Driven by its stellar first-quarter performance, Swatch Group is poised for a record 2005, according to Chief Executive Officer Nick Hayek.

The Swatch CEO extolled the company's results at a media conference on Thursday, where he said first-quarter business was strong and that the company's sales, operating profit and net profit had all reached record levels in the first quarter of 2005.

“The year has started well, and we're well on track to post the best-ever result,” Hayek said.

The world's biggest watchmaker, the Group’s orders, depending on the brand, peaked between 20% and 50% percent, Hayek said. Swatch is on track to post a record 2005 net profit if the Swiss franc holds at CHF1.20 to the dollar, Hayek added, though he declined to give a full-year outlook for the company.