The Swiss Watch Industry has reported that the export value of wristwatches has grown by 7.2% in the last 12 months to CHF 15.9 billion – and all time record.
However, closer examininatio of their figures shows that volume has actually only increased 0.8% with average prices rising 6.4% (and mechanical watches increasing in price by avg 10.7%).
Further, Dec 08 sales show a decline in sales of 7.6%, which whilst not good is at least better than the 15% decline in November.
Figures were released for Oceania which showed 327,055 swiss watches were sold in 2008 at an export value of CHF144709475, representing a 0.4% increase in volume and a 1.4% decline in value.