BASEL, April 7, 2008 (AFP) - Besides the hefty five or even six-digit price tags, the prominent presence of mobile phone brand Vertu at the world's largest watch show in Basel seemed somewhat out of place.

But come next year, it may no longer be the only brand touting telephones at the fair.

BASEL, Switzerland, April 3, 2008 (AFP) - As economic storm clouds loom in Europe and North America, watchmakers gathered here for their annual showcase fair are hoping buoyant Asian markets will sustain their fortunes.

BASEL, Switzerland, April 2, 2008 (AFP) - International watchmakers pinned their hopes on Asia and other developing economies Wednesday amid warnings the industry could be undermined by the growing turmoil on financial markets.

BASEL, Switzerland, April 2, 2008 (AFP) - International watchmakers opened their annual showcase fair here on Wednesday with a warning that the industry could be undermined 'at any time' by turmoil on financial markets.

BIEL, Switzerland, March 14, 2008 (AFP) - Swatch Group, the world's biggest watchmaker, announced Friday net income of 1.015 billion Swiss francs (644.2 million euros, 1.0 billion dollars), up 22.3 percent from a year earlier.

ZURICH, Feb 5, 2008 (AFP) - Switzerland's watchmakers and other luxury goods makers are set for further growth in 2008 as strong demand in Asia and the Middle East offsets economic gloom in the US and Europe.