As you know, we're in the middle of the Geneva Watch Show, now called Watches and Wonders.
A forgotten sector because it's considered “mature”, we thought it important to revisit it, because it's much more important than it seems.
The watchmaking sector is a central pillar of the Swiss economy, both in terms of added value and international image.
In 2024, Swiss watch exports reached 26.0 billion Swiss francs, representing almost 10% of the country's total exports.
This sector alone surpasses exports of machine tools, chocolate and even pharmaceuticals in some regions.
It directly employs over 60,000 people and supports a dense network of subcontractors, designers, logisticians and micromechanics specialists.
Switzerland dominates more than 50% of the global watch market in terms of value, thanks to iconic brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Omega.
This supremacy is no accident: it is based on a unique know-how combining excellent craftsmanship, technological innovation and industrial rigor. The industry invests heavily in research and development, particularly in cutting-edge materials, while integrating digital advances into production and distribution.
The secondary market for luxury watches, estimated at over $25 billion, underlines the patrimonial value of these objects, which have become tangible assets in the same way as art or real estate.
Some timepieces even appreciate in value over time, attracting investors, collectors and younger generations in search of a product that is both aesthetically pleasing and durable.
Watchmaking also plays a major role in Switzerland's appeal to tourists: museums, factories open to the public and high-end boutiques attract visitors from all over the world.
Finally, watchmaking is a powerful vector of cultural influence. The “Swiss made” label, of which watches are the best-known standard-bearer, embodies Swiss quality, precision and excellence.
Through the challenges of digitalization, sustainability and the rise of Asian brands, the industry continues to reinvent itself, without ever betraying its heritage.
More than an economic sector, watchmaking is a strategic showcase of Swiss identity, a symbol of mastered innovation and sustainable luxury.
Don't hesitate to visit this exhibition, or even dig out an old watch, whether automatic or quartz!
