Over the past few years eBay has established itself not just as a luxury global marketplace, but specifically as a safe, secure place for watch lovers to hunt down their favourite timepieces. Indeed, there have never been more collectors searching for grails on the platform allowing eBay to reveal the top watch trends expected to continue growing in 2024.
As self-confessed experts in our field, we here at Oracle Time have always had an inkling as to what’s going on in the wider watch world. Here, we have objective proof that the top watch trends that we’ve been discussing – even in the pages of these very magazines – are more than just our professional opinion. They’re validated facts. Here then are the key trends to look out for in the year ahead.
Exotic Stone & Coloured Dials
Exotic stones and coloured dials are attracting rightful attention in the watch industry, creating timepieces that are as much art as they are functional. Rolex’s Day-Date 36 collection is a recent example of this trend. As the maison showcased three new exotic stone dials, searches for ‘Rolex 36’ increased by over 45% on eBay from September to December, with collectors looking for the style that elevated the classic Day-Date in colourful carnelian, turquoise and green aventurine.
Secondary Market To Become The First Choice
More people will make the shift to high-end pre-owned watches in 2024, as enthusiasts look beyond the world of primary retail for more sustainable and economic choices. The secondary market also offers rare and exclusive models that are often inaccessible through primary channels, further boosting its appeal. Technological advancements in the secondary market, particularly eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee programme, have also instilled greater confidence in online transactions. Physically verifying each watch over £1,500 has significantly raised both buyer and seller trust, redefining online luxury shopping.
Collaboration Watches
Last year featured unique, unexpected collaborations. Audemars Piguet led the way with its Marvel series and collaboration with Travis Scott, showing how the worlds of music, streetwear and watches can merge and create something great. Oris provided a more playful twist celebrating Kermit at last year’s Watches and Wonders. We have seen just how popular this watch is, with searches for the brand increasing by over 540% since the model launched.
Swatch and Blancpain have continued the year with collaborations too, extending their Fifty Fathom with the ‘Oceans of Storms’ edition. All eyes will be on Swatch again in anticipation of another collaboration. The positive reception to these means we will likely see more partnerships combining nostalgia with contemporary luxury in 2024.
Racing Chronographs
In 2023, the TAG Heuer Carrera collection witnessed a significant resurgence. This was evident from the increase of over 25% in searches for the collection on eBay as the year came to a close. Furthermore, the recently launched Carrera Chronograph Glassbox was also a major success. This year, TAG Heuer is recommitting to excellence by introducing its Lunar New Year Limited Edition Carrera timepieces. This brand is not only revisiting its roots but also actively redefining them, with enthusiasts eagerly waiting for the next chapter in the Carrera legacy.
Smaller Cases & Increased Female Watch Enthusiasts
In 2023, the industry introduced versatile offerings suitable for any wrist, in response to the trend for smaller vintage-inspired designs, paving the way for more watches that suit all wrists in 2024. Celebrity and musician style icons helped popularise this trend for men. With search increases for their favoured Cartier Tank, rising by over 20% on eBay in the last three months of 2023. With its classic rectangular case and minimalist style, the Cartier Tank, as well as the likes of Jaeger-LeCoultre will continue to appeal to all wearers.
And there you have it. Expect semi-precious dials aplenty, ever more collaborations, smaller sizes and for TAG Heuer to capitalise on the Carrera. Above all, expect the secondary market to become the first choice for discerning watch collectors – because otherwise, how will we get this kind of data for next year?
More details at eBay. Authenticity Guarantee is independent from, and not associated with any brands sold on eBay.
