Richemont, the Swiss luxury group behind Cartier, has entered 2026 on a high note, posting record third-quarter sales of $7.43 billion (€6.4 billion). The figure represents an 11% year-on-year increase, fueled largely by robust holiday shopping activity, according to the company’s latest financial report.
The results exceeded market expectations, surpassing the 7.5% growth forecast by analysts, and came despite ongoing pressures on the luxury sector, including global demand softness and tariffs affecting Swiss exports, Bloomberg reported.
Strong Regional Performance Across Key Markets
Growth was driven by solid performance across several major regions. Hong Kong played a significant role in boosting sales, with rising consumer demand for Richemont’s luxury offerings. The United States also delivered strong results, recording a 14% increase in sales during the quarter.
Elsewhere, Japan posted a 17% rise, while the Middle East and Africa region led growth with a 20% increase, highlighting resilient appetite for high-end goods during the holiday season.
Jewelry and Watches Lead the Way
Richemont’s jewelry maisons were the standout performers, with sales climbing 14% during the quarter. The group’s watch division also recorded a respectable 7% increase, despite ongoing challenges such as elevated gold prices and a 15% U.S. tariff on Swiss exports—reduced from 39% earlier in 2025.
The watch portfolio includes prestigious brands such as Vacheron Constantin, Piaget, and other high-end horology houses. While the Q3 performance was strong, Richemont has cautioned that rising material costs, currency fluctuations, and exchange-rate volatility could weigh on growth in the coming quarters.
Celebrity Influence Boosts Brand Visibility
According to Bloomberg, Richemont’s continued cultural relevance—particularly through celebrity partnerships—may also be driving consumer interest. Cartier, one of the group’s flagship brands, counts actors Jacob Elordi and Timothée Chalamet among its ambassadors.
Elordi joined the brand in October and recently wore a Cartier Privé Tank Normale with a skeletonized platinum case set with diamonds at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards. Chalamet, a Cartier collaborator since 2021, has been spotted wearing a Panthère de Cartier pendant necklace on the Golden Globes red carpet.
The brand’s reach extends even further: Taylor Swift wore a Cartier Santos Demoiselle during her engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce last year.
With awards season just getting underway, increased visibility from high-profile appearances could continue to support demand for Richemont’s luxury jewelry and timepieces in the months ahead.
