Despite stock shortages and high demand, many of today's top watchmakers still managed to create exceptional offerings.
watch exports reached an all-time high of over $22 billion, according to a report by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry. Exports to the US were up 55 percent, and January 2022 witnessed a year-on-year increase of 37.5 percent. The industry is clearly in robust health.
Watches from the big three—Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet—are always difficult to come by, but this year all of the makers’ models are experiencing unprecedented demand. If you are lucky enough to snag one at retail, you might still end up on a years-long waiting list. “Demand is going through the roof.
Ben Bridge’s Perez says he’s seeing similar trends across brands whose wares have been traditionally easier to get, such as Cartier, Tag Heuer, Panerai, IWC and Breitling. “Tag Heuer actually stopped shipping [to] every retailer in November last year and didn’t start shipping again until mid-to late January,” he says. “They even canceled all orders because they just couldn’t supply anybody anymore.