Cartier watches are seeing a major surge in popularity, with searches on the resale platform Fashionphile more than doubling in 2024 compared to last year. According to the company’s newly released 2024 Ultra-Luxury Resale Report, searches for the French luxury brand jumped by 104 percent. The Cartier Panthère model, in particular, has seen its resale value double from 2023 to 2024.
The report highlights broader trends in the booming resale market, which was valued at around $197 billion in 2023. That figure is expected to climb by another $100 billion by 2026. The women’s watch market alone was worth $23.7 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $26.7 billion by 2027.
Cartier isn’t the only brand benefitting from rising demand. TAG Heuer saw a 278 percent increase in searches this year, a growth attributed to the influence of Frédéric Arnault, the brand’s former CEO and now head of LVMH Watches. Meanwhile, the Omega Seamaster Diver remains a favorite among male collectors, with its buyout value rising 60 percent in 2024.
The growing demand reflects a broader “watch mania” trend that has gained momentum in recent years, boosted by auction activity and social media. Many collectors now prefer the pre-owned market over buying new. Fashionphile reports that vintage watch sales have increased by 60 percent this year. Watches with smaller case sizes are also up by 35 percent, while bracelet-style timepieces have grown by 30 percent.
Beyond watches, the resale market for luxury accessories continues to thrive. Handbags from brands like Chanel, Hermès, and Goyard remain top sellers, while newer labels such as Loewe are gaining ground. In the jewelry category, bold, statement pieces are trending, with sales of large earrings up 24 percent. Gold earrings have seen the most significant growth, with a 37 percent increase in sales this year.
As the resale market continues to expand, demand for vintage and iconic luxury items shows no sign of slowing down.