Swiss watch exports continued to improve in November due to a strong recovery in China and steady growth in the United Kingdom, Taiwan and Russia, data from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH showed.

"The decline in Swiss watch exports has gradually slowed over the last few months, almost reaching equilibrium with a slight fall of 3.2 per cent in November," the federation said. Year-to-date shipments saw a 23.5 per cent decline.

Exports of Swiss watches to China rose 69.5 per cent from a year ago, following a temporary lull in October. Other major markets also saw an upswing.

Shipments to the United Kingdom were up 21.8 per cent, followed by Taiwan at 18.5 per cent and Russia at 36.3 per cent.  

Other key markets continued to show narrower rates of decline, including the US (-2.8 per cent), Hong Kong (-14.0 per cent), Germany (-1.1 per cent), Singapore (-31.9 per cent), the United Arab Emirates (-3.7 per cent).