Luxury Watch Market Outlook 2026: What Dealers Need to Know
Pre-owned demand, retail price increases, and the slow recovery of the secondary market. Our 2026 outlook for UK luxury watch dealers.
Luxury Watch Market Outlook 2026 After the volatility of 2022 2024, the luxury watch market has settled into a more rational rhythm. Here is what our data and conversations with 200+ UK dealers suggest for 2026. Key trends 1. Pre owned is back Pre owned demand is up 18% year on year , driven by buyers priced out of waiting lists at retail. 2. Rolex retail increases The May 2026 Rolex retail rise 4 6% on most references has tightened the gap between grey market and retail, making boutique shopping more attractive again. 3. Independent brands gaining share F.P. Journe, H. Moser, Voutilainen and Akrivia continue to outpace volume brands in % appreciation. 4. Vintage Patek normalising After the 2021 22 bubble, vintage Patek prices have stabilised at roughly 60 70% of peak — closer to long term