The allure of Cartier shows no signs of diminishing in the foreseeable future.
According to a recent report from the resale platform Fashionphile, searches for Cartier watches have skyrocketed, more than doubling compared to 2023. This surge has been astounding, with an impressive increase of 104 percent attributed to users exploring the site. Notably, the Cartier Panthère has seen its value double in just one year, making it one of the standout pieces in the luxury watch market.
These figures are drawn from Fashionphile’s 2024 Ultra-Luxury Resale Report, a comprehensive analysis that reveals emerging trends within the resale sector—a market that was valued at an estimated $197 billion last year. Projections suggest this market will expand by an additional $100 billion by 2026. Furthermore, the women’s watch market, which was valued at $23.7 billion in 2019, is expected to grow to approximately $26.7 billion by 2027, indicating healthy demand and consumer interest.
While Cartier maintains a strong lead, it is not alone in this burgeoning market. TAG Heuer has also distinguished itself, witnessing a remarkable 278 percent increase in search activity this year. Much of this growth can be attributed to the strategic initiatives of former CEO Frédéric Arnault, who recently ascended to the CEO position at LVMH Watches. Additionally, men’s preferences have shifted towards the Omega Seamaster Diver, which has experienced a notable 60 percent rise in buyout value this year.
The Fashionphile report underscores the watch craze that has captivated enthusiasts over the past few years. The influence of auctions and social media has elevated watch collecting into a lucrative domain. While some collectors lean towards newly released models, others are increasingly drawn to the charm of pre-owned timepieces. Vintage watches have seen sales on Fashionphile soar by 60 percent this year, coupled with a 35 percent rise in demand for timepieces with smaller case sizes and a 30 percent increase for bracelet-style watches.
Beyond the world of watches, the report also highlights current trends in bags and jewelry within the resale market and treasures such as Chanel, Hermès, and Goyard continue to dominate the handbag category, while newer brands like Loewe are increasingly capturing market share. Furthermore, maximalist jewelry is enjoying a resurgence, with bold earrings seeing a 24 percent increase in sales this year. Gold earrings are leading the growth in this category, showing a remarkable 37 percent rise in sales in 2024.
