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The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH reported that Swiss watch exports continued to grow in January 2012, to 1,332.7 million Swiss francs, an increase of 15.5% compared to the same month last year. Last month 2.2 million wrist watches were exported (+2.8%), with a value of 1,249.7 million francs (+16.1%); the export value of other watch products was 83.0 million francs (+8.0%).

The most important export market by far (a 21.9% share of the total value) remains Hong Kong, with 291.2 million francs (+33.2%). Exports to the USA picked up and amounted to 156.1 million francs (+36.7%), so that the American market now has a share of 11.7%. China continued to grow, with 32.2% to 120.1 million francs and now has a market share of 9.0%. Singapore is in fourth place with 74.0 million francs (market share of 5.6%), a decrease of no less than 19.8%, but after an exceptionally good December 2011. Exports to France (5th place, with 72.1 million francs) decreased with 12.1%, confirming a trend already evident since last autumn. In contrast, the Japanese market grew with 28.5% to 67.9 million francs and occupies place 6. Bimetallic watches made the greatest contribution, with an increase of 31.7%; steel and gold watches performed slightly below par.