Sales in the Watches & Jewelry segment grew once againSwatch Group: Double-digit Growth once again in both Sales and Profit
The Swatch Group, with its 19 brands, grew by +14.4%, generating gross sales of CHF 3 847 million in the first half of 2012. Again, this very positive, continued growth spanned all major regions and price segments. Key contributory factors included a combination of strong brands and expansion of the distribution and retail network, as well as the good performance of the Production segment, which posted a +23.2% jump in gross sales.
In addition to the expansion of its very diversified distribution network and innovative marketing, the Group continues to invest very heavily in production. Approximately 40% of the investments in this segment go toward the expansion of capacities, approximately 50% toward new production technologies and new products, and approximately 10% toward the replacement of existing capacities. These figures underscore the Group’s innovative strength and long-term strategy, which are also reflected in a record number of new patents.
The Group’s prospects for the second half-year are promising. Several key brand events will highlight the second half of the year: Omega will be the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games for the 25th time in London as well as partner to PGA of America at the Ryder Cup team golf tournament, and will also feature in the new James Bond movie this coming fall. The Breguet brand will launch the Breguet Classique Chronométrie, and Blancpain will launch the new Calendrier Chinois Traditionnel.