Pre-owned luxury timepieces gaining popularity among UAE residents: An examination of the increasing demand for previously-owned high-end watches
Pre-Owned Luxury Watches Gain Momentum in the UAE Market
The pre-owned luxury watch market in the UAE is on an upward trajectory, with a projected value of approximately $816.7 million (AED 2.9 billion) by 2030 [1]. This growth is driven by a growing preference for pre-owned watches among UAE residents, who seek character and value over new catalog models [1].
According to a report by Grand View Research, cited in Khaleej Times, the UAE's pre-owned luxury watch market is thriving due to factors such as affordability, access to rare and discontinued models, and their investment potential [1]. This growth aligns with regional luxury market trends and consumer preferences shifting towards certified pre-owned luxury items [1][5].
While the overall luxury watch market shows high activity, the pre-owned segment represents a distinct but growing niche within this market. For instance, the UAE imported $770 million worth of Swiss watches in the first half of 2025 alone [3], but this includes new watches.
Tariq Malik, co-founder and managing partner at Momentum Dubai, notes that the current climate is a "buyer's market" with attractive price points in the secondary market for vintage and historic pieces [2]. Collectors in the UAE are drawn to vintage watches as personal statements reflecting taste and often a romance [6].
Tariq Malik's client base in the UAE has a particular hunger for rare, expressive, and storied vintage pieces from brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Cartier, and Piaget [4]. Watches with regional provenance - pieces with a story rooted in the Gulf - are increasingly popular among buyers [4].
The golden era most sought after by collectors spans from the post-war 1950s through the 1990s, a period when watchmakers experimented fearlessly [7]. However, Tariq Malik cautions that the CPO process can pose a challenge for serious collectors, as watches often undergo servicing that includes the replacement of original parts [7].
Dubai has established itself as a global hub for collectible watches, with the city's appetite for meaningful, storied objects helping to shape the shift in the definition of luxury [8]. Pre-owned watches often carry a story with them, and that's something you simply can't buy new [9]. In today's era of mindful luxury, pre-owned watches have become symbols of taste and timelessness, offering a more personal kind of prestige [9].
Notable examples of valuable pre-owned watches include a vintage Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265 commissioned by the UAE Ministry of Defence, which can sell for over $300,000 (AED 1.1 million) [10]. Luxury steel sports watches like the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, and the Rolex Daytona have historically done well in the secondary market [2].
In conclusion, the pre-owned luxury watch market in the UAE is experiencing significant growth, driven by a growing preference for character and value, access to rare and discontinued models, and their investment potential. The market is expected to reach a value of approximately $816.7 million by 2030, making it one of the most influential markets in the world for pre-owned high-end watches.
- As the pre-owned luxury watch market expands, the UAE's entertainment scene might also benefit from an increase in disposable income.
- This thriving market for pre-owned luxury goods echoes broader trends in the fashion industry, where vintage and second-hand items have gained popularity.
- Business analysts are keeping a close eye on the growth of pre-owned luxury watches, as it could impact the overall economic landscape.
- The demand for pre-owned watches is not limited to the UAE; it's a global phenomenon affecting fashion, lifestyle, and even technology trends.
- In the realm of smart-home devices, virtual reality, and streaming platforms, technology continues to shape our daily entertainment and lifestyle choices.
- The surge in pre-owned luxury watch sales is a testament to the changing attitudes towards personal finance and investing, with more people considering second-hand luxury items as smart financial decisions.
- Investing in pre-owned luxury watches is seen as a form of wealth management, similar to investing in stocks or real estate.
- With the rise of pre-owned luxury watches, more people are exploring the world of personal-finance management and investing.
- The UAE's real-estate market might also experience a ripple effect as more disposable income enters the market.
- A report by Grand View Research sheds light on the thriving pre-owned luxury watch market, providing valuable insights for businesses in the entertainment industry.
- Educational institutions in the UAE could see a rise in students with a newfound interest in business, economics, and watchmaking.
- Culture and art enthusiasts might find themselves attracted to the historical value and craftsmanship that pre-owned luxury watches represent.
- Pre-owned luxury watches have become symbols of a sophisticated lifestyle, influencing the way we perceive status and prestige.
- Sports fans enthusiastic about NFL, WNBA, baseball, hockey, golf, basketball, NCAA basketball, MLB, NHL, racing, American football, basketball, tennis, sports analysis, auto-racing, mixed-martial-arts, Grand Prix, horse-racing, and weather forecasts may find themselves drawn to the world of pre-owned luxury watches.
- Engaging in sports betting could potentially be influenced by increased discretionary income resulting from the growth of the pre-owned luxury watch market.
- The increased popularity of pre-owned luxury watches could foster a new generation of entrepreneurs and business owners in the UAE.
- As the interest in pre-owned luxury watches grows, so does the demand for specialized watchmaking schools and workshops.
- The UAE's pre-owned luxury watch market represents an exciting opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs looking to tap into this growing niche.
- Luxury fashion and beauty brands might find synergy with pre-owned luxury watch companies, attracting a shared audience interested in both fashion and rare timepieces.
- Affluent collectors of fine watches might also take an interest in other luxury goods such as high-end cars, art, jewelry, and real estate.
- With a growing interest in pre-owned luxury watches, businesses specializing in watch repair, restoration, and appraisal are expected to see increased activity.
- The UAE's pre-owned luxury watch market reflects a broader trend in consumer behavior, where people increasingly value character, history, and sustainability in their purchases.
- As the pre-owned luxury watch market flourishes in the UAE, so does the desire for stories and connections with the past, making these timepieces more than just gadgets – they're tiny pieces of history.
