A shifting market, surging demand, and a return to collector-driven trends have created a rare window of opportunity for owners looking to upgrade or sell luxury timepieces.
For collectors of luxury watches, timing isn't just about precision mechanics—it's about knowing when to act. As the global pre-owned market moves into a new phase of stabilization, a growing number of watch owners are choosing to trade or sell while the odds are still in their favor.
The reason? A convergence of factors—from market corrections to demographic shifts—is creating what some experts are calling a "sweet spot" for smart trading.
The global pre-owned luxury watch market is valued at approximately USD 24.38 billion in 2023 and is projected to nearly double to USD 45 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% to 9.5%. Driving this growth are factors such as:
Recent corrections in pre-owned prices—a 5% drop in Rolex and 7.5% in Audemars Piguet values in 2024—have created lower buy-in points. While casual observers may view this as a decline, many seasoned collectors recognize it as a prime opportunity to trade up before the next wave of growth.
According to industry research, the frenzied "flipping" culture that exploded during the pandemic has given way to a more strategic collector mindset. With speculative demand slowing, market conditions have begun to favor long-term value seekers who understand how to align their trades with emerging trends.
Reports from sources like Watches World and Expert Market Research point to a stabilizing landscape where collectors now have more predictable windows to trade. This includes moments tied to:
Buyers under 40 now account for about 60% of pre-owned watch requests. This group favors digital platforms over traditional dealers and prefers frequent collection updates rather than long-term holding.
Their influence is reshaping the way watches are bought, sold, and—most notably—traded. In response, watch platforms have streamlined trade-in programs to accommodate this shift.
One example is Luminated Luxury, a global marketplace for trading in authenticated pre-owned timepieces. Their team of certified experts offers competitive trade-in quotes based on verified condition and current market demand—helping collectors upgrade more efficiently while avoiding the risks of selling independently.
"The current market correction creates an optimal window for collectors to upgrade their timepieces," notes a representative. "When approached strategically, a trade-in can yield better returns than reselling on your own—especially when timed with market dips or new product cycles."
Based on forecasts from firms like Fortune Business Insights and Mordor Intelligence, the luxury watch market is expected to expand to:
This projected growth, paired with strong demand for automatic watches (which currently make up 66.2% of pre-owned revenue share), suggests that values for authenticated, high-quality models are likely to rise in the coming years.
But maximizing that value depends on timing. Watch owners who wait too long may find themselves trading in at higher market prices, narrowing the value gap between their old and new pieces. Acting during a correction—before the next innovation surge or market expansion—can create significant leverage.
The best time to sell or trade a luxury watch is about recognizing market patterns, understanding buyer behavior, and leveraging expert-backed trade services.
Whether you're aiming to rotate your collection, upgrade to a rarer model, or simply take advantage of current trends, this market correction and growth phase presents an opportunity that may not come around again soon.
Platforms like Luminated Luxury can offer guidance, authentication, and market-aligned quotes to help you make an informed move—on your terms, in your own time.
