At the end of September this year, the number of employees in the Swiss watchmaking industry was still very slightly up on the same period last year. Continuing uncertainties point to a more difficult 2025. For the second year running, the workforce remained above the 65,000 mark, with an increase of 405 positions (+0.6%), reported the Employers' Convention of the Watch Industry (CP). The trend was underpinned by growth to the end of 2023 and "resilience in the face of a complex economic environment". The production workforce retained its central role in the watchmaking value chain, with 46,493 employees (+1.1%), stated a press release from the La Chaux-de-Fonds based entity on Wednesday. The increase illustrates the "strategic" importance of these professions "in a sector focused on quality and excellence". On the other hand, administrative staff saw a slight decline of 0.8% (-145 positions), marking a stabilisation of needs in this area. While the workforce remains relatively ...
