Swiss watches: exports in sharp growth, but not enough (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Swiss watch exports increased by 11.2% in June 2026.
• The overall balance sheet remains weak.

Key facts

• What: Swiss watch exports.
• When: June 2026.
• Where: Switzerland.
• Who: Federation of the watch industry (FH).
• Amount: CHF 2.4 billion.

The sixth month of 2026 saw an increase in Swiss watch exports, with an increase of 11.2% compared to the same period in 2025. However, the overall balance sheet remains weak, with a 0.7% decline in value compared to the same period in 2025. According to data provided by the Federation of the Watch Industry (FH), Swiss watch exports peaked at CHF 2.4 billion in June 2026.

The growth of Swiss watch exports has been reported from different regions of the country. The Canton of Vaud, for example, saw an increase in exports of 15% compared to the same period in 2025. The city of Geneva, which is home to one of the world's leading watch fairs, recorded a 10% increase in exports compared to the same period in 2025.

However, the overall balance of Swiss watch exports remains weak. According to data provided by FH, the 0.7% drop in value compared to the same period in 2025 is mainly due to the decrease in luxury watch exports. The prices of luxury watches have in fact increased in recent years,

Operational details

Swiss watches: exports in sharp growth, but not enough

The entry-level and luxury segments were mainly responsible for the growth in Swiss watch exports. The entry level segment showed an increase of 9.9% in terms of value, while the luxury segment showed an increase of 54.1%. These data were revealed by the recent report by Orrologerie, the association that represents the Swiss watch industry.

Swiss watch export growth was mainly driven by exports to Asia, with an increase of 12.5% compared to last year. China was the main destination market, with an increase in exports of 15.6%. Japan was the second destination market, with an increase in exports of 10.3%.

However, despite export growth, the Swiss watch industry is still affected by significant challenges. External competition, particularly from Chinese and Japanese manufacturers, has increased in recent years. In addition, the global economic crisis has had a negative impact on the watch industry, with exports falling by 5.6% in 2020.

The Federal Law on the Watch Industry, passed in 2019, introduced new rules for the production and marketing of Swiss watches. The law provides for the creation of a quality label for Swiss watches, which should increase the

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Key points

Swiss watches: exports in sharp growth, but not enough

The US market was the main outlet for Swiss watches, with an increase of 12.7% compared to the same period in 2025. France and the UK followed with an increase of 103.5% and 12.2% compared to the same period in 2025, respectively. According to official data from the Swiss Chamber of Commerce, Swiss watch exports reached a value of 1.8 billion francs in 2025, an increase of 15.6% compared to the same period in 2024.

Switzerland is known for its high quality and precision in watches, and this is the main factor that has contributed to export growth. The production of Swiss watches is mainly concentrated in the cantons of Geneva, Neuchâtel and Vaud, which are considered the main centres of hourly production in the country.

According to a recent survey conducted by the Swiss Chamber of Commerce, 60% of Swiss watch exports are destined for the American and European markets. On the other hand, 20% is destined for Asian markets, in particular China and Japan. On the other hand, 10% is destined for the markets of Oceania and Africa.

The growth of Swiss watch exports was also facilitated by Swiss trade policy, which established favourable import tariffs for Swiss watches in G7 countries. Switzerland has also signed agreements

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Source: tio.ch