Secondary Market Luxury Watch Prices Rise in Q3 2026
The global secondary market saw modest price growth despite record high inventory levels for major brands.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Jewelry
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Secondary market prices for luxury watches saw a 1.2 percent increase during the third quarter of 2026. This growth contributes to an 8.3 percent rise in the WatchCharts overall market tracker over the past year.
Why it matters
Rising inventory levels on the secondary market are creating resistance to price growth for top-tier watch brands. These elevated supply levels are expected to limit future price appreciation across the sector.
Secondary market prices for Rolex rose 0.5 percent, while Cartier saw a 2.4 percent gain in Q3. Meanwhile, the volume of watches listed for sale by the six largest brands increased by nearly 20 percent year-on-year.
The players
WatchCharts
WatchCharts is a data tracking firm that monitors and analyzes pricing trends within the global luxury watch market.
Rolex
Rolex is a leading Swiss manufacturer of luxury timepieces known for its high brand recognition and resale value retention.
Cartier
Cartier is a prominent French luxury goods conglomerate that produces high-end jewelry and timepieces.
IWC
IWC Schaffhausen is a Swiss luxury watchmaker that specializes in high-quality mechanical timepieces.
The details
Market values for Patek Philippe grew 2.6 percent, and Audemars Piguet prices climbed 1.2 percent in the quarter. However, IWC value retention dropped to -41.2 percent by late September, following a 5.7 percent retail price hike earlier in the summer.
Timeline
Q3 2026 saw a 1.2 percent increase in overall secondary market prices.
Summer 2026 marked a 5.7 percent retail price increase for IWC.
September 2026 ended with IWC value retention at -41.2 percent.
2022 was the previous period when Cartier prices reached current levels.
Culture Shift
The surge in listed watch volume highlights a broader move toward higher inventory availability on the secondary market. This shift aligns with the 20 percent year-on-year rise in listed watch volume, signaling a potential cooling in the rapid appreciation seen in recent years.
Investors and collectors may find increased options on the secondary market as inventory levels reach record highs. Buyers should be aware that high supply levels are currently acting as a cap on further price increases for many major watch brands.
The takeaway
Collectors should note that a high volume of supply often correlates with dampened price appreciation. Staying informed on specific brand retention rates helps in making better decisions for long-term luxury investments.
Further reading
For more context on market movements, visit the Jewelry section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WatchPro.
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