It’s been a year of change, no doubt. Businesswise, it has been a mixed bag for the Swiss luxury watch sector in the first half of 2025. After several years of strong growth, exports have shown signs of softening. China and Hong Kong continue to underperform, while exports to the US jumped significantly in July, partly due to stockpiling ahead of tariffs. 

In India, the picture is more positive: Exports of Swiss watches rose by 6.9 per cent for the period from January to August, compared to the same time last year, driven by demand in higher price points and an increased retail footprint. A major development has been the overwhelming number of boutique openings in the country this year. From H. Moser & Cie. and Ulysse Nardin opening their first standalone flagships as part of Ethos Watch Boutiques’s City of Time, to a spate of new stores in Bengaluru’s new luxury Phoenix Mall of Asia, luxury watch presence in the country got a shot in the arm. Signalling the country’s increasing significance for luxury watch brands, these spaces are more than just retail destinations—they’re experiences that foster deeper engagement between collectors and creators, enthusiasts and horology. 

The Indian watch brands have also taken giant strides onto the global stage. A standout moment arrived with this year’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève’s long list of nominations, where Indian timepieces found a well-deserved spotlight. Titan and Bangalore Watch Company’s nominations are not just milestones for the brands—they’re a testament to the growing craftsmanship, design sensibility, and ambition that’s rooted in India.