Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown DiamondsIt will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”
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
Dior and Fendi, to millennial shoppers—while Celine dropped off the list.
More on Technology
The Latest
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 SessionsFrom design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry BusinessWhen investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.
Weekly QuizMay 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into GoldThe designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand AmbassadorThe actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade ReportsThe company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat RubyThe large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein DiamondsThe diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable EnvironmentBetween tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ NecklaceDesigned by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs InvalidHowever, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry LineThe pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by StullerSponsored by Stuller
SourcingMay 29, 2025
Grizzly Auctions 6,620-Carat EmeraldIt was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Graff Unveils New Las Vegas FlagshipThe 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.
CrimeMay 28, 2025
8 Convicted in Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist TrialAging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.
CollectionsMay 28, 2025
NY Liberty’s 2024 Championship Rings Honor Historic WinThe WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Andrew Rickard Named JBT PresidentA longtime executive at RDI Diamonds, Rickard has served on the JBT board for the past five years.
