Here’s the most-read watches news stories of 2025
2025 was a tumultuous year in the watch industry, marked by significant developments and shifting trends. The most notable story was Rolex's decision to relax its rules on "Exhibition Only" displays, coinciding with a decrease in waiting times for popular models. While thefts had previously targeted Rolex watches, the focus shifted to luxury brands like Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, reflecting changing criminal patterns. Meanwhile, luxury watch prices on the secondary market continued to decline, with brands like Omega and Cartier selling well below retail price, despite manufacturers like Swatch Group raising their prices. Rolex maintained a strong presence in the market, with six of the ten most desirable watch collections, indicating its enduring popularity. A study highlighted Rolex's cultural significance and accessibility as key factors in its dominance. However, concerns arose in October when a technical error led to a perceived drop in pre-owned Rolex prices, although it was later confirmed that prices remained stable. Overall, Rolex continued to thrive, with a year-on-year growth in the secondary market, while other brands struggled to maintain their value.
