Chinese market offers better times for the rich

Swiss Watchmaker sees nation as its key growth area in the future

For more than 50 years the ticking of watches has dictated the rhythm of the life of Kurt Claus. Many times over the past 10 years that incessant beat has taken him to China, where he has been on a mission to promote his company's fine wares.

Claus, chief watchmaker for International Watch Co, has just completed yet another trip to the country, one that has taken him to some of its biggest cities.