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Swatchwatches have experienced a surge in popularity in recentmonths, perhaps driven by the brand's fashionable designs and retrostyling.New figures released by Swatch Group AG showed that sales in thefirst half of 2010 jumped by 22 per cent, resulting in companygrowth of 55 per cent.Chairman Nick Hayek, who prepared the statistics prior to hisdeath in late June from heart failure, said: "We have been able togrow in all regions and across all our price segments."His daughter Nayla has since inherited his role of chair of theboard.Last month, Emma Messenger of the Daily Mail said Swatch watchesare iconic timepieces, as they pioneered the idea that watchescould be fun and trendy without costing a fortune.The classic Swatch plastic style was introduced in 1980 and thewriter said it has since enjoyed lasting popularity from people inall walks of life.

Swatch Watches has insisted that consumers can buy its products with confidence after allegations made on Swiss television regarding its use of leather.Swiss TV show Rundschau - screened by Schweizer Fernsehen last week - suggested that Swatch watches with leather straps and other fashion items from different firms had been made in a manner that was cruel to the animals the materials were derived from.However, the company has denied this and assured consumers that all products from its ranges as well as its suppliers comply with strict ethical legislation.Its Far Eastern Procurement Service division is now carrying out an investigation into the matter."Products from such doubtful sources as those described by Swiss Television have no place in the Swatch Group product offering," a Swatch spokesperson said.In August, it was revealed by Swatch Group AG that its sales had jumped by 22 per cent in the first half of 2010, perhaps as a result of its new fashion watches.