These Were the Top 5 Watch Brands of 2021 on Chrono24
Two of the brands in the top slots may come as a surprise.

Shortly after the new year, direct-to-consumer watch marketplace Chrono24 dug through its data, collected from 100 million users, to list the most sought-after watches of 2021.
As for the most popular brands searched for and bought on the website, Rolex was, not surprisingly, in the first spot, followed by Omega, Seiko, Breitling, and Audemars Piguet.
“These top 5 most sought-after brands not only reflect popularity, but also prove that watch buyers are looking for a sustainable investment,” said Tim Stracke, co-CEO and founder of Chrono24, in a press release about the results.
While Rolex, Omega, and Audemars Piguet have been “exceptionally stable” in value, he described Seiko as an “interesting newcomer” to the top five list.
The Japanese brand “offers high-quality mechanics ideal for everyday use, especially for watch fans of all income groups,” said Stracke.
Breitling is also new to the top 5 list, which the company credits to its “interesting innovations” and lauded the strategy of CEO Georges Kern.
The Breitling Chronomat, as well as the Endurance Pro and the Superocean, were in high demand.
Chrono24’s report also highlighted the top five most popular models of luxury watches searched for and bought on the site.
Rolex snagged three of the top five spots with the two remaining spots going to Omega.
The Rolex Datejust and Submariner were two of the most popular among Chrono24 customers, followed by the Omega Seamaster and Speedmaster, with the Rolex Daytona in fifth place.
The Daytona model was in first place last year, but has since slipped to the last spot, which the company attributes in part to market availability.
“The Rolex Daytona is not only considered a legend of timekeeping, but also difficult to obtain. The model can only be bought at a Rolex dealer with exceptionally long waiting times,” said the company.
Chrono24 had about 5,000 Daytons for sale at the time the report was released earlier this month, but the prices reflect the high demand and far exceed the list price of a new model.
A search of Chrono24’s website for a Rolex Daytona pulls up a little more than 4,300 results with many prices in the six-figure range.
In contrast, the Omega Speedmaster, notable for being the first watch worn on the moon, earned a higher spot on the top 5 list this year.
The model benefited from the limited market availability of other brands, said Chrono24, and was searched for and bought more this year than in previous years.
Patek Philippe, which did not make the top 5 lists, saw waning demand, due in part to the discontinuation of the Nautilus model in stainless steel, said Stracke, which has led to a significant price jump.
The list prices of the Patek Philippe Nautilus have tripled, said the company, making them available only to a select group of collectors.
Stracke noted that the demand for the limited edition Patek Philippe Ref. 5711/1A-018 with a “Tiffany Blue” dial is especially high with only 170 created, and made available only to those hand-picked by Patek and Tiffany.
The company has more than 500,000 watches from 128 available on its website, selling new, vintage, and second-hand watches from more than 3,000 certified dealers and private collectors.
For more information, visit Chrono24’s website.
The Latest

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.


Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.

A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

The show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.

The revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.

The miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.

The “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.

This year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
























