swiss watchmakers eye record 2012

swiss watchmakers said wednesday that they are expecting demand id 2012 to beat that of 22011, when exports growth would be less pronounced than last year. if exports reach between 20 and 25 billion francs in 2012 we would be satisfied, said francois thiebaud, who heads the swiss exhibitors committee at baselworld. the world's biggest watch fair . swiss exports, a barometer of the world watch industry. reached a record 1902percent from a year earlier. thiebaud said that the pace of growth was likely to  be slower than in 2011, adding that "if growth approacher two digits, that would be good. "
          demand in january was encouraging and february  " looks good" thanks to chinese new year he said, edding new year he said adding that even if the global economic outlook looks difficult. " the potentiol of swess watchmaking is still there." there are still good markets, notably in Asia and emerging countries." he added. these markets have helped the sector resist consecutive economic crisis, which have hit developped markets hardest. swiss export to Asia alone exceeded 10 billion france in 2011. just over half of the year's revenues.
          some 1,815 exhibitions. including leading brands rolex chopard and omega, from 41 countris are showcashing their latest creations at the baselworld fair. a highlight of the show would be swiss brand hublot's $5 million watch the world's most expensive and encrusted with 1,282 diamonds.
       About 100,000 visitors are expected at the show which open to the public Thursday.