Watches

EBay Is Headed to the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

WatchesAug 18, 2021

EBay Is Headed to the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

The online marketplace will bring a selection of pre-owned luxury watches and host events.

20210818_Patek.jpg
EBay’s pre-owned luxury watch business is booming, and of the most expensive pre-owned timepieces the marketplace has sold is by Patek Philippe. Pictured is a new Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce timepiece, released this year.
Las Vegas—For the first time, eBay will exhibit at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show.
 
The move comes as pre-owned watch sales are hotter than ever on the e-commerce marketplace. According to eBay, over 25,000 luxury watches from what it considers top brands like Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Patek Philippe, and Cartier were sold in the first months of 2021 alone.
 
From March 2020 to March 2021, Cartier watch sales rose 75 percent and Rolex sales rose 54 percent. 
 
EBay credits some of the rise in its luxury watch sector to investments it’s made.
 
In September 2020, it launched its authenticity guarantee service for watches (it now authenticates handbags and sneakers, too), in which it provides a physical authentication from independent experts on items priced over $2,000 at no charge to the customer, prior to delivery. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Since the service started, it’s helped facilitate sales of more than 7,000 luxury watches priced over $10,000. 
 
“EBay’s association with this year’s show is a paramount and timely milestone amid a series of achievements for our luxury business over the past year,” noted eBay General Manager of Luxury Tirath Kamdar.

EBay will be at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show at the Wynn Las Vegas on Aug. 24-26. The company will be located at “eBay Boulevard” between the Lafite and Latour Ballrooms, the hallway that was previously home to the Couture Show’s Design Atelier of emerging designers. 

On Wednesday, Aug. 25, eBay will host a “Sunset Cocktail Event” at The Wynn Sunset Terrace from 5:30-7 p.m. for cocktails and sweet treats. 

On Saturday, Aug. 28, eBay will provide luxury secondhand watch market insights at the JCK Keynote Panel. 

National Jeweler chatted with Kamdar ahead of these events.

[This interview has been edited for length and clarity.]

National Jeweler: Why has eBay decided to exhibit for the first time this year at the Antique Jewelry & Watch Show?

Tirath Kamdar: EBay’s participation underscores the ongoing efforts to expand industry engagement with the marketplace, which has become one of the world’s largest online marketplaces of high-passion, high-value, and hard-to-find luxury items, including new and pre-owned timepieces from leading watchmakers, as well as antique, vintage, and contemporary jewelry pieces. 

NJ: What have eBay’s watch purchases been like in the last year?

TK: Our watches business accelerated from 16 percent to 38 percent in Q1, and this growth is lifting sales in other areas. 
 
Luxury watches sales reached their highest number of transactions on eBay in the January 2021 to June 2021 six-month period, compared to the last two years. 
 
Tudor and TAG Heuer [are two brands that have] gained popularity amid the pandemic. Rolex, TAG Heuer, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe are of some of our most expensive brands sold over the last three years, with one of the most expensive styles being a Patek Philippe Nautilus Rose Gold Self-winding Chronograph 40MM Watch 5980R-001.
 
NJ: Can you tell me a bit about the authentication service and how it helps with consumer confidence?

TK: We know trust is important among the watch community, which is why we launched our Authenticity Guarantee service last year in the U.S., where shoppers can browse and shop eBay’s listings with the “Authenticity Guarantee” badge, which indicates the item is eligible for inspection through the new program. 
 
“EBay is a cultural barometer for what is happening in the world.”—Tirath Kamdar, eBay general manager of luxury
 
EBay’s Authenticity Guarantee service protects both our buyers and sellers. For our buyers, we offer a wide selection of inventory, competitive pricing, and no buyer fees, while ensuring they can find the exact watch they are looking for with confidence that it is authentic and exactly as it is listed.  
 
For our sellers, we offer confidence knowing that a third-party expert is verifying every watch, and if a buyer decides to make a return, the seller will receive the watch back in the same condition it was sent in. 
 
We are evolving our offerings and giving eBay watch customers exactly what they want: incredible selection with an added layer of trust and confidence that their high-value purchases are 100 percent authentic. 
 
NJ: Based on shopper data, can you speak to the latest luxury watch trends?

TK: EBay is a cultural barometer for what is happening in the world, and shoppers flock to eBay for our unique selection of inventory from top brands. 

EBay recently released its Luxury Trend Report in partnership with Vogue Business, which showcases a snapshot of luxury trends, the tried-and-true popularity of iconic brands, a look at emerging styles, and consumer sentiments towards luxury and luxury resale. 

We found that men are more likely to invest in luxury, as 76 percent of men are investing in pre-owned luxury, with 57 percent of men buying pre-owned luxury at least once a month compared to 37 percent of female shoppers. 

Men are also more likely to turn their investment into a sale, with 64 percent of men selling pre-owned luxury purchases compared to women at 50 percent.

Additionally, luxury watch sales have reached a record high. From top brands alone, such as Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Patek Philippe, and Cartier, more than 25,000 watches were sold in the first half of 2021 on eBay. 

Following the launch of eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee, many brands saw upticks in searches, such as IWC, whose searches increased 12 percent month-over-month.

NJ: Is there anything else you would like to add?

TK: EBay’s authenticated categories continue to expand, and we are always looking for ways to offer the best experience to our over millions of active shoppers and sellers by enhancing our trusted experience on eBay for even more inventory across luxury categories. 

We also continue to explore opportunities to include more offerings that will drive the user experience forward. 

For example, once eBay’s authentication inspection is complete, watches receive a unique Authenticity Guarantee certificate with details about the item, including brand and model, in addition to an NFC tag, which is a high-tech digital feature that can conjure authentication information with a tap of a smartphone.

The Latest

Saks on Amazon flagship window
MajorsMay 16, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon Partner on Luxury Online Storefront

Plus, parent company Saks Global announces plans to cut ties with up to 600 vendors.

Graphic for My Next Question webinar with guest Peter Smith
Recorded WebinarsMay 16, 2025
Watch: Physical Retail Is Not Dead

Peter Smith joined Michelle Graff to chat about the state of brick-and-mortar stores and share a few book and podcast recommendations.

Tejen Candy Bowl Torque Necklace
CollectionsMay 16, 2025
Piece of the Week: Tejen’s ‘Candy Bowl’ Torque Necklace

The necklace features a candy-colored Australian white opal in 18-karat Fairmined gold, as the brand was named a Fairmined ambassador.

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

1 Camilla Dietz Bergeron.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 15, 2025
Treasure Hunting at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

Weekly QuizMay 15, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
The Mediterranean Blue diamond
AuctionsMay 15, 2025
'The Mediterranean Blue' Diamond Sells for $21M at Sotheby’s

A private American collector purchased the 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond.

Jessica McCormack Fruit Salad Campaign Imagery
CollectionsMay 15, 2025
Jessica McCormack’s ‘Fruit Salad’ Collection Is Fresh for Summer

The designer has taken the appeal of freshly picked fruit and channeled it into a capsule collection of earrings, necklaces, and pendants.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Stock image of diamonds
SourcingMay 15, 2025
Tariffs Take Toll on India’s Gem and Jewelry Industry in April

The country’s gem and jewelry exports fell 5 percent year-over-year last month, while imports declined 18 percent.

Disability advocate Catarina Rivera, JVC ADA compliance guide, circle of hands wearing jewelry
Policies & IssuesMay 15, 2025
State of Retail: How to Better Serve Customers With Disabilities

Around 54 million Americans and counting live with a disability. Here’s how to make your jewelry store and website more accessible.

Sekou Andrews
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2025
Poet Sekou Andrews to Give Closing Keynote at Converge

The event is also accepting poster submissions now through June 16.

Pope Francis
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ Ring

Before Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.

1998 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516 Rolex
AuctionsMay 14, 2025
Custom Rolex Pulled From Sotheby’s Sale

The one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.

Jeweler Constance Polamalu at Bloomstone, a store that specializes in lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?

While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.

Surveillance footage Tiffany & Co. Seattle robbery
CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies

The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.

Jeff Corey, new chairperson of the board for the Jewelers Board of Trade
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board

The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.

Foundrae Ingot Pendant
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical Metalsmiths

The donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.

Eiseman Jewels ribbon cutting ceremony
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and Better

Located in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.

Diamond Council of America
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course Updates

The nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.

Malyia McNaughton and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education Fund

BIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.

Harwell Godfrey Snake Giza Ring, Foundrae Mind, Body Soul Story Necklace, Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Titan By Pharrell Williams Bracelet
TrendsMay 13, 2025
State of Jewelry Design: The Top 10 Jewelry Trends of the Past Decade

As a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.

Lightbox’s Reminiscence Poet earrings in 14-karat white gold with lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says

The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal

Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.

Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum

“Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.

2025 CASE Award Submission Graphic
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025

The deadline to submit is June 16.

Lugano Diamonds store in Greenwich, Connecticut
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal Investigation

Moti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.

Coeur Percé Scapular Necklace and Love Baby Locket
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s Day

Lichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy