Group 1: Swatch Controversy - Swatch faced backlash for an advertisement featuring a model making a "slant-eyed" gesture, perceived as a racist symbol against East Asians [2][4] - The company quickly removed the image from its Chinese website but did not issue an immediate official statement [4] - Swatch issued an apology the following day, acknowledging the issue and stating that all related materials were deleted globally [4][5] - The incident highlights potential oversight in content review and a lack of respect for the Chinese market, which is crucial for Swatch's sales [5] Group 2: Impact on Sales - In 2023, Swatch's sales in the Chinese market grew by 10.9% to 2.63 billion Swiss francs, accounting for 33.3% of the group's total sales [5] - Despite a projected 30% decline in 2024 sales, the Chinese market is still expected to represent 27% of total sales [5] Group 3: YingShi Innovation Controversy - YingShi Innovation's founder sparked controversy by throwing cash at employees during a celebration, leading to mixed public reactions [6][10] - The company issued a statement clarifying that the cash was from the founder's personal salary and emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive public image [10][11] - The incident reflects a clash between corporate incentive culture and public perception, highlighting the need for companies to align their incentive mechanisms with broader societal values [11]

Core Viewpoint - Swatch faced backlash due to a controversial advertisement perceived as racially insensitive towards East Asians, prompting a public apology and removal of the related materials [1][3]. Company Summary - Swatch Group is one of the largest watch manufacturing and distribution groups globally, with brands including Longines, Tissot, Omega, and Breguet [4]. - The company reported a sales decline of 11.2% year-on-year for the first half of 2025, with net profit plummeting 88% to 17 million Swiss francs, resulting in a net profit margin of 0.6% compared to 4.3% in the previous year [6]. - The Chinese market is the largest regional market for Swatch Group, generating 2.63 billion Swiss francs in net sales in 2023, accounting for 33.3% of total sales [6][8]. Industry Summary - The Swiss watch industry faced challenges from a strong Swiss franc and declining global demand, exacerbated by the recent increase in tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Swiss imports [10][12]. - The U.S. is the largest export market for Swiss goods, with 19% of Swiss exports going to the U.S. The watch export total for 2024 is projected at 26 billion Swiss francs, with the U.S. accounting for 16.8% of this figure [11]. - Analysts warn that maintaining a 39% tariff could be devastating for many Swiss brands, including Swatch, which derives 18% of its sales from the U.S. market [13].

Core Viewpoint - Swatch Group faced backlash due to a controversial advertisement perceived as racially insensitive, leading to a public apology and removal of the related content [1][3]. Company Overview - Swatch Group is one of the largest watch manufacturing and distribution groups globally, with brands including Longines, Tissot, Omega, and Breguet in addition to its basic Swatch line [4]. Financial Performance - For the first half of 2025, Swatch Group reported sales of CHF 3.059 billion, a decline of 11.2% year-over-year, and a net profit drop of 88% to CHF 17 million, resulting in a net profit margin of 0.6% compared to 4.3% in the previous year [6][7]. - The Chinese market is the largest regional market for Swatch Group, generating CHF 2.63 billion in net sales in 2023, accounting for 33.3% of total sales. However, sales in this market fell by 30% in 2024 [6][8]. Market Dynamics - The Swiss watch industry is under pressure from a strong Swiss franc and declining global demand, exacerbated by a recent increase in tariffs on Swiss imports to the U.S. to 39%, which could significantly impact exports [10]. - The U.S. is the largest export market for Swiss watches, accounting for 16.8% of total exports, approximately CHF 4.4 billion [10]. - Swatch Group derives 18% of its sales from the U.S., and the company has already raised prices by 5% in response to the tariff announcement [10].

Group 1 - Swatch brand's recent advertisement featuring a "squinty eyes" model has sparked controversy and discussions on social media platforms like Douyin and Weibo [1][3] - The advertisement has drawn attention to the historical context of "squinty eyes" as a derogatory term used against Chinese people, particularly in Western media [3] - Swatch's parent company, Swatch Group, reported a significant decline in sales and net profit for the first half of 2025, attributing the downturn to challenges in the Chinese market [3][4] Group 2 - The Chinese market has historically been a crucial contributor to Swatch Group's performance, with a net sales figure of 2.63 billion Swiss francs in 2023, accounting for 33.3% of the group's total sales [4] - Despite a projected 30% decline in sales for 2024, the Chinese market still represents 27% of the group's revenue [4] - Swatch Group's CEO highlighted potential opportunities arising from competitors like Seiko reducing their market presence in China, suggesting a possible recovery in the second half of the year [5]

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 implementation of U.S. tariffs under President Trump's policy is leading companies to pass increased costs onto American consumers, impacting their profit margins and operational space [2][3]. Group 1: Company Responses - Procter & Gamble (P&G) plans to raise prices on about 25% of its products in the U.S. market to offset new tariff costs, indicating a dual approach of cost-cutting and price increases [3][4]. - Other companies, such as EssilorLuxottica and Swatch, have also begun to implement price increases, with Swatch reporting a 5% price hike with no negative impact on sales [8]. Group 2: Market Impact - Despite a rise in U.S. stock indices driven by technology investments, many consumer goods companies are struggling, with P&G's stock down 19% since the tariff announcement [5]. - The anticipated total loss for companies due to tariffs is estimated to be between $7.1 billion and $8.3 billion for the year [6]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior - Consumers are currently not feeling the effects of the tariff increases, but inflationary pressures are expected to emerge once company inventories are depleted, likely in Q4 or early next year [7]. - There is a cautious attitude among North American consumers towards price increases, which may affect sales for major brands [5].

Core Viewpoint - The luxury watch market, particularly brands like Swatch, is experiencing significant challenges due to changing consumer preferences in China, shifting from status symbols to value investments [4][14][16]. Financial Performance - Swatch reported a sales revenue of 3.06 billion CHF in the first half of 2025, a decline of 11.2% compared to the previous year [4][5]. - Operating profit fell from 204 million CHF to 68 million CHF, with an operating margin of 2.2%, down from 5.9% [4][5]. - Net profit plummeted 88% to 17 million CHF, with a net margin of 0.6%, compared to 4.3% in the previous year [4][5]. Market Dynamics - The decline in sales is primarily attributed to the Chinese market, which saw a 30% drop in sales in 2024, despite accounting for 27% of total sales [6][8]. - The overall Swiss watch export value decreased by 0.1% in the first half of the year, with Asia experiencing a notable decline of 7.2%, largely driven by drops in mainland China and Hong Kong [8][9]. Consumer Behavior Shift - Chinese consumers are increasingly prioritizing value over status, leading to a decline in demand for luxury watches [14][16]. - The high-end watch market is facing pressure as the perception of luxury watches as "mobile assets" diminishes, with a focus shifting towards personal experience and emotional connection [16] . Competitive Landscape - The rise of smartwatches poses a significant threat to traditional watch brands like Swatch, with global shipments of wearable devices increasing by 10.5% in the first quarter of 2025 [19][20]. - Major players in the smartwatch market, such as Huawei and Xiaomi, are gaining market share, further challenging traditional luxury watch brands [21]. Strategic Responses - Swatch is attempting to leverage its luxury brand associations through collaborations with high-end brands like Omega and Blancpain to attract younger consumers [22]. - The company is also exploring technological enhancements, including AI-driven personalized watch designs, to remain competitive in the evolving market [22].