OMEGA Watches

This week, President Trump’s tariff on Switzerland went into effect, landing levies of 39 percent on every watch the country exports to the US. For some Swiss watchmakers, the threat is existential.

The British economy may be in the doldrums, but London remains a magnet for international fashion brands and American tourists, writes Imran Amed.

Omega’s sales have recovered and surpassed pre-Covid levels, CEO Raynald Aeschlimann said. But aggressive price hikes, step-and-repeat marketing and an authenticity scandal could challenge the Swatch-owned brand’s ascent.

In luxury watches, revenues are up but volumes are down, creating new winners, losers, opportunities and threats, writes Robin Swithinbank.

With revenues of £746 million, the IPO could value the company at up to £1 billion.

A Swiss industry group has published the findings of the first comprehensive effort to classify high-end Swiss brands in a business where the perception of exclusivity equals all-important bragging rights.

Swiss watch exports plunged 16 percent in October, as demand weakened in almost every major market for Rolex and Omega timepieces.

Omega is putting more than 140 million Swiss francs ($146 million) of James Bond watches up for sale this year, based on the number being sold and their recommended retail price.

Omega President Stephen Urquhart said the US is one of the Swiss watch brand’s most promising markets this year amid a lull in spending by the Chinese, the biggest buyers of luxury timepieces.