For the first time in two years, the twelve-month curve of Swiss watch exports points upward. The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH reports exports of CHF 1,789.2 million for August 2026, a rise of 9.1 percent on August 2025, in a month that counted one more working day. From January to August the industry stands at +1.7 percent and has passed the CHF 17 billion threshold.
August 2026 at a glance
| Indicator | August 2026 | Change on August 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Total exports | CHF 1,789.2 million | +9.1% |
| Wristwatches, value | CHF 1,704.5 million | +8.6% |
| Wristwatches, units | 1.09 million | +9.5% |
| January to August 2026 | above CHF 17 billion | +1.7% |
| Twelve-month moving average | positive | first time in two years |
Gold and steel lead the month
Every group of materials grew in value. Bimetallic watches, gold and steel, rose 20.1 percent to CHF 355.3 million and made, in the FH’s words, a significant contribution to the overall result. Precious-metal watches rose 6.9 percent to CHF 660.8 million, the largest category by value, and steel 2.8 percent to CHF 538.9 million. In volume, some 95,000 additional watches left Switzerland compared with August 2025.
| Material | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Precious metal | CHF 660.8 million | +6.9% |
| Steel | CHF 538.9 million | +2.8% |
| Gold and steel | CHF 355.3 million | +20.1% |
| Other metals | CHF 87.8 million | +3.7% |
| Other materials | CHF 61.6 million | +31.9% |
By export price, the two ends of the market moved fastest: watches below CHF 200 rose 13.3 percent in value, and watches above CHF 3,000, the heart of fine watchmaking, rose 10.2 percent.
The markets that carried the rise
The United Kingdom rose 46.1 percent to CHF 164.7 million and became the second destination of the month. Japan rose 22.1 percent, China 15.8 percent, Singapore 8.5 percent and Germany 34.0 percent. India, at CHF 34.2 million, rose 40.2 percent, and Canada 38.0 percent. France more than doubled, at +113.5 percent; the FH invites caution in reading European figures, France now playing an atypical role within the region.
| Market | August 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | CHF 164.7 million | +46.1% |
| France | CHF 157.3 million | +113.5% |
| Japan | CHF 135.8 million | +22.1% |
| China | CHF 133.5 million | +15.8% |
| Hong Kong | CHF 117.6 million | +1.4% |
| Singapore | CHF 116.1 million | +8.5% |
| Germany | CHF 103.3 million | +34.0% |
| United Arab Emirates | CHF 82.8 million | +6.1% |
| India | CHF 34.2 million | +40.2% |
| Australia | CHF 35.6 million | +25.3% |
| Canada | CHF 30.4 million | +38.0% |
The view from the Middle East
The United Arab Emirates received CHF 82.8 million of Swiss watches in August, 6.1 percent more than a year earlier, and rank ninth worldwide, ahead of South Korea and Italy. Qatar rose 18.2 percent to CHF 19.2 million. Oman more than doubled, at +107.0 percent and CHF 8.9 million, and Lebanon rose 6.3 percent to CHF 7.8 million.
For collectors in the region, the month confirms two movements WATCHESPEDIA follows closely: the strength of pieces above CHF 3,000, and the return of gold and steel, a combination long appreciated from Dubai to Doha.
How to read these figures
The FH publishes export data: watches leaving Switzerland for a market, not sales to final clients. The figures consolidate the whole industry and do not describe any single maison, and they may be revised in later publications. They remain the most complete monthly measure of Swiss watchmaking.
Frequently asked questions
How much did Swiss watch exports grow in August 2026?
By 9.1 percent compared with August 2025, to CHF 1,789.2 million, according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH. August 2026 had one more working day than August 2025.
What happened to the twelve-month moving average?
It moved into positive territory for the first time in two years, according to the FH.
Where do Swiss watch exports stand for the year so far?
From January to August 2026 they are up 1.7 percent and have passed the CHF 17 billion threshold.
Which Middle East markets grew in August 2026?
The United Arab Emirates rose 6.1 percent to CHF 82.8 million, the ninth market worldwide. Qatar rose 18.2 percent to CHF 19.2 million, Oman 107.0 percent to CHF 8.9 million, and Lebanon 6.3 percent to CHF 7.8 million.
Source: Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH, export statistics, “Swiss watchmaking in August 2026”, world distribution by market and by region, published September 2026. Data card WATCHESPEDIA.
