Breitling CEO Expects Trump to Cut Tariffs for Swiss Watchmakers

Breitling AG’s chief executive officer expects the US to cut tariffs on Swiss watches, underscoring his bullishness on the private equity-backed firm’s biggest market even as Washington keeps the industry guessing.

“I am confident that we will solve the issue of 15% and that it will go lower,” Georges Kern said in an interview Monday at Breitling’s office in Zurich.

The watch industry was jolted in July when President Donald Trump imposed tariffs of as much as 39% on imports from Switzerland — the highest rate applied to any developed economy. Watchmakers including Breitling, Swatch Group AGand Cartier-owner ...