Skip to main content
BoF Logo

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

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

Please sign in to ensure you can read our agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice. Or get in touch at support@businessoffashion.com if you experience difficulties.

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.

In This Article
Organisations

© 2026 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

More from Luxury
How rapid change is reshaping the tradition-soaked luxury sector in Europe and beyond.

Hermès ‘Game’ Leaves a Bad Taste

In this week’s High Margin luxury newsletter: A softening resale market for Birkin and Kelly bags poses questions for luxury powerhouse Hermès. Plus, a run on Chanel’s stores during Paris Fashion Week.


view more
Latest News & Analysis
Unrivalled, world class journalism across fashion, luxury and beauty industries.

What Stops Beauty Shoppers From Buying More

Beauty brands must rethink upselling with smarter value plays, from curated bundles to jumbo sizes and subscriptions, to keep their customers from switching to the competition.


Who Won Fashion’s Red Carpet Season of Change

Sunday night’s Oscars concluded an awards season that fashion’s biggest labels used to show off their new creative game. BoF breaks down what we learned about brands’ celebrity strategies.


VIEW MORE
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
CONNECT WITH US ON