Watchmakers look to make Chinese market tick

GENEVA, Jan 18 (AFP): Watchmakers at the industry's major fair in Geneva this week said they are bringing themselves up to speed in the digital age following China's economic recovery.

Through online stores, social networks, and brand new boutiques in China's central cities, manufacturers at the international luxury watchmakers show SIHH are hoping to reach up-and-coming affluent shoppers now that financial signals are positive again in Asia.

"China was the good surprise of the past year with a sharp increase in our exports," Swiss Watch Industry Federation President Jean-Daniel Pasche said, adding the market still presents a "strong potential for growth".