Women buying more expensive watches than men (2024)

Male shoppers still make up the majority of those buying luxury timepieces, according to the boss of Watches of Switzerland.

Women buying more expensive watches than men (1)

Men typically buy more watches than women, but female watch lovers are spending more on average than their male counterparts, according to the boss of Watches Of Switzerland.

Brian Duffy said: “We have a 70/30 split between sales of men’s watches versus women’s watches, but our experience is that there are a lot of women buying our products, with a higher average price spent.”

He added that, despite younger generations immersing themselves in new technology, there is still high demand for traditional watches by millennials.

Women buying more expensive watches than men (2)

“We have a very broad appeal. The average age is not increasing and the products really appeal to millennials as much as they did to any previous generation.”

Some brands, including Rolex, are so popular that in some cases there is a waiting list of a year, he added.

The chief executive made his comments as the company, which is the UK’s largest retailer of Rolex, Cartier, Omega, TAG Heuer and Breitling watches, revealed a jump in sales.

For the three months to July 28 sales rose 17.8% to £209.4 million, with £155 million taken in the UK and £54.4 million in the US.

Women buying more expensive watches than men (3)

Luxury watch sales were particularly strong – up 22.8% on the same period a year ago to £177.4 million. By comparison, luxury jewellery sales fell 4.6% to £16.2 million.

On a like-for-like basis, sales grew 10.8%, although the retailer closed 12 sites in the last year to focus away from jewellery and more on watches.

During the period the company, which is also investing heavily on US expansion, also said it had started a major new rollout of its Mayors retail brand, with refurbishments in Miami, Atlanta and Boston.

In the UK, the company’s Brighton store was relocated and refurbished.

The retailer, which trades as Goldsmiths, Mappin & Webb, Watches Of Switzerland and Mayors, joined the stock market in May at a time when a string of newly listed businesses have seen their share price collapse.

But Watches Of Switzerland has managed to outperform expectations, listing at 270p and not yet falling below it. Shares on Tuesday morning were down 3.5p at 280.5p.

Women buying more expensive watches than men (2024)

FAQs

Who buys more watches men or women? ›

For centuries, the high-end watch industry has been controlled by men, and the buyers of high-end watches predominantly have been male. But that has been changing gradually, with female buyers, collectors, makers and brand executives now playing larger roles in the watch world.

Do women pay attention to watches? ›

Women have an eye for detail and will definitely notice if the watch strengthens your outfit. Think for example of a silver watch case with a different silver accessory. Or how about a blue dial that matches blue shoes or blue belt? You can also consider whether the color of your skin matches the color of the watch.

What does an expensive watch say about a man? ›

Men and women who wear luxury watches exude sophistication and confidence when they enter a room. Wearing a luxury watch allows the wearer to express his or her personality with an understated accessory that speaks volumes.

Why do women buy men watches? ›

The overall look of men's watches on women is that they are oversized, chunky, with fewer unnecessary frills and more functional features. Men's watches also have a tendency to be flashier in style purely due to size, whereas women's watches are much softer, smaller and understated.

Who buys more luxury items men or women? ›

Based on reported purchases of 1,690 participants across the United States, an estimated 67 million adults bought one or more luxury item last year. The majority, 58 percent or 39 million, are men while 42 percent or 28 million, are women.

Who buys expensive watch? ›

The best choice for selling your watch

Selling your watch to Watchfinder couldn't be more simple and straightforward. We offer highly competitive quotes, as well as a quick and hassle-free service—just fill in your details above to get started.

Do women notice watches on men? ›

While most women don't care about the brand or the price of your watch, they will notice if it doesn't match your outfit, and they will definitely see if it's overused. Fortunately, you can always embellish yours with a brand new strap.

What does wearing a watch say about a person? ›

YOU ARE DEPENDABLE

Regardless of the style of watch, people who wear watches are seen as dependable and reliable. To others, seeing a watch on someone's wrist says that the person is punctual and values not only his or her time but other peoples time. After all, time is money.

What is the watch etiquette for women? ›

There are no rigid rules dictating which wrist a woman should wear her watch on. It's a matter of personal comfort, style, cultural significance, and practicality. In today's fashion landscape, women have the freedom to experiment and wear their watches on the wrist that feels right for them.

Who wears the most expensive watches? ›

Floyd Mayweather's £19 Million Watch is Most Expensive in the World
RankCelebrityWatch Price
USD
1Floyd Mayweather$23,700,000
2Paul Newman$20,400,000
3Brad Pitt$11,200,000
7 more rows
Jul 14, 2023

What is the slang for expensive watches? ›

The term 'Grail Watch' (as in 'Holy Grail') refers to a watch collector's ultimate collection piece.

When a man buys you a watch? ›

If you have been together for a while, a watch may be a sign of his commitment to you. On the other hand, if you have just started dating, a watch may simply be a thoughtful and romantic gesture. Regardless of the meaning behind it, a watch is a timeless and practical gift that can be cherished for years to come.

What does it mean when your girlfriend buys you a watch? ›

A watch is a daily reminder of the person who gifted it to you. Watches are a meaningful gift, you wear them on your wrist and are reminded daily of the person who gave them to you. Gifting a watch is a way to tell someone that you care about them, and want to be present in their everyday life.

Do women notice watches? ›

Watches can be a significant element of your overall appearance and style. Women, just like men, may notice your watches as an interesting accessory.

Can a woman wear a mens Rolex? ›

Although there is a time and place for women to don delicate and feminine timepieces such as the Rolex Lady-Datejust – for an everyday luxury watch, chic ladies everywhere are turning to men's Rolexes. Especially evident among female celebrities, a man's Rolex watch as part of a woman's wardrobe is right on-trend.

Who dominates the watch market? ›

Rolex Dominates Swiss Watch Market With 30% Share and $11.5B in Sales: Report. Rolex continues to dominate among Swiss watchmakers, with market share just over 30%, according to a new report.

Why do men like watches more than women? ›

Unlike women who have endless options for accessories, men are limited in their choices. Fashion-forward men know that a watch is a great way to make a statement and add a touch of style to any outfit.

Are watches for men or women? ›

Being universal accessories, watches are elements that exude individual style, be it for a man or a woman. However, these differences are not restricted to just aesthetics.

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