Apple continues march to global dominance beating Switzerland’s centuries-old watch industry at its own game

 Technology giant Apple continues its march to global dominance – beating Switzerland’s centuries-old watch industry at its own game.

The Californian firm sold more of its high-tech Apple Watch during the final three months of last year than the entire Swiss industry.

Outpacing the central European nation for the first time, it sold an estimated 8m watches during that period, compared to a total 6.8m exported by Switzerland. 

However, over the full year, Switzerland sold 24m timepieces compared to an estimated 18m by Apple.

Chief executive Tim Cook said the latest quarter was the best ever for sales of Apple Watch, which it started making about three years ago.

Switzerland has been making watches for more than 500 years and is home to brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe, with fans including tennis star Roger Federer.