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Smartwatches surpassed Swiss watches in unit shipments for the first time in the fourth quarter, according to research firm Strategy Analytics. Global smartwatch shipments reached 8.1 million units in the December quarter, compared with 7.9 million Swiss watch shipments, Strategy Analytics reported Thursday. Shipments of smartwatches, led by the Apple ( AAPL ) Watch, surged 316% from 1.9 million in Q4 2014. Meanwhile shipments of Swiss watches fell 5% from 8.3 million in Q4 2014, the research firm said. “Global demand for Swiss watches is slowing down, and major players like Swatch ( SWGAY ) are struggling to find growth,” Strategy Analytics analyst Steven Waltzer said in a statement. Strategy Analytics Executive Director Neil Mawston concurred. “The Swiss watch industry has been very slow to react to the development of smartwatches,” Mawston said in a statement. “The Swiss watch industry has been sticking its head in the sand and hoping smartwatches will go away. Swiss brands, like Tag Heuer, accounted for a tiny 1% of all smartwatches shipped globally during Q4 2015, and they are long way behind Apple, Samsung and other leaders in the high-growth smartwatch category.” Smartwatches are growing rapidly in North America, Western Europe and Asia, the research firm said. Apple Watch captured 63% of the global smartwatch market in the fourth quarter, followed by Samsung with 16%. “Apple and Samsung together account for a commanding eight in 10 of all smartwatches shipped worldwide,” Strategy Analytics analyst Cliff Raskind said in a press release. Wall Street analysts estimate that Apple sold 4.9 million units of Apple Watch in the December quarter . Strategy Analytics estimates that Apple shipped 5.1 million units of Apple Watch in Q4. Apple is expected to unveil new Apple Watch software and wristbands at a media event next month. At the same event, Apple is likely to unveil a new 4-inch iPhone 5SE and iPad Air 3, according to 9to5Mac . It’s unknown when Apple will release a second-generation Apple Watch. But some are speculating that it could be soon because retailers are discounting many current Apple Watch models, presumably to clear out older inventory. The Apple Watch is being discounted by $100 at Best Buy ( BBY ), Target ( TGT ) and other stores. The entry-level Apple Watch Sport model is selling for $249, 29% off the regular price of $349. Image provided by Shutterstock . Scalper1 News
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