“Watch exports to Greece, Portugal and Spain all increased in May as part of a global rise of 40.1%, when adjusted for inflation, to 1.64 billion Swiss francs. In nominal terms, which are not adjusted for inflation, the increase was 31.6%, according to figures released Thursday by the Swiss customs office.” The ‘transportability’ and strong resale value of Swiss watches — particularly gold watches — have increased their appeal to European investors increasingly unnerved by the region’s struggling economy. The Wall Street Journal Jun. 24, 2011
Feb 052009
Swiss watch exports turned in another banner year in 2008, despite ending on a downcast note that is carrying over into this year, of course. “Watch exports increased 6.7 percent in value (export price) to 17 billion Swiss francs (almost $14.6 billion), the fifth year they’ve topped prior year results. In terms of units, however, total exports barely finished ahead of 2007, increasing just 0.8 percent to 26.2 million watches (a gain of only 210,000 units).” JCK Online Feb. 5, 2009
