration, priced at round $260, has accelerated. 

Vacationer locations equivalent to Thailand and Macau benefited from a restoration in journey, Swatch Group mentioned. Gross sales in Switzerland gained 50%, adopted by sturdy development in markets equivalent to Italy, Spain and France. 

One Cloud

A weak US greenback and euro in opposition to the franc shaved 242 million francs from first-half income.

Administration sees “wonderful” development alternatives for the second half of 2023. “The one cloud on the horizon stays the unfavorable forex surroundings.”

Omega and another Swatch manufacturers just lately raised costs by about 8% within the US, which might offset a part of the foreign-exchange affect. Hayek mentioned he didn’t count on the value rise to harm gross sales as new product launches will enhance demand, he mentioned. 

Watches of Switzerland reported gross sales of £1.54 billion ($2 billion) for the yr by way of April, matching analyst consensus estimates. The corporate reiterated its full-year forecast for 2024.

Wait lists for essentially the most in-demand timepieces are rising and common promoting costs are rising, CEO Brian Duffy mentioned in an interview.

“Elevated situations stay and we’re including extra individuals to the ready lists than we’re managing to take off regardless of us enhancing down a few of the names,” Duffy mentioned.