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Swatch Gets Bullish as Activist Pushes for Change

The Swiss watch giant’s recent results surprised with an upbeat outlook at a moment when the family in control of the brand is resisting an investor campaign.
The watch industry was jolted last year when President Donald Trump levied tariffs of as much as 39 percent on imports from Switzerland.
Swatch’s reach into the industry is extensive, stretching from luxury names like Omega and Harry Winston, to Longines and its namesake low-cost brand. (Shutterstock)

American activist investor Steven Wood’s one-man mission to overhaul the governance and culture of

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Further Reading

Is the Storm Blowing Over for Watchmakers? Yes and No

It’s a case of winners and losers for Swiss watchmakers, as the strongest brands shoot ahead, widening the gap with their smaller rivals, writes Robin Swithinbank. Plus, Rolex’s LIV Golf tie-up and The Honourable Merchants Group’s pause.

Have Luxury Watches Become Too Expensive?

Marc Hayek, Blancpain’s CEO and a member of the family that controls Swatch Group, warns aggressive price hikes at Omega, Longines and more are undermining performance even as his own brand seeks to get back in the conversation with a $2 million dollar watch.

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