CORDER’S COLUMN: Hits and misses from my predictions for 2025
The year 2025 proved to be tumultuous, marked by significant geopolitical and economic shifts, beginning with Donald Trump's second inauguration. The predicted stability in the watch industry did not entirely materialize, as tariffs on Swiss exports to the U.S. impacted the market. Although overall Swiss watch exports showed only a modest decline, high-end brands like Rolex and Cartier gained market share, while brands like Omega faced challenges in maintaining sales volumes amid rising prices. Trends observed included a continued preference for smaller men's watches, with brands like Cartier successfully adapting their collections. Despite predictions that TAG Heuer would reclaim market share from Breitling, both brands struggled with flat sales and squeezed profit margins. TAG Heuer's partnership with Formula 1 showed promise for future visibility, but it requires stable leadership and innovative product development to leverage its heritage effectively.
