THE Chinese market is likely to be difficult until the end of the year, with consumers hesitating over higher prices, the chief executive of Swiss watchmaker Swatch Group was quoted as saying in a newspaper interview.

Swatch CEO Nick Hayek told Swiss daily Neue Zuercher Zeitung that China still has great potential, but consumers are waiting a long time before making purchases.

“They have also become more price-sensitive, because in many areas there have been excessive price increases. I expect the Chinese market to remain difficult until the year’s end,” he said.

Swatch makes high-end Omega, Tissot and Longines watches, as well the eponymous mass-market plastic models. Hayek, whose family controls 43 per cent of Swatch’s voting shares, was asked whether he would like to delist the firm.

“That would surely be best for the long-term development of the company. But unfortunately, going private isn’t possible without getting massively into debt,” said Hayek, whose sister Nayla is chair of Swatch. “And we don’t like debts at all.”

The paper also asked the CEO whether his nephew, Marc Hayek, who is due to be voted on to the company’s board in May, would eventually replace him as chief executive.

A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU

Friday, 2 pm

Lifestyle

Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself.

Sign Up

“We know Marc is committed to the company, is passionate, does very good work and represents our corporate culture. But whether he really wants to run this company at some point or has other priorities is another question,” Hayek said.

“My sister and I won’t order him to take over, at any rate,” he added. “That’s his decision.” REUTERS