Company Remains Optimistic About Future Growth Opportunities

  • Revenue drops 1% to £382m from £391m in Q1 2023
  • UK and Europe revenue down 8% due to product intake timing
  • Luxury watch sales down 2% at £336m, representing 88% of total revenue
  • Ecommerce sales down 2% against strong comparatives
  • FY24 guidance unchanged with focus on growth priorities
  • New multi-brand showroom in American Dream, New Jersey
  • Rolex Certified Pre-Owned programme launched in US and set to launch in UK
  • Supply visibility and strong pipeline support full year growth expectations

Watches of Switzerland has reported a 1% drop in revenue to £382m for the 13 weeks ended 30 July 2023, down from £391m in Q1 2023. The company’s UK and Europe revenue fell by 8%, primarily due to product intake timing affecting Q4 FY23. Luxury watch sales decreased by 2% but accounted for 88% of the total revenue, up from 87% in Q1 FY23. Ecommerce sales also dropped by 2%. Despite these figures, Watches of Switzerland maintains its guidance for FY24 with a focus on strategic growth priorities such as new showrooms and refurbishments. CEO Brian Duffy highlighted the successful launch of the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned programme in the US and upcoming UK launch. The company remains optimistic about returning to normalised growth rates.

Factuality Level: 9
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about Watches of Switzerland’s financial performance in Q1 2023, including revenue figures, product intake timing, and strategic initiatives such as the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned programme. It also includes a statement from the CEO, Brian Duffy, which adds credibility to the report.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the company’s financial performance and strategic initiatives, but it lacks in-depth analysis or exploration of long-term trends or consequences of decisions on those who bear the risks.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Watches of Switzerland’s revenue drop impacts the luxury watches market
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the financial performance of Watches of Switzerland, a company in the luxury watch industry, and its impact on the overall revenue and sales. It also mentions guidance for future growth and expansion plans, which can affect the financial markets related to luxury goods.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no mention of an extreme event in the text.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk