Gen-Z in awe of vintage watches:Zoomers increase purchases, leading to a rise in global second-hand watch market

Britain’s Gen-Z youth Evan Fry was born when people carried Nokia 1100 phones in their pockets. At that time, mobiles had also started displaying time on screens. People were worried that mobiles might replace traditional wristwatches. Throughout his life, Fry has seen time on iPhones, laptops, TVs, and even bathroom mirrors. Despite this, he has collected over 35 vintage watches that are 50 years old. Their prices range from ₹90,000 to ₹3 lakh. Fry’s most valuable watch is the Tag Heuer Carrera, which he bought for approximately ₹3 lakh. Fry’s dream is to wear an ‘H. Moser’ watch, which costs ₹50 lakh. Not just Fry, but most Gen-Z (youth up to 29 years) have developed a craze for vintage watches. According to Bezel, a company that sells old luxury watches, Gen-Z customers buy approximately one-third of the company’s watches. Company CEO Quaid Walker says, ‘Now watch companies are focusing on youth. Today, Gen-Z customers are spending the most money on buying watches.’ According to a Chrono-24 report, Gen-Z’s share in the secondary (vintage/pre-owned) watch market has increased. Since 2018, purchases of dress/vintage style watches among Gen-Z have grown by 44%. The global vintage/second-hand watch market is worth 26-27 lakh crore rupees. This market is growing at approximately 9% annually and could reach 42 lakh crore rupees by 2030. Dahyan Lee, who sells vintage watches online, says she has 10,000 followers on Instagram. More than 45% of them are Gen-Z. She says, ‘These people have grown up in a digital environment, so they have a greater desire for old things.’ No more gender barriers in watch market Dahyan says that many male customers are fond of small and women’s watches. I have sold many such watches to men that are typically considered women’s watches. She says ‘Some girls also prefer men’s watches.’ Fry has many such watches that were designed for women.