FinancialsMay 17, 2024
Watches of Switzerland’s Fiscal-Year Sales Flat FinancialsMay 17, 2024
Richemont Appoints Van Cleef & Arpels’ Nicolas Bos as New CEO
The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
A spring campaign image by Richemont-owned Buccellati. Richemont’s jewelry brands posted strong sales in its recent financial results.
Geneva—Richemont posted its highest-ever group sales for this fiscal year, boosted by its jewelry brands and retail sales.
The luxury giant also announced changes to its board of directors, naming a new CEO.
Nicolas Bos, currently CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, will take on the re-established role June 1. Jérôme Lambert will continue as chief operating officer, reporting to Bos and remaining on the board.
“With his strong track record, Nicolas will bring a rare combination of creativity, deep industry expertise, and entrepreneurship to his new role,” said Richemont.
As for its results, for the fourth quarter ended March 31, Richemont posted sales of €4.8 billion ($5.2 billion), a 2 percent year-over-year increase at actual exchange rates (down 1 percent at constant currency rates).
For the full year, sales were up 3 percent at actual exchange (8 percent at constant currency rates) to €20.62 billion ($22.33 billion).
The luxury giant posted sales growth across all regions and business areas, at constant currency rates, for the year.
The Asia Pacific region led the charge by value for the year, up 4 percent (10 percent at constant currency rates), while Japan saw the highest boost by percentage, up 8 percent (20 percent at constant currency rates).
The U.S. posted 1 percent growth (5 percent at constant currency rates) for the year, becoming Richemont’s largest individual market, it said, coming in just ahead of Europe.
Retail was its strongest channel for the year, with sales up 5 percent (11 percent at constant currency rates), with growth seen in all business areas and regions.
In the fourth quarter, retail sales were down 2 percent (up 2 percent at constant currency rates).
Online sales were down 2 percent at constant currency rates for the year and flat in Q4.
Wholesale sales and royalty income were up 4 percent at constant currency rates for the year, boosted by jewelry, and up 2 percent in Q4.
Richemont’s jewelry brands, Buccellati, Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels, saw sales increase 6 percent year-over-year (12 percent at constant currency rates).
For Q4, jewelry sales were down 1 percent (up 3 percent at constant currency rates).
The full-year sales increase “was underpinned by growth across price points and regions and included a sharp double-digit progression at Buccellati,” Chairman Johann Rupert said in a statement.
“To accompany the three maisons’ dynamic development, we have stepped up investments in manufacturing, distribution and communication.”
Related stories will be right here …
The luxury giant also announced changes to its board of directors, naming a new CEO.
Nicolas Bos, currently CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, will take on the re-established role June 1. Jérôme Lambert will continue as chief operating officer, reporting to Bos and remaining on the board.
“With his strong track record, Nicolas will bring a rare combination of creativity, deep industry expertise, and entrepreneurship to his new role,” said Richemont.
As for its results, for the fourth quarter ended March 31, Richemont posted sales of €4.8 billion ($5.2 billion), a 2 percent year-over-year increase at actual exchange rates (down 1 percent at constant currency rates).
For the full year, sales were up 3 percent at actual exchange (8 percent at constant currency rates) to €20.62 billion ($22.33 billion).
The luxury giant posted sales growth across all regions and business areas, at constant currency rates, for the year.
The Asia Pacific region led the charge by value for the year, up 4 percent (10 percent at constant currency rates), while Japan saw the highest boost by percentage, up 8 percent (20 percent at constant currency rates).
The U.S. posted 1 percent growth (5 percent at constant currency rates) for the year, becoming Richemont’s largest individual market, it said, coming in just ahead of Europe.
Retail was its strongest channel for the year, with sales up 5 percent (11 percent at constant currency rates), with growth seen in all business areas and regions.
In the fourth quarter, retail sales were down 2 percent (up 2 percent at constant currency rates).
Online sales were down 2 percent at constant currency rates for the year and flat in Q4.
Wholesale sales and royalty income were up 4 percent at constant currency rates for the year, boosted by jewelry, and up 2 percent in Q4.
Richemont’s jewelry brands, Buccellati, Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels, saw sales increase 6 percent year-over-year (12 percent at constant currency rates).
For Q4, jewelry sales were down 1 percent (up 3 percent at constant currency rates).
The full-year sales increase “was underpinned by growth across price points and regions and included a sharp double-digit progression at Buccellati,” Chairman Johann Rupert said in a statement.
“To accompany the three maisons’ dynamic development, we have stepped up investments in manufacturing, distribution and communication.”
The company recently acquired Italian jewelry brand Vhernier, and took a controlling stake of footwear brand Gianvito Rossi.
“We very much look forward to realizing Gianvito Rossi’s and Vhernier’s full potential over time, benefitting from the group’s infrastructure and backing as well as from the thriving luxury footwear and branded jewelry markets,” he said.
“We always strive to create goodwill rather than buy goodwill and, in this vein, I am pleased to report the four and-a-half-fold increase in sales at Buccellati since acquisition in 2019,” added Rupert.
Richemont’s watch brands are: A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, and Vacheron Constantin.
Full-year sales in the category were down 3 percent (up 2 percent at constant currency rates).
Sales of these brands fell 4 percent in the fourth quarter (1 percent at constant currency rates).
A. Lange & Söhne and Vacheron Constantin posted strong sales, said Rupert.
Retail sales were strong, he noted, with retail and online retail sales accounting for 60 percent of sales in the category.
Richemont did not provide guidance for the year ahead, but Rupert said the company’s financial discipline in an inflationary environment set the stage for future profitable growth.
He thanked the Richemont team and cautioned them to “remain alert and responsive amidst the ongoing global uncertainty.”
“I continue to have every confidence that the strong combination of our strategy, unique assets and healthy balance sheet will enable us to achieve our long-term ambitions,” he said.
More on Financials
The Latest
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
ColumnistsSep 11, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
