Expecting an outstanding business this year, Swatch Group AG the world's largest watchmaker reported a 10% unexpected rise in net profit for the second half of 2009 on Tuesday. The group stated that they intended to make the business best in the year 2010, after a strong pick-up in sales this January and February.

According to a calculation by Dow Jones Newswires, net profit for the second half of 2009 increased to 460 million Swiss francs ($430 million) and the full-year net profit dipped 9% because of Swatch's early decision to pass through the financial market crisis without job cuts. The shares gained 5.9% or CHF15.50 to CHF284 on the Swiss bourse at 1100 GMT in the flat market.

Swatch Group Chief Executive Officer Nick Hayek said, "The Company should be able to raise selling prices moderately this year. The exports in January and February rose at a similar pace as in December, where the increase was more than 30%. But whether or not we will move towards 20% again I cannot say".

According to the analysts, net sales for the 12 months were down 9.5% and as a result of this decision now, with the reoccurring rise in demand, Swatch Group has the enough manpower for rapid inclination production.

Hayek further added, "The U. S. market is unpredictable. It will surely grow this year from the very low level in 2009, but U. S. consumers currently don't buy anything that doesn't come at a hefty discount, regardless of the quality".