Skip to main content
BoF Logo

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Swatch Gets Bullish as Activist Pushes for Change

The Swiss watch giant’s recent results surprised with an upbeat outlook at a moment when the family in control of the brand is resisting an investor campaign.
The watch industry was jolted last year when President Donald Trump levied tariffs of as much as 39 percent on imports from Switzerland.
Swatch’s reach into the industry is extensive, stretching from luxury names like Omega and Harry Winston, to Longines and its namesake low-cost brand. (Shutterstock)

American activist investor Steven Wood’s one-man mission to overhaul the governance and culture of

Please sign in to ensure you can read our agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice. Or get in touch at support@businessoffashion.com if you experience difficulties.

Further Reading

Is the Storm Blowing Over for Watchmakers? Yes and No

It’s a case of winners and losers for Swiss watchmakers, as the strongest brands shoot ahead, widening the gap with their smaller rivals, writes Robin Swithinbank. Plus, Rolex’s LIV Golf tie-up and The Honourable Merchants Group’s pause.

Have Luxury Watches Become Too Expensive?

Marc Hayek, Blancpain’s CEO and a member of the family that controls Swatch Group, warns aggressive price hikes at Omega, Longines and more are undermining performance even as his own brand seeks to get back in the conversation with a $2 million dollar watch.

© 2026 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

More from Luxury
How rapid change is reshaping the tradition-soaked luxury sector in Europe and beyond.

How Chanel Became the Hottest Brand in Fashion

As the French couture giant cruised into Biarritz this week, surging interest in its revamp under designer Matthieu Blazy scored it the top spot on the Lyst Index. But could Blazymania go too far?


Building Connection Through Luxury’s Sensory Evolution

Luxury fragrance house Amouage, together with The Business of Fashion, convened leading creatives for an evening of open dialogue on the evolution of the luxury industry — from visual symbol to deeper emotional connection.


view more
Latest News & Analysis
Unrivalled, world class journalism across fashion, luxury and beauty industries.

How Chanel Became the Hottest Brand in Fashion

As the French couture giant cruised into Biarritz this week, surging interest in its revamp under designer Matthieu Blazy scored it the top spot on the Lyst Index. But could Blazymania go too far?


Building Connection Through Luxury’s Sensory Evolution

Luxury fragrance house Amouage, together with The Business of Fashion, convened leading creatives for an evening of open dialogue on the evolution of the luxury industry — from visual symbol to deeper emotional connection.


The BoF Podcast | Inside Dries Van Noten’s Venice Manifesto

After stepping back from his namesake brand, Dries Van Noten has opened a foundation in a Venetian palazzo dedicated to craft, beauty, and the things made by hand and soul. BoF's Tim Blanks speaks with the designer about why, in ugly times, making something beautiful is the only real form of protest.


VIEW MORE
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
CONNECT WITH US ON