Core Viewpoint - Swatch, a Swiss watch brand, faced backlash due to a controversial advertisement featuring a model with "slant-eyed" expression, perceived as racially insensitive towards East Asians, leading to strong protests from Chinese consumers [3][5]. Group 1: Incident Overview - The controversial advertisement included a model making an exaggerated "slant-eyed" expression, which many interpreted as a form of racial discrimination against East Asians [3]. - Swatch's official customer service acknowledged the issue and stated it would be escalated to relevant departments for further consideration [5]. - The "slant-eyed" gesture has historical roots in 19th-century Western racism and has been widely recognized as a discriminatory symbol against East Asians [5]. Group 2: Company Background and Financial Performance - Swatch Group is one of the largest watch manufacturing and distribution groups globally, owning brands such as Longines, Tissot, Omega, and Breguet, in addition to its basic Swatch line [6]. - In the first half of the year, Swatch reported a net sales figure of 3.06 billion Swiss francs, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 7.1% [6].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impact of the 39% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Switzerland, highlighting the potential economic repercussions for the Swiss economy, particularly in its export sectors [4][5]. Group 1: Economic Impact on Switzerland - Switzerland's economy is heavily reliant on trade, with exports projected to reach 283 billion Swiss francs in 2024, a 3% increase from 2023 [6]. - The U.S. is Switzerland's most significant trading partner, accounting for 19% of its total exports, despite a trade deficit of nearly 40 billion francs [6][7]. - The pharmaceutical sector is a major contributor to Swiss exports, with expected exports to the U.S. reaching 35 billion dollars in 2024 [8]. - The high tariffs create a significant disadvantage for Swiss exporters, especially when compared to the 15% tariffs imposed on EU products [7][8]. Group 2: Response to Tariffs - The Swiss government is actively seeking to negotiate with the U.S. to mitigate the impact of the tariffs, with proposals likely to include increased investments in the U.S. as leverage [9][11]. - The Swiss Federal Council has introduced a "partial unemployment" scheme to help businesses cope with reduced demand due to tariffs, allowing for reduced working hours while retaining employees [12][13]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior and Local Products - Despite the tariffs, Swiss consumers remain loyal to local products, often preferring them over imported goods, which may be affected by the tariffs [17][20]. - The cultural inclination towards local products is reinforced by strict Swiss production standards and a strong sense of community support for local agriculture [20][22].

Core Insights - The demand for luxury watch appraisers in China is rapidly increasing, with a talent gap of at least 100,000 professionals identified in the market [3][5][12] - The establishment of the luxury watch appraiser as a recognized profession marks a significant development in the industry, providing a formal framework for training and certification [3][10][11] Market Demand - Since 2020, global consumer interest in purchasing second-hand luxury watches has doubled, indicating a growing market potential [2] - The second-hand luxury watch market in China has surpassed 100 billion yuan in annual transaction volume, matching the scale of the new watch market [5][6] - The existing stock of high-end watches priced over 10,000 yuan in China has reached over 47 million units, suggesting a long-term demand for appraisal and maintenance services [6] Professional Standards and Training - The luxury watch appraiser profession is officially classified under the "appraisal and evaluation" category, with a specific code assigned [3] - The training for luxury watch appraisers is rigorous, requiring hands-on experience with various watch models and components to develop the necessary skills for authenticity verification [10][11] - The profession is structured into three levels of certification, with the entry-level requiring prior experience, ensuring that only qualified individuals can perform appraisals [8][9] Industry Challenges - The market currently faces issues with counterfeit certification and unregulated training programs, leading to a proliferation of non-credible appraisal services [12][13] - The lack of a unified national standard for luxury watch appraisal creates confusion regarding authenticity and valuation, necessitating the establishment of clear guidelines [11][12] Future Outlook - The luxury watch market is expected to continue growing, particularly for high-end and scarce products, as consumer awareness and demand for reliable appraisal services increase [7][8] - The establishment of a national professional standard for luxury watch appraisers is anticipated to enhance the industry's credibility and support sustainable growth [10][12][13]

Core Viewpoint - The unexpected announcement of a 39% tariff on Swiss goods by President Trump is viewed as a "black swan" event, leading to significant declines in Swiss stocks and raising concerns about the impact on the Swiss economy and export-dependent companies [1][6][9]. Group 1: Tariff Announcement and Market Reaction - The Swiss stock market's reaction to the tariff announcement was delayed due to the holiday, with significant declines expected upon reopening [1][4]. - The 39% tariff is among the highest globally, second only to Syria's 41%, and is seen as a devastating blow to the Swiss economy and its export-driven market [5][6]. - Major Swiss companies, including UBS and Swatch Group, experienced sharp declines in their stock prices following the announcement [1][8]. Group 2: Economic Impact - Analysts predict that if the 39% tariff remains in place, it could lead to a GDP loss of approximately 0.6% for Switzerland, with further losses possible if additional tariffs on pharmaceuticals are implemented [8]. - The Swiss technology industry and overall exports are expected to face "extremely severe" impacts due to the high tariff rate [7][8]. - The sudden reversal in trade negotiations highlights the unpredictability of Trump's trade policies, even after prior agreements had been reached [9][10]. Group 3: Broader Trade Implications - The new tariff policy is part of a broader trend that could elevate the U.S. actual tariff rate to 17%, marking the highest level since the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1933, which had severe consequences for international trade [11][12]. - Experts describe the day of the tariff announcement as a "dark day" for global trade, indicating long-term challenges for the established trade system [13].

Watches of Switzerland Group PLC 美国总统特朗普宣布对瑞士进口产品征收39%的新关税，导致美国上市瑞士钟表公司的股价应声下跌。 个股中，瑞士历峰集团ADR跌3.08%，使得本周迄今累计跌幅达到8.80%；瑞士钟表集团（Watches of Switzerland Group Plc.）ADR跌7.73%，斯沃琪集团 (Swatches of Switzerland) 的ADR下跌8.7%。 け峰集材 OTCMKTS: CFRUY : 市场概况 > 历峰集团 15.76 USD + 关注 -1.52 (-8.80%) + 过去 5 天 8月1日 GMT-4 上午10:59 · 免责声明 1 天 1 个月 YTD 5天 最大 17.5 17.0 16.5 16.0 15.5 7月30日 7月31日 7月29日 8月1日 开盘 15.74 市值 14.72万亿 ZAR 52 周高点 21.04 最高 15.89 52 周低点 13.06 市盈率 15.58 股息收益率 最低 季度分红金额 Watches of Switzerland Group PLC OTCMKTS: WOSGF ...

瑞士联邦主席凯勒-祖特尔：美国关税将对瑞士经济产生非常不利的影响。尽管制药业未受影响，但美 国关税对瑞士机械和钟表行业非常不利。 ...

Group 1 - The U.S. has imposed a punitive tariff of 39% on Switzerland, significantly higher than tariffs on the EU (20%) and Japan (15%), due to a trade surplus of $38 billion and alleged non-tariff barriers [3][4] - The Swiss economy is heavily impacted, particularly in the luxury watch and chocolate sectors, with companies like Rolex and Patek Philippe facing increased export costs, while the pharmaceutical sector, which constitutes 40% of Swiss GDP, may also be affected despite initial exemptions [3][4] - Small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up 30% of Swiss exports, are at risk of severe financial strain due to the sudden increase in tariffs [3][4] Group 2 - The tariff escalation has disrupted global supply chains, particularly affecting precision manufacturing that relies on international collaboration, leading to layoffs and production cuts among Swiss suppliers [4][5] - The U.S. stands to lose as well, with Swiss companies employing 500,000 people in the U.S. and 90% of precision machine tools in the U.S. being imported from Switzerland, indicating a self-inflicted economic wound [5][6] - The Swiss franc depreciated by 0.8% in a single day, and the Swiss stock market index (SMI) fell below its February low, indicating a loss of investor confidence [6] Group 3 - The trade conflict has escalated the geopolitical dynamics among China, the U.S., and Europe, with Switzerland losing its role as a neutral mediator and potentially leading to closer ties between China and the EU [7] - The situation is prompting a shift in global supply chains, with ASEAN countries like Vietnam and Thailand benefiting from increased orders, and Swiss companies relocating production to Mexico to avoid tariffs [8] - The imposition of tariffs on Switzerland is seen as a threat to the post-World War II global trust system, leading to a potential reconfiguration of investment strategies focusing on cash reserves, growth sectors like AI and biotechnology, and new manufacturing locations [8][9]

Core Viewpoint - Richemont Group reported a sales increase in Q1 of FY2025, driven by strong performance in the jewelry segment, despite a general slowdown in the luxury market [2][4]. Financial Performance - The group's sales reached €5.41 billion (approximately ¥450 billion), reflecting a 6% year-over-year growth at constant exchange rates, although slightly below analyst expectations of €5.47 billion [4]. - The net cash flow as of June 30 was €7.4 billion, indicating a stable financial position, with a 21% increase in stock price year-to-date [4]. Segment Analysis - The jewelry segment, including brands like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, saw an 11% year-over-year sales increase, totaling €3.91 billion, contributing over 70% to the group's overall revenue [6]. - The watch segment, which includes brands like Vacheron Constantin and Piaget, experienced a 7% decline in sales to €824 million, indicating ongoing challenges [8]. - Other business segments, including fashion and accessories, saw a slight 1% decrease in sales, with notable performances from brands like Peter Millar and Alaïa [10]. Market Performance - The Americas, Middle East, and Africa markets achieved double-digit growth, while the Asia-Pacific region remained flat overall, with a 7% decline in sales from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau [10]. - The demand for gold in China remains strong, with a 4.6% year-over-year increase in gold consumption, indicating a shift towards investment-grade products among younger consumers [12]. Competitive Landscape - The rise of Chinese brand Lao Pu Gold poses a competitive threat to Cartier, with the brand's success linked to cultural confidence in China [13]. - Richemont's leadership acknowledges the need for continued creativity to maintain relevance in the evolving jewelry market [13]. Strategic Initiatives - Van Cleef & Arpels is focusing on promoting its Perlée collection in China, aiming to enhance its brand presence and adapt to local consumer preferences [17].

Core Insights - The global gold price is surging, reaching historical peaks, which enhances the appeal of gold as a traditional safe-haven asset and drives up the value of Rolex gold watches [1] Group 1: Factors Driving Rolex Gold Watch Value - The strong foundation of Rolex's material quality contributes to its status as a "hard currency" in the watch industry, with Rolex accounting for nearly 47% of Swiss watch export profits [3] - Rolex has officially raised prices across its gold watch line in response to rising gold prices, with the Daytona model seeing a price increase of over 14%, translating to an increase of more than 50,000 yuan for models originally priced over 300,000 yuan [5] - The secondary market for Rolex gold watches is responding positively to the official price hikes, indicating a strong correlation between gold prices and the value of gold watches [7] Group 2: Strategic Shift Towards Precious Metals - At the recent Watches & Wonders exhibition, Rolex showcased a clear strategic shift towards precious metal watches, with 6 out of 7 new models made from gold, rose gold, platinum, or bi-metal, highlighting a significant focus on this segment [8] - This strategic pivot benefits Rolex by enhancing brand image and profitability while providing consumers with watches that have greater value stability and potential for appreciation, especially in turbulent times [10] Group 3: Re-evaluation of Gold Watch Value - The market perception is shifting, with certain popular steel watches now priced higher than some gold models, indicating an irrationality in the current valuation of steel versus gold watches [12][13] - As global gold prices continue to rise, the long-term investment and collectible value of precious metal watches will become more apparent, leading to a potential reversal of the trend where steel watches command higher premiums than gold watches [15]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend of the color green, particularly "pistachio green," in fashion and home decor, suggesting that it is becoming a defining color for 2025, influenced by social media and consumer preferences [3][9][23]. Group 1: Fashion Trends - The color pistachio green has gained significant popularity, with a notable increase in searches for outfits featuring this color, rising by 361% [9]. - The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 with a pistachio green dial sold for $20,900, nearly three times its original price, indicating strong market demand for this color [7]. - Major fashion brands like Miu Miu and Prada are incorporating pistachio green into their collections, highlighting its status as a key color for the upcoming seasons [22]. Group 2: Home Decor - Interest in green home decor has surged, with searches for green aesthetic inspirations increasing by 3000% over the past year [11]. - Sales of green sofas at John Lewis have risen by 32%, reflecting a growing consumer preference for this color in home furnishings [11]. - Approximately 30% of consumers aged 18 to 34 expressed a desire to upgrade their bathrooms to include green elements, showcasing a generational shift in color preferences [13]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The demand for pistachios has skyrocketed, with exports from Iran to the UAE increasing by 40% from September 2024 to March 2025 [19]. - The price of pistachio pieces in the U.S. has risen by 17%, reaching $10.5 per pound, driven by the growing popularity of pistachio-flavored products [19]. - The trend towards green is not just a fashion statement but is also linked to consumer psychology, as bright colors are increasingly seen as a source of happiness in a post-pandemic world [23].