Luxury Watch market changes

 The luxury watch market is constantly evolving, and trends come and go. While vintage Rolex watches were popular since 2005 till 2025, there has been a recent trend towards gold Rolex watches and even gold watches with diamond accents. These watches have become increasingly popular among collectors and enthusiasts who want to make a bold statement with their timepieces. However, it's important to note that preferences in the luxury watch market can vary depending on the region, cultural influences, global gold price, hype from the celebrities and movies stars and individual tastes.

While vintage Rolex watches have always been highly sought after, the trend has shifted towards newer models that feature more eye-catching designs and embellishments. It's possible that some people may have grown tired of stainless steel sports watches like Rolex for more than a decade, and are looking for something different and more luxurious For example, the Rolex Daytona with a diamond-encrusted bezel has become increasingly popular among collectors, as has the Rolex GMT Master II with its unique combination of meteorite and or with gold and diamonds.

In addition to Rolex, other luxury watch brands such as Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Richard Mille have also seen a surge in popularity in recent years. These brands offer a range of watches that cater to different tastes and preferences, from classic and understated to bold and extravagant.

Ultimately, the choice of watch is a matter of personal preference and style. Some people may prefer the understated elegance of a steel sports watch, while others may prefer the bold and luxurious look of a gold and diamond watch. What's important is finding a watch that suits your tastes and meets your needs, whether that's for everyday wear or special occasions.

Notable trend is that there are having less people is focusing on buying those vintage Rolex as I had mentioned before, there was a lot of price difference say on Mark I of Rolex GMT Master 1675 than Mark II or III, well, nowadays there seems less concern about this so far people can recognize that is a 1675 GMT would be accepted, of course more demanding collector will still look for rarer Mark I.

In short the vintage Rolex price is not synchronized with the price up as the new Rolex.

That is quite pathetic , Recently we have seem a Daytona Zenith 16520 A series white is selling $170K , I think this was $220K in 2022. Also we can see a floating line Daytona 16520 Black is now $330K, that is much cheaper than 2021.

So if you are keen on buying good stuff, this is the time.

Those Daytona are never out of fashion! Especially with gold and diamond, they are good to buy now.

HK Snob

$ here is HKD

Quiet Luxury

Quiet luxury is a fashion and lifestyle that emphasizes understated, high-end quality and design. They do not buy logos or branding to show off its status. Quiet luxury emphasizes subtle details, fine precious materials, iconic design, everlasting value, and impeccable craftsmanship, with the goal of creating a sense of effortless elegance and sophistication. It's often associated with minimalist or timeless styles, and can be seen as a reaction against the excess and conspicuous consumption that have been associated with traditional luxury. Overall, quiet luxury is about a refined and discerning taste that values quality and craftsmanship over showiness or status symbols. For watches, more collectors have been gone through all the long and winding road in pursuit of their early watches, they come to one state that there is no competition of how many pieces, but a handful of iconic pieces could be creating a “WOW!” to the eyes of others. 

Their target is something nice, delicate, coming with a history or story, not necessarily an skin deep diamond watch. On the contrary, an ordinary watch in outlook but carrying a touching story, not a steel diver watch, not a simple GMT dual time. Not a Rolex Submariner 116610LN that has been produced over 420,000 pieces, nor anything that you can buy at your AD. 

Size need not to be as big as one can’t wear or too small that can’t read the time, dial should be the main theme of the watch one can tell that is special, unique, a Skeleton watch, a Salmon dial, or Grey dial. Guilloche, tapisserie, white enamel dial, or a beautifully patina on the dial and lume. 

Switzerland has a long history of producing high-quality watches, dating back to the 16th century. Swiss watchmakers have a reputation for precision, craftsmanship, and innovation, and many of the most famous and respected watch brands in the world are based in Switzerland.

The older Swiss watch brands often use high-quality materials and movements that are designed to last for decades or even centuries. These watches are often made with precious metals, such as gold or platinum, and feature complex mechanical movements that are hand-assembled and finished by skilled craftsmen. Because of their exceptional quality and durability, Swiss watches often hold their value better than other types of watches.

As a result, they can command high prices on the vintage and collector's market, making them a valuable investment for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and exclusivity. They are Patek Philppe, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Girard-Perregaux, Jaeger Le Coutle. Newer comers like Panerai, A Lange and Sohn, FPJ, and Rolex.

The Vintage watches have been losing their glory over the last 5 years mainly because they are already over priced and hard to authenticate the watch, more people are going to switch their focus on neo-vintage watch, such as sapphire crystal Rolex, which are less tricky and less chance to be frankenwatch.

So What I am looking for is something I like, I can wear, affordable by myself, preferably with these Brands, precious metals is the prime consideration, Limited edition, size can be 33-39mm for my wrist.

Integrated bracelet sport watch with steel, dress watch with a Class, or some complications such as perpetual Calendar or Tourbillon. 

My Special focus is Laureato 8010, 36 mm, 1995 release date. A few hundred produced and the first mechanical Laureato, Laureato Olimpico Chronograph 8017, 40 mm,  1996. 999 pieces made. The first Laureato Chronograph. Marked the end of the Olimpico line in conjunction with the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Vacheron 222 totally 500 made, Patek Nautilus 3700,  3800J only 5 pieces made, 3800G 50 pieces made, Audemars 5402 A series, Panerai Pre Vendome series, Rolex 16520 white enamel dial, or 16520 P K Y Creamy dial.

Last but not least, searching your ideal watch is the most interesting part of whole watch collection journey. Do you agree? Do share your idea with me at hksnob@yahoo.com.hk.

HK Snob