Timeless Bites: $50 Billion Submariners, Sarah Cunningham & Female Watch Market Insights

15.11.2024

In This Issue

⏱️ Rolex Submariner Watches Near $50 Billion Market Value

💔 The Art World Mourns Sarah Cunningham’s Passing

💼 Female Watch Consumer Insights from Deloitte

All Rolex Submariner Watches Ever Made Near $50 Billion Market Value

Rolex has revealed production data for the Submariner for the first time, showcasing its dominance in the luxury watch world.

These are the Key Points:

• Production Numbers: Nearly 4 million Submariner and Sea Dweller diving watches were made between 1953 and 2020, with their collective market value estimated at $46 billion. Including post-2020 models, the total value nears $50 billion.
• Value Retention: The Submariner’s enduring popularity is reflected in high resale values, with rarer editions like ‘The Hulk’ (green dial and bezel) exceeding standard model prices during peak demand.
• Cultural Significance: Designed for divers but now a staple on the wrists of professionals and collectors alike, the Submariner has become synonymous with luxury and timeless design.

And in the broader context of the market? In that context, Rolex continues to dominate the secondary market for pre-owned luxury watches, and is expected to grow to $35 billion annually by 2030.

The Art World Mourns Sarah Cunningham’s Passing

The art world is in mourning following the tragic death of painter Sarah Cunningham at just 31 years old.

Known for her expressive, near-abstract landscapes, Cunningham’s work has been celebrated in two solo exhibitions at Lisson Gallery in London and Los Angeles. Her paintings are held in prestigious collections, including the Sprengel Family Collection in Germany and the Al Thani Collection in Qatar.

Tributes from the art world have poured in, with Lisson Gallery describing her as ‘an incredibly talented, intelligent and original artist… who left us far too soon.’

Female Watch Consumers: Deloitte Swiss Watch Industry Insights 2024

Women are reshaping the watch industry, according to Deloitte’s Swiss Watch Industry Insights 2024: Spotlight on the Female Market. Based on a collaboration with Watch Femme and surveys conducted across key markets, this report highlights untapped opportunities and challenges.

Here are the Key Insights:

• Women Driving Sales: Female consumers are increasingly purchasing watches for themselves, but the market remains under-targeted by brands.
• Inclusive Designs: Gender-free and vintage designs are gaining popularity, especially with younger generations seeking styles that reflect personal taste over traditional gender labels.
• Room for Improvement: Many women feel underserved by the in-store experience, citing discomfort in traditional retail spaces and a lack of tailored product selections.
• Diverse Preferences: There is no single profile for female consumers; preferences vary by generation and market, signalling the need for nuanced approaches.
• Underrepresentation: The female watch market lacks research and role models, including female collectors, journalists, and executives, leaving significant room for industry growth.

So, what – according to this report – could be next for the female consumer watch market? As the sector evolves, addressing the mentioned gaps could unlock substantial potential for the industry to grow and diversify further.

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Further Reading

Digital Collectibles Explode—Cryptopunks Soar 665% Amid $179M NFT Market Surge

China’s Collectible Card Craze: Kayou and Major IPs Drive a Growing Market

NFT Brand Doodles Partners with McDonald’s for Holiday-Themed Physical and Digital Collectibles

‘Vulcain’ Dinosaur Skeleton Sells for $5 Million at Paris Auction

Tiffany’s Danner Memorial Window Shatters Auction Record