CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
TechnologyAug 20, 2019
Here Are the Most In-Demand Watches on The RealReal
While all high-value watches saw year-over-year sales growth, the greatest increase came from those above $30,000, its Luxury Resale Report 2019 shows.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is among the most sought-after watches on The RealReal, the luxury resale site said. Pictured here is the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master with the “Pepsi” bezel, introduced at Baselworld 2018.
New York—Consumers are increasingly turning to luxury resale items to reduce their “fashion” footprint, and high-end watches are one category benefitting from that, The RealReal said in its Luxury Resale Report 2019.
The report, based on sales and demand data from millions of shoppers and items sold, shows that 82 percent of customers said sustainability is an important reason for shopping on The RealReal, while 56 percent of consignors cite it as a key motivation to consign.
“We’re seeing resale shift people’s shopping habits in the primary market,” said Allison Sommer, The RealReal’s director of strategic initiatives.
“As shoppers get savvier about how they invest and the impact what they’re buying has on the planet, they’re turning to luxury resale as both a replacement for fast fashion and a barometer of value.”
The RealReal said watches saw 132 percent growth in overall demand year-over-year, noting that the Apple watch fell to the bottom while high-value mechanical watches climbed to the top.
What’s more, while all high-value watches saw year-over-year sales growth, the greatest growth came from the category of timepieces priced above $30,000.
Laif Anderson, The RealReal’s head watchmaker, said: “Savvy buyers are latching onto high-end watches as ultimate statement pieces that are also one of the smartest luxury investments.”
So, what were the most in-demand watches on the site?
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Cartier’s Tank Francaise and Ballon Bleu de Cartier, and Rolex’s Day-Date and Oyster Perpetual were at the top.
Meanwhile, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut and Rolex GMT Master saw the highest year-over-year resale value growth among watches priced above $5,000, increasing 42 percent and 34 percent, respectively.
In fashion, the resale site said Gucci and Louis Vuitton remain the most in-demand brands, leading the list of top 10 searched-for brands on The RealReal.
They both grew at the expense of No. 3 Chanel, widening the gap over the brand by 334 percent and 227 percent year-over-year, respectively, The RealReal said.
It added that “Gucci’s dominance shows no signs of slowing,” as demand for the brand is up 78 percent and it ranks No. 1 with both women and men.
Gucci’s “most obsessed”-over items were a suede mini bag, a leather belt with a “Double G” buckle, and a walnut teddy bear. Louis Vuitton’s were two different backpack styles.
Balenciaga made it into the top 10 for the first time—The RealReal attributed the brand’s growth, along with that of
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Dior and Fendi, to millennial shoppers—while Celine dropped off the list.
More on Technology
The Latest
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for AuctionJulien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
