PPR heads the sustainability rating drawn up by Bank Sarasin, which says Switzerland's Richemont and Swatch Group need to improve.

The deed is done, and how. As predicted, in 2012 Swiss watchmaking surpassed previous performances with exports rising by almost 11% to reach CHF 21.4 billion. One for the record books, for a year at least. Historians will tell us how 2012 fares in the wider scheme of things. In the meantime, however, there are lessons to be learned from this latest financial year. An eight-point analysis (eight being a lucky number on China…).

Three recent studies show that Chinese consumers are buying more luxury goods when they travel. A fast-growing phenomenon that Swiss watchmakers can only welcome.

The 2013 World Watch Report shows that Fine Watches have lost none of their online appeal, as the 18 brands tracked by the report posted a 7% increase in online interest. Unsurprisingly, the BRIC countries, led by China, are the main driving forces behind this growth.