Watch Market Cools Off After Pandemic Frenzy, Offering Collectors Buying Opportunities
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Prices on the secondary watch market peaked in May 2022 and have declined for 7 straight quarters, but are still up 24.7% vs 3 years ago.
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With prices falling, it's shifting from a seller's to a buyer's market, giving watch lovers priced out a chance to re-enter.
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Speculators have left the market, allowing true watch enthusiasts to return.
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Independent watchmakers like Grönefeld and De Bethune have held value better than Rolex/Patek as new collectors entered during COVID.
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Despite the cooldown, there is optimism for a gradual resurgence as macro factors improve and wealthy buyers have liquidity.