D SPOTLIGHT luxury
back to CONTENTS
LUXURY WATCHES What do a Rolex and gold have in common? Both items maintain and increase their value in times of war and economic and social uncertainty. This fact cannot be denied, given the expansion of the market over the past two years. Indeed, in recent months, we have witnessed a spike in the prices of luxury watches, especially those for men, to the point that some brands simply have little left to sell. If you’re interested in purchasing a Rolex, Patek Philippe, or Audemars Piguet watch, for instance, you may have to be placed on a waiting list for several years before becoming the proud owner of your chosen design. As a result, the second-hand luxury watch market has skyrocketed, and some models are now selling for 10 times the retail price. What factors have caused the vertiginous growth of this market? Let’s engage in a quick analysis of this trend and take a look at some special models. WORDS GAËLLE MOUSSET
68 / AUGUST 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE