The global luxury watch auction market is entering a transformative era, driven by a powerful force from the Middle East. According to FutureGrail, accelerated demand from GCC buyers is set to propel watch auction sales beyond the US$1 billion mark by 2026. With regional collectors, investors, and expatriates reshaping buying patterns, luxury timepieces are no longer just objects of desire — they are strategic assets commanding global attention.
Luxury auction house FutureGrail predicts that buyers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will play a defining role in the future of the high-end watch market. Over the next 12 months alone, GCC nationals and expatriates are forecast to account for more than US$200 million in luxury watch auction sales, representing between 20% and 25% of top-tier timepiece transactions worldwide.
These insights form part of FutureGrail’s GCC Watch Auction Spotlight, a report examining the growing influence of the region’s wealth on global luxury watch collecting. The findings highlight not only a surge in purchasing power, but also a shift in mindset — where watches are increasingly viewed as both cultural symbols and alternative investment assets.
Ali Nael, CEO of FutureGrail, explains that the rise in demand is driven by two key factors:
the enduring appeal of beautifully crafted timepieces, and their proven performance as an asset class. With the number of millionaires and billionaires in the GCC rising rapidly, collectors are acquiring watches either to enhance personal collections or as part of structured investment strategies.
Market data supports this trend. Over the past decade, luxury watch prices have increased by more than 125%, according to the Knight Frank Wealth Report. As a result, wealth advisors across the region are now recommending luxury watches as a hedge against volatility, positioning them alongside gold and other store-of-value assets.
The report also underscores the significant role of Indian expatriates living in the GCC, who are increasingly active at auctions. Their approach mirrors traditional gold investment strategies, reinforcing the perception of watches as a secure long-term holding.
From a style perspective, FutureGrail identifies an unexpected yet growing trend within the GCC: the revival of pocket watches. Particularly popular among young Emirati and Kuwaiti collectors, pocket watches are experiencing renewed interest among millennials and Gen Z buyers, inspired by recent trends emerging from Geneva’s elite watch circles. As a result, these classic pieces may soon reappear at high-profile events across the region.
Looking ahead, FutureGrail will share further insights at ShopTalk Luxe, taking place at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi from January 27 to 29, 2026, where luxury retail leaders and collectors will gather to discuss the future of high-end markets.
