Swiss Watch Exports 2025: Premium Segments Offset Global Slowdown, Middle East Remains Resilient

Swiss watch exports closed 2025 at CHF 25.6 billion, marking a 1.7% decline from 2024 despite a strong rebound in December, when exports rose to CHF 2.1 billion after four consecutive months of sharp contraction.

Growth in export value was driven primarily by bimetallic watches, which surged 41.2%, even as all other material categories recorded declines. Export volumes, however, were supported by steel watches, which grew 9.0%. In total, 1.4 million watches were exported in December (+7.6%), contributing to 14.6 million units for the full year ( 4.8%).

The premium segment remained the backbone of the industry: watches priced above CHF 3,000 grew 2.1%, while the mid-range category of CHF 200–500 posted an impressive 20.6% increase.

Geographically, performance was mixed. The United States led growth with a 19.1% jump following tariff reductions, while France delivered a remarkable 50.8% rebound. In contrast, several key Asian markets declined: Hong Kong ( 8.0%), China ( 6.8%), and Japan ( 1.9%). European markets also softened, with Germany ( 20.8%) and Italy ( 20.1%) posting steep drops. Meanwhile, Singapore (+13.0%) and the United Kingdom (+9.3%) continued their steady upward trajectory.

Middle East Performance

1. Export Value Growth (Jan–Dec 2025 vs. 2024, in CHF millions)

• UAE: +3.5%

• Saudi Arabia: +8.9%

• Qatar: –0.2%

• Kuwait: –1.8%

• Bahrain: –1.0%

2. Export Volumes (Number of Wristwatches)

• 2025 vs. 2024: 1,089,964 units, representing –3.2%

3. Export Value (CHF Volume of Wristwatches)

• Growth: +2.1%

• 2025 Value: CHF 2,568.7 million

• 2024 Value: CHF 2,518.1 million

Despite a decline in units shipped, the Middle East region demonstrated solid value growth, underscoring a shift toward higher value timepieces and sustained demand in key markets such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia.