Pre-owned sales in the US grew nearly 70% in the first half of 2026
EveryWatch counted $10.5 billion in secondary market transactions worldwide from January to June, up 37% on last year. The United States and Canada made up $4.5 billion of it and grew faster than any other region.
The secondary watch market just had its biggest half-year on record. EveryWatch's report, drawing on 650 dealers and nearly 500 auction houses, counted $10.5 billion in transactions in the first six months of 2026, 37.2% more than the same period in 2025. The United States and Canada accounted for $4.5 billion of that, up nearly 70%. Asia was the one region that shrank, down 2.6%.
Rolex is 41% of the money
Rolex accounted for $4.29 billion, 41% of everything sold, with Patek Philippe at $1.51 billion and Audemars Piguet at $983 million. Three brands, two thirds of the market. And 75.8% of Rolex references trade above their retail price, more than any other brand.
The independents are the story
The fastest-growing segment wasn't a big house. Independent watchmakers sold $633.8 million on the secondary market, up 89%, more than LVMH's entire watch portfolio. F.P. Journe alone did $201.6 million, nearly triple, with a median price up 82% to $215,000. Auction sales rose 45% to $680 million, and 73 lots crossed $1 million, close to three times as many as a year earlier.
Watches are taking longer to sell
One number cuts against the rest. The median time to sell went from 39 days to 43. More money is moving, but buyers are pickier and prices have stopped running ahead of them. Chrono24's ChronoPulse index tells the same story in smaller steps, up 1.2% in June for a third straight monthly gain.
What it means if you're buying or selling here
A market this size, growing this fast in the US, means more choice and more honest pricing than at any point since 2022. If you're selling, a piece priced to the current market moves. If you're buying, the frenzy premium is gone, and examples with box and papers are worth holding out for.