GENEVA, Oct 21, 2008 (AFP) - Swiss watch exports grew 15.1 percent in September to 1.5 billion Swiss francs (983.6 million euros, 1.3 billion dollars), with Asian consumers leading the buying spree despite difficult economic conditions.

"In a difficult and uncertain economic environment, and despite an unfavourable base effect, Swiss watch exports continued to grow strongly in September," said the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry in a statement.

Exports to Asia grew 20.2 percent, where key markets such as Hong Kong and China posted double-digit growth.

Exports to Hong Kong were up 22 percent to 263.3 million francs, while those to China soared 47.2 percent to 75.3 million francs.

Sales to the United States also grew 11.8 percent to 215.9 million francs, which is "below average but improving over the last three months," said the federation.