Global watch giant The Swatch Group calls media pitch in China

It is understood that UM, Carat, Optimedia and MediaCom have been shortlisted.

The client briefed agencies last week and the pitch is scheduled to take place in mid-September.

UM and Zenith Media currently work with The Swatch Group on its Omega and Swatch brands' media accounts respectively. Omega is the most active in China and one of the largest watch brands under the group.

The aim to consolidate all media duties into a central buying team driven out of the company's Swiss headquarters.

According to Reuters, the Swatch group struck an optimistic note for the rest of 2010 following record sales and soaring profit in the first half, notably from China and Russia. The Greater China region represents approximately 25 to 30 per cent of the group's sales.

Swatch is best known for its colourful plastic Swatch watches, but also owns high end brands such as Breguet, Blancpain and Omega.