Swiss Timepieces Maintain Growth Momentum Amid Uncertain Market Outlook for 2026

The Swiss Watch Federation witnessed a modest uptick in the exports of Swiss timepieces in the first quarter of 2026. Despite a 1% decline in the month of March, total exports for the first three months of the year reached CHF 6.2 billion, signifying a 1.4% increase compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. This demonstrates a relatively stable industry performance.

Across the globe, it’s observed that major marketplaces show signs of an equilibrium state, with a big exception being France. It experienced a significant jump in Swiss watch exports, rising by an impressive 55%. However, this sudden increase seems more influenced by technical factors, such as the redirection of logistic flows, as opposed to actual market demand.

While the forecast for 2026 anticipated moderate growth within the luxury goods sector, including watches, the unforeseen conflict with Iran casts a shadow of uncertainty on this projection. The industry outlook remains tenuous due to continuing geopolitical and macroeconomic unrest. The Swiss watch sector, after being hopeful of reaching a cycle’s bottom, is now acknowledging that the recovery process may still be uneven and fragile.

Despite these uncertain conditions, the resilience of Swiss watch exports is noteworthy. Managing to maintain growth momentum, even if noticeably modest, in unsettled market conditions demonstrates the continued allure of Swiss timepieces.