Watches of Switzerland Group CEO Brian Duffy and Patek Philippe president Theirry Stern attend the launch party at Watches of Switzerland in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Watches of Switzerland SoHo Launch Party) The Watches of Switzerland Group has increased global revenue by 29% to £197 million (around $256m) in the second quarter of its 2019 financial year, ended October 28. Sales for the six months to October are up 30%, showing the impact of the group’s acquisition of Mayors in the United States in October 2018. Like-for-like same store sales were up 10.4% at constant exchange rates in Q2. US sales were up 12.8% while UK turnover rose by 5.2%. Story continues below Advertisement “I am delighted to announce strong second quarter results. Our excellent sales growth — both in-store and online — and increasing customer conversion and average selling price is testament to our proven strategy. As the leader in the UK luxury watch and jewellery market, and in the growing US market, we continue to transform the sector and grow the market,” says Brian Duffy, CEO of The Watches of Switzerland Group (pictured top at the opening of Watches of Switzerland in Manhattan alongside Patek Philippe president Thierry Stern). Publicizing quarterly financial figures is further evidence that the group is gearing up for a public listing or sale of the business, with a London listing in the first half of next year considered the most likely exit route for the business’s private equity owner Apollo Global Management. Luxury watches have become critical to growth for the group. Earlier this year Mr Duffy said that watches now account for 73% of sales. UK luxury watch sales rose by 10.2% in Q2, despite lower football and tourist numbers in the country. US luxury watch sales rose 16.8% for the same period. Ecommerce sales for luxury watches rose by 32.4%, despite the American Watches of Switzerland site still needing improvements to make it fully transactional. Rolex and Patek Philippe cannot be sold online by any authorized dealer in the world. The volume end of the market remains challenging for fashion and classic jewelry and watches selling for under £500. The group saw sales drop by 23.2% in the sector, which now accounts for only 6.7% of total sales; down from 8.3% a year ago.
E-commerce sales at Watches of The Watches of Switzerland Group rose by 32.4% in Q2 of its 2019 financial year, ending 28 October 2018. The results came despite the company's American Watches of Switzerland site not yet being fully transactional. Overall, the company boosted its global revenue by 29% over the period, increasing its turnover to £197m ($256m). It has been reported that publishing the results indicates Watches of Switzerland is preparing for a public listing, likely in H1 2019.