HONG KONG'S watch and clock industry last year exported timepieces valued at $38.6 billion, 61.5 per cent of which were complete watches.
Imports were worth $34.4 billion, of which 48 per cent were complete watches.
Exports to the US and Japan accounted for 63 per cent of the total, while imports from these two countries made up 62 per cent by value, with Switzerland adding a further 20 per cent.
For the first six months of the year, the figures reflect steady growth and demonstrate the importance of this sector, not only to Hong Kong's industry but to leading global watch makers.
Ten per cent of Patek Philippe's annual watch sales are in Hong Kong; Cartier sells seven per cent.
One noticeable trend in recent years is the increased trade with the Philippines.
