Swiss watch exports increase by 2.8% in September 2014 with 8.2% increase in the Middle East

Swiss watch exports progressed in line with the first eight months of the year, continuing a positive trend and recording a high value. The increase was 2.8% compared to September 2013 to a level of nearly 2 billion francs. Watch exports recorded growth both in value and volume terms. Most price segments registered upturns, with the exception of the 500-3,000 francs range, which saw its value decline by 3.7%. Watches costing less than 500 francs rose by 5.0% in volume terms and 602% by value. Above 3,000 francs, growth by value was up 4.9%. In the Middle East, the Swiss watch exports recorded 8.2% increase in value compared with the same period in 2013. Among the 15 main markets for watch exports, only two recorded a downturn in September.