Summary
The Deloitte Swiss Watch Industry Study 2025 examines the pulse of Swiss watchmaking through data from 111 senior executives and 6,500 global consumers.
It tracks shifts such as the pre-owned market boom, the neo-vintage trend, and India’s fast-growing watch demand.
If you follow global watch trade or luxury retail, this study offers a clear picture of what’s next.
Introduction
The Deloitte Swiss Watch Industry Study 2025 is the eleventh annual analysis of how Swiss watch brands, retailers, and consumers are evolving.
It’s based on surveys of 111 executives and 6,500 consumers across key export markets including China, India, USA, and UAE.
This year’s report adds Mexico as a new growth region.
It provides valuable insights for anyone tracking Swiss watch industry trends, export performance, and consumer expectations.
If you follow this sector closely, you can also explore the post on Luxury Goods Trends 2025 for related retail data.
Key Takeaways from the Deloitte Swiss Watch Industry Study 2025
- Pre-owned watches are now the fastest-growing segment, and Deloitte data shows global interest doubled since 2020.
- The share of consumers not interested in watches dropped by nearly 50%.
- The pre-owned watch market may match the new watch market within a decade (Deloitte report).
Learn more about resale and CPO programs in the guide on Certified Pre-Owned Luxury Goods.
Global Findings from the Deloitte Swiss Watch Industry Study 2025
- Neo-vintage watches (1990–2004) combine classic design and modern performance.
- Collectors favor independent watchmakers for unique craftsmanship (Forbes report).
- Read the feature article on Vintage Style Watches Revival to see how these designs are returning to trend.
India, a major focus in the Deloitte Swiss Watch Industry Study 2025, recorded a 20% export growth between January–July 2024.
Deloitte notes that a Switzerland–India trade deal will phase out customs duties over seven years — boosting Swiss brands’ competitiveness (Economic Times).
Visit the detailed post on India Luxury Watch Market Growth to see what this means
You can explore similar market insights in Emerald Gemstone Expectations — it discusses buyer psychology and long-term value.
Industry Voices
Brian Duffy, CEO of Watches of Switzerland, says:
“Interest in pre-owned watches is driven by availability before affordability.”
(Screw Down Crown)
Deloitte adds: “Pre-owned has normalized faster than the new market, reshaping value perception.”
Explore similar strategic insights in How CPO Works in Watch Retail.
Q&A: Expert Insights from the Deloitte Swiss Watch Industry Study 2025
Q: What makes the Deloitte Swiss Watch Industry Study 2025 important?
A: It’s a benchmark report that maps trends across the global Swiss watch sector, from exports to consumer demand.
Q: What’s the biggest insight this year?
A: The pre-owned segment’s explosive growth and India’s rise as a key market.
Q: How can brands use these findings?
A: By investing in Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) channels and developing neo-vintage collections for younger buyers.
Q: Where can I read the full study?
A: Visit Deloitte’s official website.
Introduction
This comprehensive Watch Buying Guide answers the most common questions about timepieces.
Whether you’re purchasing your first watch or adding to your collection, these expert insights help you make informed decisions.
From understanding movement types to choosing the right size for your wrist, you’ll find everything needed before making a purchase.
What Types of Watches Should You Consider? – Watch Buying Guide Insights
Understanding the five main categories helps narrow your options:
- Mechanical watches – Use springs and gears. No battery needed.
- Quartz watches – Battery-powered; most accurate.
- Automatic watches – Wind themselves from wrist movement.
- Digital watches – Display time numerically on a screen.
- Smartwatches – Connect to your phone and track fitness data.
Accuracy Expectations – Watch Buying Guide Tips
- Quartz watches – Lose about 15 seconds per month.
- Mechanical watches – Lose 20–40 seconds per day.
- Atomic watches – Lose 1 second every 100 million years.
- Your phone’s clock stays perfectly accurate.
Water Resistance Considerations
Water resistance ratings affect usage scenarios:
- 30m – Handles rain and handwashing
- 50m – Safe for swimming
- 100m – Suitable for snorkeling
- 200m+ – Scuba diving
Replace gaskets every 2–3 years to maintain resistance.
Maintenance Schedule – Watch Buying Guide Advice
- Quartz watches – Battery replacement every 1–3 years.
- Mechanical watches – Full service every 3–5 years.
- Service costs: $200–800 depending on the brand.
Watch for stopping, running fast/slow, or condensation under the crystal.
Pricing Strategy
- Budget watches – Plastic cases, basic movements
- Mid-range watches – Steel cases, reliable mechanisms
- Luxury watches – Precious metals, hand-finished details
Remember: craftsmanship, materials, and brand prestige drive prices.
Sizing Advice
- 6–7 inch wrists – 38–42mm
- 7–8 inch wrists – 40–44mm
- 8+ inch wrists – 42–46mm
Ensure lugs don’t overhang wrist edges.
Complications to Prioritize
- Date display – Useful daily
- GMT hand – Second time zone
- Chronograph – Stopwatch
- Moon phase – Decorative
- Annual calendar – Adjusts month lengths
More complications = more things that can break.
Maintenance Tips
- Clean with a soft cloth
- Avoid extreme temperatures & magnets
- Wind manual watches daily
- Use watch winders for automatics
- Don’t adjust date between 9 PM–3 AM
Investment Potential
- Most watches lose value after purchase
- Only select Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet models appreciate
- Vintage watches from 1960s–70s show strong growth
- Buy watches you enjoy wearing, not solely for investment
Essential Tools
- Spring bar tool
- Case back opener
- Soft polishing cloth
- Watch cushion
- Demagnetizer
Where to Purchase
- Online – Better selection, often cheaper
- Physical stores – Try before buying
- Authorized dealers – Full warranties
- Grey market – Discounts, limited warranty
- Forums/eBay – Vintage pieces, verify authenticity
Learn More:
