Swiss watch sales were at a record high last year, with platinum helping to push demand in every continent around the world.

Sales figures published by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry showed exports rose by over ten per cent in 2005 globally.

Overall sales reached 12.3 billion Swiss francs ($9.7 billion) with a rise in the luxury market during what the federation described as a "less than favourable economic situation" in Europe.

Platinum and aluminium watches were among those in demand, while gold timepieces also registered large increases.

The market for luxury metal watches was strong, with 18-carat gold watch sales rising by 17 per cent, but steel sales declined overall by 3.3 per cent.

The federation said that demand outstripped forecasts and experienced a rise in sales in the US despite what it described as an "unfavourable" base. China showed the largest growth with sales up 25.7 per cent to put it as the tenth biggest market for Swiss watches.

Federation figures predict a continual growth in the luxury market for 2006, expecting a rise in sales as much as six per cent in a market that the federation claims avoided the 'pitfalls' of the economic situation.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd