Swiss watch exports continued to grow at a steady rate. The first half-year total rose to 6.3 billion francs, an increase of 11.6% compared to January-June 2005. After six month, the lead over 2005 is already greater than 650 million francs.

The first half of 2006 recorded significant monthly variations. The trend over twelve months remains at a high level, with two-digit increase(+11.4%). This strong growth was evident in most export markets, in the context of a favourable economic climate. Results were boosted in particular by luxury products, for which rates of growth attained very high levels.

Export volume of wrist watches rose by 0.4%. However, this small increase of 50,000 pcs. remains very low compared to the decline registered in 2005. 18K gold (+5.5% and bimetallic (+2.1%) exceeded their 2005 level, however, the main material steel (-1.7%) recorded decline.

In value terms, most materials registered growth. This was above average for 18K gold watches (+15.6%) and platinum timepieces (+23.1%).

The most expensive wristwatches stood out clearly from other segments during the first half year. Timepieces costing more than 3,000 francs(ex-works) saw their value increase by more than 30%, while the number of such pieces leap up by more than 50%. Below 3,000 francs, results were down slightly compared to January-June 2005.

Exports of movements totaled 71.6 million francs(+ 9.7%), cases 24.1 million francs (+2.6%), and bracelet 81.1 million francs (+2.8%). Alarms and clocks turned in a very good performance with an increase of 13.6% (15.4million francs).

In the first half of 2006, the fifteen main markets showed the following trend .

The situation is very satisfactory on virtually all markets. Among the main outlets, the highest rates of growth were achieved in France, Germany and Spain, where they exceeded +20%. The United States and Hong Kong however progressed at around half the average rate. In China, occupying eleventh position, growth has been stable for some months and ended the first half-year at +8.0%. Despite a sharp upturn in June(+42%), Russia registered a decline of 9.2%. The highest increase in the first half-year was recorded by India, with +89.3%, but for a total value of only 27.6 million francs.