Watch industry given massive boost by US with stellar Q1 sales
During the biggest week of the year for the global watch industry, the world’s largest market for Swiss watch exports has recorded a stellar first quarter.
Data from Luxury Watch Barometer (LWB) shows sales growth of close to 29% year-on-year, with the luxury sector (watches priced between $4,000–$15,000) performing particularly strongly, recording sales growth of 33.4%.
Watches priced between $1,000–$4,000 and those priced over $15,000 saw an 18.7% increase and a 22.8% increase in sales value respectively.
Sales volumes were also up across the board, with the exception of watches priced over $15,000.
The data from LWB comes from same-store figures across over 2,800 luxury shops. This pool of retailers covers 40%–60% of the authorized jewelers for almost every luxury watch brand in the market.
LWB’s founder Fred Levin said: “I do not recall a time when the full segments of the market delivered growth at these levels.”
It’s worth noting also that Q1 of this year would not be affected by a low base effect caused by the introduction of inflated tariffs for Swiss imports into the States, as these weren’t announced until April 2025.
Imports are the hot topic at the moment, with reports this week suggesting US retailers could still be affecting by shipping disruption caused by the war in the Middle East. Read more on that HERE:
