The Big Interview – Christie's Remi Guillemin on the New Era of Watch Collecting
The interview explores how the watch‑collecting landscape is evolving as newer generations of collectors prioritize personal relevance, rarity, and storytelling over traditional brand prestige. Millennials and younger enthusiasts, often entering the market through digital channels, seek pieces that reflect their values and individuality, leading to a shift from single‑brand collections toward diverse, emotionally resonant timepieces. This change has fostered a healthier market, with collectors adopting a long‑term, cohesive approach rather than speculative buying. Christie’s head of watches emphasizes the growing importance of connoisseurship, provenance, and condition, while also noting the rising interest in independent watchmaking that offers originality and craftsmanship. Brands that engage authentically with collectors—through social media, collector groups, and transparent secondary‑market insights—are better positioned to meet the expectations of this more sophisticated, globally connected audience.
Buying Time Analysis: The interview highlights how a new generation of watch collectors is reshaping the market by prioritizing personal relevance, rarity, and storytelling, signaling a shift toward more diversified, sustainable, and emotionally driven luxury watch collecting.
