Luxury Watch Friday Briefing - 8/15/2025

Wow, what an experience getting behind the mic live for the first time. Every Friday at 9am we will be coming to you live from the Google Meet link in the Group Calendar. If you cannot make it, all replays will be posted here.

Recap:

Market Update & Tariff Impact

Christian started with a market update for the previous week, noting significant news over the past two weeks centered around tariffs.
He detailed how tariffs have spiked to 39%, a figure that came as a surprise compared to the expected 31%, signaling uncertainty for the future.
He explained that in April, imports spiked by 150% to stock pre-tariff inventory, which now guides pricing until this inventory is depleted—likely over the next month.
Reports and articles, including one from Reuters, were highlighted as key resources for understanding the impact of these tariffs.
He discussed how micro brands like Christopher Ward are suffering because they do not have pre-tariff inventory to mitigate customs fees, passing additional costs to buyers (for example, a watch’s price rising from roughly $4,500 to nearly $6,500).
He mentioned that price hikes have already begun (such as a recent 3% increase in April) and estimates a further 10-15% increase at the ad (authorized dealer) level.

Video Production & Team Efforts

Christian pointed to his website (theartoftime.com) and his YouTube channel (“@TheArtofTimeHQ") as the platforms where his tariff thoughts are featured.
He highlighted one of his best-performing videos on profiting from tariffs, emphasizing that it was produced rapidly after waking up at 6:30am, then quickly edited and published within hours.
He praised his team, mentioning Minaanja, Mihir, and APJ for their incredible efforts in editing and publishing the video in a very short turnaround time.

Industry Trends & Secondary Market Insights

He stressed that buying watches from platforms such as eBay or Chrono24 (or directly from the AD) is no longer the smartest move due to upcoming price hikes.
With more watches now trading below retail, he noted a shift in market dynamics where secondary market demand is outpacing retail sales.
Christian argued that many pieces are now cheaper than they were five years ago when adjusted for inflation, making the secondary market a better option for value-conscious buyers.
He encouraged buyers to seek watches on the secondary market, as buying at retail is increasingly likened to losing money on depreciation.
He also mentioned that factors like inflation-adjusted prices at historic lows and rising gold prices (nearing $3,500 an ounce) indicate that now is a good time to shop pre-owned.

Client Sourcing & Recommendations

Christian detailed a request from a client named Kevin, who already owns two Grand Seiko Evolutions (white and blue) and a Bremont 43mm, and is now exploring his first venture into the secondary market for a tool watch.
Based on Kevin’s preferences (size in the 41-42mm range, a mix of steel, leather, and rubber with options for black, white, or blue dials), Christian outlined three potential options:

1. A Tudor Black Bay 58 “Smiley” – noted for its unique dial with the self-winding rotor in the shape of a smile and produced only in 2016.

2. An Omega Quartz Seamaster – praised for its attractive new dial patterns and practical tool watch design, though Christian is personally team automatic.

3. A Breitling Superocean – recommended as a strong entry-level tool watch with a steel configuration.

He also discussed a separate request from a friend of his wife (referred to as “M”), who is searching for a wedding watch for her husband, with specific interest in a two-tone 36mm Rolex Datejust. Christian explained his approach to sourcing this piece including checking various configurations and prices.
He emphasized that his process involves getting to know clients’ collections and realistic price ranges, ensuring that new acquisitions complement existing pieces without overspending.

Watch Technical Details & Latest Releases

Christian reviewed various technical aspects and notable releases in the luxury watch world, discussing everything from minute repeaters with triple gongs to complications like moon phases, perpetual calendars, and instantaneous time zone displays.
He showcased his admiration for watches with advanced technical mastery, noting that some pieces (e.g., a watch with chime sounds, 108 Joules frequency, and intricate date wheels) are near “final boss” level in terms of horological achievement.
He touched on current releases and trends, including Zenith’s Lapis style, Chanel J12 for women, and a nod to Tag Heuer’s F1 partnership which he believes could revive the brand’s roots.
Christian voiced concerns about ultra-thin watches potentially sustaining damage, indicating that he will revisit their durability after they have gathered more wrist time and photos.
He briefly mentioned upcoming review videos covering detailed histories such as that of quartz versus automatic movements in Swiss watches.

Inventory, Merch & Engagement Outreach

Christian announced that he has nine pieces in his inventory that he aims to sell in a video next week, detailing his strategy to get cash in hand through clear pricing and direct negotiation.
He encouraged interested buyers to reach out through his website for any watch inquiries or further information about his current inventory.
Christian also showcased new merch (premium logo T-shirts, hats, etc.) under his brand “The Art of Time,” emphasizing that the merchandise supports raising brand awareness while uniting the community around luxury watches.
He wrapped up by inviting viewers to join his recurring sessions every Friday at 9am and to connect with him on social platforms, reinforcing his commitment to eliminating the games in watch buying and providing value for collectors.

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The Art of Time

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