Longines news and archive

Swiss watchmakers see exports plunge amid pandemic

Swiss watch exports plunged by more than a fifth in March, the Swiss watch industry federation, FH, said Tuesday, warning it expected the situation to deteriorate further in April. Overall, Swiss watch exports fell 21.9 percent in March compared to a year earlier, to 1.4 billion Swiss francs (1.4 billion dollars, 1.3 billion euros) -- with a...

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Longines to open exclusive stores in India

Swiss premium watch maker Longines plans to open exclusive company-owned single brand retail outlets in India following the relaxation of FDI norms in the country. The company is currently present in India through 70 stores, of which 65 are multi-brand retail outlets and the rest are franchise-owned. The brand is not looking at retail expansion...

Apparel

Longines holds back India expansion plan

Swiss watchmaker Longines, which has about 64 outlets in India, is holding back its India expansion plans owing to high duties and taxes on luxury watches in the country. Walter Von Kanel, President, Longines said on the sidelines of the world’s richest horse racing event in Dubai, “As of now, we are not looking to invest any further.” He also...

Apparel

Boom time for luxury watch brands

India’s luxury watch market is booming as Indians are acquainted with higher life and don’t hesitate in splurging. High-end watches cost anywhere between Rs 15,000 and Rs 50,000. There are some limited editions that cost up to Rs 5 crores. Price notwithstanding, people are splurging on these time pieces and keeping the buying capacity of Indian...