Swatch Sales Decrease in 2009 Despite Sales Rebound

Sales for Swatch's key watch segment decreased 5.5%

Despite annual gross sales decreasing by 6.3 percent this past year, the Swatch Group announced Wednesday that 2009 was the third best year in the company’s history. A significant rebound in sales in the second half of 2009 and a “phenomenal” December were among the reasons the Swatch Group emerged from the financial crisis in “excellent shape,” the company stated.

Although sales fell to 5.42 billion Swiss francs ($5.22 billion), versus sales of nearly 6 billion Swiss francs ($5.8 billion) a year ago, Swatch stated it's confident that increases in sales will be achieved in 2010.

Sales in the group's key watch segment decreased by 5.5 percent, but largely outperformed Swiss Watch Federation export sales, gaining market share for the group in practically all segments, Swatch said.

Swatch also noted Omega's position as official timekeeper at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver as a highlight for the upcoming year.