Brands featured in the Swatch Group annual report:
Watches
Prestige and Luxury Range
Breguet, Harry Winston, Blancpain, Glashütte Original, Jaquet Droz, Léon Hatot, Omega
High Range
Longines, Rado, Union Glashütte
Middle Range
Tissot, Balmain, Certina, Mido, Hamilton, Calvin Klein
Basic Range
Swatch, Flik Flak
Retailing
Tourbillon, Hour Passion
Production
Watches
ETA, Meco, François Golay, Nivarox-FAR, Comadur, Rubattel et Weyermann
MOM Le Prélet , Universo, Manufacture Ruedin, Lascor, Simon Et Membrez
Novi, Swatch Group Assembly
Jewelry
Dress Your Body (DYB)
Electronic Systems
EM Microelectronic, Renata, Micro Crystal, Oscilloquartz, Swiss Timing and ST-Sportservice
Corporate
Swatch Group Research and Development (Asulab, Moebius, CDNP), ICB Ingénieurs Conseils en Brevets, Swatch Group Quality Management, Swatch Group Services (European Distribution Center, Swatch Group Logistics, Swatch Group IT Services, Swatch Group Corporate Customer Service, Real Estate Development), Swatch Group Immeubles
Highlights
Swatch
The Front Tells the Time – The Back Tells the Story
In its 30th year, Swatch stopped the watch world once again, this
time with SISTEM51. The first mechanical movement ever made
on a fully-automated assembly line, SISTEM51 packs unprecedented
technological innovation into an automatic movement with only 51 parts. 100 percent Swiss-made, the first four models were launched exclusively in Switzerland in week 51.
Key Collections 2013
The innovative spirit that swept through Swatch in 2013 brought
bright colors and creative designs in the Spring Summer collection
and trending themes and variations to Fall Winter: colors,
patterns, textures and shapes that captured culture emerging
from the streets.
The New Irony Chrono collection launched in May took up the pioneering Swatch tradition of high-performance timekeeping
set in steel. Nine debut models exhibit clear, essential design and
split-second accuracy in a big new format that speaks of performance
with casual style.
In June, Swatch surfaced with Scuba Libre, the new collection
designed for urban sea-lovers and nautical sports enthusiasts.
Its launch was accompanied by a spectacular TV commercial
shot in South Africa with a soundtrack from British pop singer
and Swatch partner, Mika.
Omega
Trends
In 2013, Omega demonstrated its continuing commitment to
meeting horology’s greatest challenges. It launched the Co-Axial
caliber 8508, the world’s first truly anti-magnetic mechanical
watch movement, solving a problem that had perplexed watchmakers
for centuries. The groundbreaking technology was introduced
at several press events scheduled in all major markets.
The year was characterized by innovation, both inside the
watch and out, and included the presentation of 18K Sedna gold,
a patented alloy whose red gold color is particularly enduring.
Omega’s exclusive Co-Axial technology was again the cornerstone
of the brand’s product strategy. An award-winning advertising
campaign was complemented by Co-Axial exhibitions in
cities around the world.
Other high-profile events and partnerships generated positive
media coverage throughout the year. The Omega-produced documentary,
Planet Ocean, was screened in more than a dozen
cities and at the United Nations in the presence of Secretary
General Ban Ki-moon, underscoring the brand’s advocacy of
oceanic health. Links with golf, swimming, sailing and athletics
added to a consistently strong press presence in the world of
sport.
Omega again expanded its global network of monobrand
boutiques. More than 300 Omega Boutiques are now located at
the world’s best shopping addresses.
Longines
Trends
In 2013, Longines continued to achieve market growth and
increased its support for the world of equestrian sports through
several partnerships. The Conquest Classic collection, presented
at Baselworld, reflects the brand’s passion for the sport in the
same way as the chronographs it has produced for racing enthusiasts
and jockeys since 1881.
At the beginning of the year, Longines formalized a partnership
agreement with the International Equestrian Federation
(FEI), becoming the Federation’s first “Top Partner”. Her Royal
Highness Princess Haya, President of the FEI, and Nayla Hayek,
Chair of the Swatch Group Board of Directors, co-signed the contract
at an official ceremony held in Lausanne. Longines thus
became the official timekeeper and the official watch brand of
the FEI, notably for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup, as well as Title
Partner of the Longines Rankings and the Longines FEI World
Cup Jumping. The brand also gave its name to the Longines
Rising Star Award, an FEI Award given to a rider, 14–21 years of
age, who has shown exceptional talent and sporting commitment
to the world of equestrianism. This year it was awarded to
the American rider Reed Kessler.
With its slogan “Elegance is an attitude”, Longines continued
to support young athletes. In this manner, during Roland-Garros,
the Longines Future Tennis Aces tournament enables promising
young tennis players to step onto the Parisian clay court. In flat
racing, the Prix Longines Future Racing Stars, open to young
jockeys, was run in conjunction with the Prix de Diane Longines
at Chantilly. In 2013 Longines extended its support to Alpine skiing
with the Longines Future Ski Champions, with young skiers
taking part in a giant slalom on the official competition course at
Val d’Isère.
Tissot
Trends
In 2013 Tissot celebrated its 160th anniversary. Diverse activities
around the world showcased the brand’s unique heritage of tradition
and innovation, highlighting lots of watchmaking firsts, a
relentless pioneering spirit and immense global presence. Dedicated
products, events and roadshows brought a dynamic past
and present to life for everyone to enjoy.
Another year of very positive growth and the biggest worldwide retail network in the Swiss watchmaking industry are clear proof of Tissot’s ongoing success. Visibility at some of the world’s leading sports events is further evidence of the brand’s widespread appeal. A particularly proud moment was the attainment of a first and second place in the famous Concours International de Chronométrie; the first prize was won for the second consecutive time in the classic category. This is the ultimate recognition and confirmation of the quality of Tissot products.
Financial Review - Outlook
All brands had an auspicious start. In the first month of the year, sales of both watches and jewelry were very good. After four years of strong and dynamic growth by Swatch Group, as well as the entire Swiss watch industry, continued healthy growth is expected in 2014.
Thanks to its 20 strong brands and their attractive products, further expansion of the distribution and retail network, the
investment made in almost all production areas as well as an extremely healthy equity and financial situation, the Swatch
Group is in an excellent position for both the future and for long-term growth.
For the full report and financial statements, click HERE
Source: Swatch Group