Swiss Watch Exports to India Climb as Markets Shift
Exports to India grew by 28.5% through September 2026 as luxury brands pivot away from weakening Chinese and U.S. demand.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Jewelry
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Between January and September 2026, Swiss watch exports to India reached 265 million Swiss francs, marking a significant 28.5% increase. This growth highlights a strategic pivot as brands seek new avenues amid declining sales in established markets like China and the United States.
Why it matters
The brand is shifting its focus toward India to maintain growth after facing headwinds in the Middle East, where tourist arrivals and sales have dipped. By rooting its strategy in local culture and traditions, the company aims to diversify its revenue streams.
Swiss watch exports to India totaled 265 million Swiss francs, currently placing the nation 14th among all export markets. Exports to France saw a near 80% increase, standing in contrast to declines in major global luxury centers.
The players
Franck Muller
Franck Muller is a luxury Swiss watch manufacturer known for complex timepieces and strategic expansion into real estate markets.
The details
Franck Muller is planning to expand its footprint in India through collaborations with real estate firms to develop luxury branded residences. The company intends to leverage this presence to cater to a market that is expected to rise to a top-eight export destination within the next year.
Timeline
From January 2026 to September 2026, Swiss watch exports to India grew by 28.5%.
Franck Muller will announce its first real estate project in India next month.
India is projected to become one of the top eight export markets within the upcoming year.
Culture Shift
This pivot reflects a broader move among luxury houses to de-risk by targeting emerging consumer bases as traditional hubs show signs of saturation or decline. The strategy emphasizes long-term growth through cultural alignment rather than relying solely on established high-volume markets.
Consumers in India may see an increase in the local availability of high-end luxury products and branded real estate developments as global brands deepen their investments. These shifts indicate that the region is becoming a focal point for luxury retail strategies.
The takeaway
The move underscores how major luxury brands are actively diversifying their regional portfolios to counter volatility in key markets. Future industry health may increasingly rely on capturing emerging middle and upper-class segments in nations like India.
What happens next
Franck Muller is scheduled to officially announce its first real estate project in India within the next month.
Further reading
Explore deeper trends in the global luxury goods market within our Jewelry section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Economic Times.
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