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Leading Brands
May 1, 2024

Top Luxury Watch Brands in the World

Most Popular Watch Brands & Models by Country

When one considers the luxury watch industry, they typically look at it through a global lens. From the high horology of Genevan watchmaking to the innovations and modern charm of Asia's most captivating timepieces, this export-driven sector is valued at a market size of around $6.9 billion.

Today, production predominantly takes place in Switzerland, Hong Kong, and other areas of China. But from a consumer's perspective, every country has its own style and buying preferences, making it particularly interesting to explore the luxury watches, brands, and models they gravitate towards each year. And perhaps just maybe, there's something that these top-selling timepieces can tell us about the people who buy them.

United States

Top Selling Watch Brands:

Top Watch Model: Rolex Datejust

U.S. Pre-Owned Luxury Watch Revenue $5.1M

Rolex gave President Dwight D. Eisenhower a Datejust as a gift in honor of his work in WWII.

The Rolex Datejust is easily one of the most recognizable watches in in the brand's lineup. This iconic model is reliable timepiece with seemingly unlimited configurations - from cases made of precious metals to unique dials featuring captivating colors. As we know, the average U.S. consumer loves to have options which is likely why collectors from this country opt for a Rolex Datejust.

Canada

Top Selling Watch Brands:

Top Watch Model: Tudor Black Bay

Canada Pre-Owned Luxury Watch Revenue $94K

Originally registered in 1926, Tudor is a sub-brand of Rolex

The Tudor Black Bay timepiece captures the essence of the brand's 60 years of diving history. These pieces draw inspiration from Tudor's past with a prominent winding crown similar to ref.7924, while its angular "Snowflake" hands were borrowed form their watches used by the French National Navy. We can only speculate that Canada's inclination for Black Bay watches relates to their French-Canadian roots, or maybe it's the "Snowflake" hands that remind them of home.

United Kingdom

Top Selling Watch Brands:

Top Watch Model: Rolex Datejust

UK Pre-Owned Luxury Watch Revenue $82K

A Datejust was worn in British film Get Carter in 1971

After 1945, Rolex’s revolutionary date display became the watchmaking standard. With automatic winding, extreme precision, and high water resistance, it’s a very practical piece much like collectors in the UK. They value wearability and versatility, so they opt for something they can wear to the office and on the town.

Singapore

Top Selling Watch Brands:

Top Watch Model: Rolex Submariner

Singapore Pre-Owned Luxury Watch Revenue $50K

The Rolex Submariner is water resistant up to 300m

Nestled between the Indian Ocean and South China Sea, it is no surprise that the most popular pre-owned watch model purchased by collectors in Singapore is the Rolex Submariner. This rugged yet elegant dive watch is one of the oldest models in the brand’s catalog and continues to enjoy a legendary status. Despite its lengthy history, this sleek and functional timepiece reminds us of Singapore’s impressive infrastructure and modern artwork.

Australia

Top Selling Watch Brands:

Top Watch Model: Omega Seamaster

Australia Pre-Owned Luxury Watch Revenue $40K

The Ploprof Omega Seamaster has the highest water resistance up to 1,200m

Surrounded by seas, Australia is recognized for its surf culture, diving destinations, and fascinating wildlife. For those that live there all year, looking for a practical pre-owned watch is simple—it must be water resistant, durable, and reliable. Perfect for that much desired beach to tux look, the Omega Seamaster delivers on all fronts, offering wearers a wide range of styles and impressive functions.

Japan

Top Selling Watch Brands:

Top Watch Model: Omega Speedmaster

Japan Pre-Owned Luxury Watch Revenue $17K

The Speedmaster landed on the moon in 1969. Nearly 20 years later in 1990, Japanese probes orbited the moon.

It may just be a coincidence, but Japan is among the few countries that have launched successful space missions to the moon—perhaps foreshadowing their inclination toward the infamous Moonwatch. On a more practical note, the Omega Speedmaster delivers extreme precision, reliable functionality, and a striking design that catches the attention of collectors. With limited editions and unique iterations, the intrigue and exclusivity surrounding this model has only heightened its reputation, making it highly sought after by those near and far.

Hong Kong, China

Top Selling Watch Brands:

Top Watch Model: Rolex Datejust

Hong Kong Pre-Owned Luxury Watch Revenue $44K

Datejust watches are COSC-certified chronometers

As a one of the most densely populated cities in the world, Hong Kong also has the most skyscrapers—nearly double that of New York City. But how does this relate to their taste in timepieces? The Rolex Datejust was the top selling pre-owned model in Hong Kong, and with its almost endless amount of iterations and practical everyday wearability, it’s easy to see why. As the hustle and bustle of this big city offers residents numerous options when it comes to food, entertainment, and occupation, they appreciate the same when shopping for a luxury watch. Plus, an everyday piece that matches nearly any attire is perfect for those who are on the move.

Germany

Top Selling Watch Brands:

Top Watch Model: Omega Speedmaster

Germany Pre-Owned Luxury Watch Revenue $20K

Omega added “Professional” to the Speedmaster dials in 1964

Germans opt for innovative and precise watches from brands like Breitling and Omega. The Omega Speedmaster is a favorite model, known for its reliable and rugged character. This sporty chronograph is a practical choice for professionals living in Frankfurt, as it can be easily worn from the office to a weekend soccer match.

Switzerland

Top Selling Watch Brands:

Top Watch Model: Rolex Submariner

Switzerland Pre-Owned Luxury Watch Revenue $36K

The Submariner was introduced to the public in 1954

Home to some of the top luxury watch brands in the world, Switzerland is a watchmaking mecca. Geneva is one of Switzerland’s most important watchmaking cities, where brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe remain headquartered to this day. Switzerland also boasts famous diving spots such as Ticino and the Verzasca River. Whether scuba diving, exploring the Swiss Alps, or walking the streets of Zurich, the Swiss opt for the Rolex Submariner because of its versatile and sporty style.

United Arab Emirates

Top Selling Watch Brands:

Top Watch Model: Rolex Datejust

United Arab Emirates Pre-Owned Luxury Watch Revenue $97K

The Datejust is known as the “classic watch of reference”

The United Arab Emirates draws millions of tourists each year to their two largest cities, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Dubai is home to impressive architecture, like the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, at 2,717 feet. Since 2015, Dubai Watch Week has hosted one of the largest non-commercial events for the international watch community. This event allows collectors, brands, watchmakers, and the media to connect and share the latest in the industry. As many watch enthusiasts and collectors tend to gravitate toward Rolex, it’s no surprise that one of the top selling models in the UAE is the Rolex Datejust. This quintessential model is an essential for busy professionals in Dubai’s urban environment.

Sourced from Watchbox

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