The trend of women wearing luxury watches, traditionally seen as men’s items, reflects a broader shift in the luxury goods market. Watches, with their intricate movements, attention to detail, and timeless designs, are more than just accessories; they are pieces of high-end technology and precision engineering.
In Ireland, luxury watch sales have seen a 60% increase since 2021, indicating a growing interest in high-quality timepieces. The luxury watch market, once dominated by men, is witnessing a significant influx of women collectors who are keen on investing in and reselling luxury watches.
Luxury watches have long been valued for their craftsmanship and as sentimental objects passed down through generations. However, the focus is shifting towards the investment potential of these timepieces. The second-hand luxury watch market, in particular, is gaining attention for its lucrative returns, often outperforming traditional investment avenues like the stock market.
Finding and investing in exclusive, high-demand watches is a challenging task that requires expertise and discretion. Second-hand watch dealers play a crucial role in this market, acting as intermediaries between sellers and buyers. They rely on platforms like Chrono24 and WatchCollecting to gauge the value of watches and facilitate transactions.
Despite the growing interest among women in luxury watch investing, the market has traditionally been male-dominated. However, in the last eight years, the percentage of female luxury investors has increased from 2% to 15%, signaling a shift towards greater inclusivity and diversity in the collector’s space.
Women collectors are not only interested in the financial aspect of watch collecting but also in the power dynamics it represents. Wearing a luxury men’s watch in professional settings can be a statement of authority and style. This trend is gradually changing perceptions and opening up new opportunities for women in the luxury watch market.