Pre-Owned Luxury Watches - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for Pre-Owned Luxury Watches was estimated at US$12.9 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$24.5 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.2% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Pre-Owned Luxury Watches market.

Global Pre-Owned Luxury Watches Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

What's Fueling the Shift Toward Pre-Owned Luxury Timepieces Across Global Markets?

The global pre-owned luxury watch market has undergone a transformation from a niche collector's domain to a mainstream segment embraced by value-conscious and investment-driven buyers. This shift is driven by the growing recognition of luxury watches not only as fashion accessories but as tradable assets that retain or appreciate in value over time. Rising demand from millennial and Gen Z consumers-who increasingly prefer sustainability, heritage, and smart financial choices-has further cemented the status of pre-owned watches as a viable alternative to new retail purchases. As consumers increasingly view luxury consumption through the lens of environmental and economic sensibility, the resale market is expanding rapidly across all regions.

Digital platforms have played a crucial role in formalizing and scaling the secondary watch market. E-commerce specialists such as Chrono24, WatchBox, and Bob's Watches are offering authenticated, traceable inventory coupled with warranty protection and certified service. This added layer of trust, combined with access to a broad catalog of discontinued models, vintage editions, and limited production runs, is drawing in both enthusiasts and first-time luxury buyers. The integration of biometric tracking, digital certification using blockchain, and AI-driven price estimation tools are further establishing trust and transparency-two factors previously lacking in the traditional pre-owned space.

Which Brands and Watch Segments Are Commanding High Secondary Market Performance?

High-performing brands in the secondary market are typically those with strong heritage value, consistent resale appreciation, and limited supply. Rolex remains the most actively traded and appreciated brand in the pre-owned segment, with models like the Submariner, Daytona, and GMT-Master II regularly exceeding their original retail value. Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak, Patek Philippe's Nautilus, and select Richard Mille pieces also command significant premiums due to constrained production, brand cachet, and aspirational appeal. These watches often become alternative investment vehicles, with resale values driven by scarcity and cultural visibility.

Vintage watches, particularly those from the 1950s to 1980s, are gaining renewed attention due to their craftsmanship, mechanical purity, and historical significance. Buyers are increasingly interested in provenance, originality of components, and preservation state. Dress watches, skeleton designs, and classic chronographs are also trending as consumers move away from tech-enabled smartwatches and return to mechanical sophistication. Marketplaces are now segmenting offerings by era, complication, and restoration status to better match buyer intent-whether it's an everyday wear piece or a long-hold collectible. Meanwhile, certified pre-owned (CPO) programs from original brands like Omega, Breitling, and Cartier are further legitimizing resale within the brand ecosystem.

How Are Retailers, Manufacturers, and Technology Shaping the Pre-Owned Watch Market's Next Phase?

Luxury watch manufacturers are increasingly entering the pre-owned space directly, creating certified resale platforms to capitalize on growing consumer interest and retain brand control. Richemont's acquisition of Watchfinder and Rolex's partnership with authorized dealers for a certified pre-owned program exemplify this trend. These initiatives help brands manage resale pricing, combat counterfeits, and enhance customer lifetime value. Traditional retailers are also launching trade-in programs and consignment partnerships, integrating pre-owned sections into their showrooms and digital storefronts to capture more of the ownership lifecycle.

Technology is enabling new models of trust and traceability. Blockchain-based certification and NFC-enabled authenticity chips are being deployed to track ownership history and ensure originality of components. Artificial intelligence and machine learning tools are being used for dynamic pricing, condition grading, and personalized recommendations. Moreover, data from resale platforms is feeding into broader watch market indices and investment trackers, positioning high-end watches alongside luxury real estate and rare art as a tangible asset class. As consumer behavior shifts toward digital-first engagement, omni-channel resale ecosystems will be essential to sustained market expansion.

What Forces Are Driving the Growth of the Global Pre-Owned Luxury Watch Market?

The growth in the global pre-owned luxury watch market is driven by the convergence of changing consumer values, digital platform scalability, and the emergence of timepieces as cultural and financial assets. Increasing luxury consumption in emerging markets, combined with a heightened awareness of brand value retention, is motivating buyers to explore pre-owned options. Younger consumers are particularly drawn to the affordability, individuality, and sustainability credentials of pre-owned watches, making them a gateway to long-term luxury engagement.

The shift from unregulated dealer networks to professionally curated resale platforms has improved liquidity, transparency, and buyer confidence. Supply constraints in the primary market, coupled with long waitlists for iconic models, are pushing aspirants toward secondary sources where availability is immediate. Moreover, the influence of social media and watch-focused content platforms is cultivating a new generation of collectors, educating them on horology, rarity, and market value. As asset diversification gains appeal, watches are becoming a stable alternative for capital allocation, particularly during economic uncertainty.

With strong secondary infrastructure, brand validation, and cross-generational demand, the pre-owned luxury watch market is poised for continued expansion. As authenticity tools improve and resale data becomes more accessible, this segment will likely achieve parity in prestige with the primary market-redefining how timepieces are bought, sold, and valued across the globe.

Scope Of Study:

The report analyzes the Pre-Owned Luxury Watches market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments: Type (Automatic Watches, Manual Watches); Distribution Channel (Online Distribution Channel, Offline Distribution Channel)

Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Automatic Watches segment, which is expected to reach US$16.0 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 12.8%. The Manual Watches segment is also set to grow at 8.7% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $3.5 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 15.5% CAGR to reach $5.1 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Pre-Owned Luxury Watches Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Pre-Owned Luxury Watches Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global Pre-Owned Luxury Watches Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as A Collected Man, Bob’s Watches, Bucherer Certified Pre-Owned, CHRONEXT, Chrono24 and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 34 companies featured in this Pre-Owned Luxury Watches market report include:

• A Collected Man
• Bob’s Watches
• Bucherer Certified Pre-Owned
• CHRONEXT
• Chrono24
• Crown & Caliber
• DavidSW
• European Watch Company
• Govberg Watches (WatchBox)
• HQ Milton
• JamesEdition
• Jomashop
• Luxury Watch Company (LWC)
• SwissWatchExpo
• The Hour Glass
• Timepiece Trading LLC
• Watch Rapport
• WatchBox
• Watchfinder & Co.
• Watches of Switzerland

This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts as of June 2025 into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include:

• Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs.
• Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes segmentation by product, technology, type, material, distribution channel, application, and end-use, with historical analysis since 2015.
• Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends.
• Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape.
• Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025, competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players.
• Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities.
• Complimentary Update: Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with finalized tariff impacts, new trade agreement effects, revised projections, and expanded country-level coverage.