CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
TechnologyAug 20, 2019
Here Are the Most In-Demand Watches on The RealReal
While all high-value watches saw year-over-year sales growth, the greatest increase came from those above $30,000, its Luxury Resale Report 2019 shows.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is among the most sought-after watches on The RealReal, the luxury resale site said. Pictured here is the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master with the “Pepsi” bezel, introduced at Baselworld 2018.
New York—Consumers are increasingly turning to luxury resale items to reduce their “fashion” footprint, and high-end watches are one category benefitting from that, The RealReal said in its Luxury Resale Report 2019.
The report, based on sales and demand data from millions of shoppers and items sold, shows that 82 percent of customers said sustainability is an important reason for shopping on The RealReal, while 56 percent of consignors cite it as a key motivation to consign.
“We’re seeing resale shift people’s shopping habits in the primary market,” said Allison Sommer, The RealReal’s director of strategic initiatives.
“As shoppers get savvier about how they invest and the impact what they’re buying has on the planet, they’re turning to luxury resale as both a replacement for fast fashion and a barometer of value.”
The RealReal said watches saw 132 percent growth in overall demand year-over-year, noting that the Apple watch fell to the bottom while high-value mechanical watches climbed to the top.
What’s more, while all high-value watches saw year-over-year sales growth, the greatest growth came from the category of timepieces priced above $30,000.
Laif Anderson, The RealReal’s head watchmaker, said: “Savvy buyers are latching onto high-end watches as ultimate statement pieces that are also one of the smartest luxury investments.”
So, what were the most in-demand watches on the site?
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Cartier’s Tank Francaise and Ballon Bleu de Cartier, and Rolex’s Day-Date and Oyster Perpetual were at the top.
Meanwhile, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut and Rolex GMT Master saw the highest year-over-year resale value growth among watches priced above $5,000, increasing 42 percent and 34 percent, respectively.
In fashion, the resale site said Gucci and Louis Vuitton remain the most in-demand brands, leading the list of top 10 searched-for brands on The RealReal.
They both grew at the expense of No. 3 Chanel, widening the gap over the brand by 334 percent and 227 percent year-over-year, respectively, The RealReal said.
It added that “Gucci’s dominance shows no signs of slowing,” as demand for the brand is up 78 percent and it ranks No. 1 with both women and men.
Gucci’s “most obsessed”-over items were a suede mini bag, a leather belt with a “Double G” buckle, and a walnut teddy bear. Louis Vuitton’s were two different backpack styles.
Balenciaga made it into the top 10 for the first time—The RealReal attributed the brand’s growth, along with that of
Dior and Fendi, to millennial shoppers—while Celine dropped off the list.
More on Technology
The Latest
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
