James Bond wannabees have helped Watches of Switzerland clock up record sales.

Britain's biggest seller of Rolex watches said revenues rose 40 per cent to £1.2billion in the 12 months to May 1. Profits almost doubled to £126million.

The company, which has a showroom in Goldsmiths Cheltenham, benefited from booming demand for luxury watches, including the Omega Seamaster worn by Daniel Craig when he played 007.

The group's 171 stores sell timepieces with an average price of £6,000. In the UK, where it is the largest retailer for Rolex, Omega, Cartier, TAG Heuer and Breitling watches, revenues rose 36 per cent to £810m.

Brian Duffy, CEO of Watches of Switzerland, told Retail Gazette: "This has been a tremendous year for the Group, producing record sales and profits."

He brushed aside consumer spending fears and said: "We are undoubtedly operating in a growing segment, but it is our distinctive and proven business model, the strength of our brand partnerships, our international scale, our bold marketing campaigns and our dedication to client service which sets us apart.

"Taken together, these inherent strengths have seen us attract new consumers and continuously gain market share, strengthening our position as the destination for luxury watches and luxury jewellery."