Swiss watch exports climbed sharply in February 2026, signalling renewed momentum following a subdued start to the year. According to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FHS), shipments surged 9.2 percent year-on-year to reach CHF 2.2 billion (£1.94 billion), buoyed by strong demand in key markets including the United States, Japan and France.
Luxury timepieces priced above CHF 500 remained the main growth driver, while precious metal watches rose 12.4 percent in value and bimetallic models soared 38.4 percent. Although overall steel-watch values dipped 4.6%, the number of pieces exported increased by 14 percent, led by bimetal and steel models.
The United States — Switzerland’s largest market — saw exports jump 27 percent to CHF 431 million, while Japan gained 24 percent and France 57 percent, the latter likely reflecting re-exports to other destinations. The UK also recorded a solid 10% rise. In contrast, China (-11 percent) and Hong Kong (-5 percent) continued to struggle, signalling ongoing fragility in Asian demand despite brief improvements in January.
Overall, Swiss watch exports for the first two months of 2026 totalled CHF 4.09 billion, up 2.8 percent year-on-year, suggesting that the world’s premier watchmaking nation is adjusting resiliently to shifting global demand. (Photo courtesy: Rolex)
09-04-2026
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