Apple Watch Outsold Entire Swiss Watch Industry

Consumers purchased 31 million Apple Watches in 2019 — and 21 million from Swiss watch makers.

 

The Swiss have long been known for their aptitude in producing luxury time-keeping devices.

But new data has some watch industry analysts concerned for the future of the Swiss watch industry. That’s because high-tech newcomers like the Apple Watch are taking market share.

The Apple Watch sold 31 million units last year, compared to 21 million units sold by the entire Swiss watch industry combined.

The Apple Watch can track fitness goals and sync with a phone and its apps. One analyst called it “a status symbol of its own.”

But other analysts say the sales volume comparison doesn’t paint an accurate picture.

Apple Watches don’t last a long, and they also attract tech users that weren’t watch buyers before. These could add to a bump in unit sales.

One analyst added that Swiss watches, commanding a higher price, actually still win in terms of overall dollars being spent.

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