Daniel Franklin, our senior editor, on why Britain is a world-leader in the business of stealing luxury goods https://t.co/ok1CO8uJ8q ...

Company Overview & Market Position - Swatch Group is a major force in watchmaking, valued at over $9 billion [1] - The company is the largest watch manufacturer by volume globally, and third by retail value behind Rolex and Richemont [4] - The group's portfolio includes brands ranging from inexpensive Swatch to high-end Breguet and Blancpain [5][6] Challenges & Financial Performance - Swatch Group's performance has been under pressure, leading to it becoming one of the most shorted stocks in Europe [2] - Profit was down almost 90% in the first half of 2025 [13] - A softened market in China, which accounted for 27% of the group's sales in 2024, has significantly impacted the company [14] - The US imposed a 39% tariff on imports from Switzerland, creating a major external headwind [3][16] Strategic & Governance Issues - The family and related parties control 44% of the voting rights, leading to a sometimes tempestuous relationship with shareholders [17] - The company is conservatively structured, and some investors are pushing for changes [19] - Swatch has been criticized for not engaging with investors in the same way as other groups [18] Product & Marketing - The MoonSwatch collaboration in 2022 was a major success, selling over 1 million units, significantly boosting the bottom line [21] - Swatch has been criticized for falling out of the conversation in terms of exciting new products and relevant marketing [22]

For the rich, $4,460 coats and Rolex watches are basics to buy in multiples—one for each of their houses https://t.co/J1J9x9TP7J ...

Consumer Behavior - The luxury market sees items like $4,460 coats and Rolex watches as essential purchases for wealthy individuals, often buying multiples for different residences [1]

Consumer Behavior - Luxury goods are considered essential purchases for wealthy individuals, who often buy multiples for different residences [1] Market Insight - The luxury market caters to affluent consumers who view items like $4,460 coats and Rolex watches as basic necessities [1]

Well-off Chinese used to chase Western luxury bags and jewelry as symbols of status. Now, in a challenge to the likes of Cartier and Yves Saint Laurent, they are turning to homegrown brands. https://t.co/HYkLVgEDZn ...

Market Trends - Chinese billionaires are now more cautious about displaying wealth through luxury purchases like private planes [1] - Rich Indians do not share the same concerns about being seen buying lavish items [1]

Well-off Chinese used to chase Western luxury bags and jewelry as symbols of status. Now, in a challenge to the likes of Cartier and Yves Saint Laurent, they are turning to homegrown brands. https://t.co/UHMw5eEiwQ ...

All right, let's talk travel. Time travel. Well, not actual time travel because that's not possible yet.But the closest thing you can come to time travel these days, and that of course, we're told, is flying by private jet. It's how the other half of the other half lives. And now, the private jet business is getting some coin from private equity.An investor group backed by luxury giant LVMH buying 20% of big private jet company Flexjet. Let's flex a little more. Robert Frank has more on what's going down at ...