Gulf collectors power luxury watch boom toward $1bn milestone

Demand from buyers in the Gulf is set to play a decisive role in pushing global luxury watch auction sales beyond the US$1 billion mark in 2026, according to new forecasts from auction house FutureGrail.

In its latest report, GCC Watch Auction Spotlight, FutureGrail predicts that nationals and expatriates from the GCC will account for between 20 and 25 per cent of top-tier watch auction sales over the next 12 months. That contribution is expected to translate into more than US$200 million in purchases by buyers based in the region.

The firm says accelerating wealth creation across the Gulf, alongside growing interest in watches as both collectibles and investment assets, is reshaping the dynamics of the global auction market. Over the past decade, luxury watch prices have risen by more than 125 per cent on average, according to data cited from the Knight Frank Wealth Report.

Ali Nael, chief executive of FutureGrail, said interest from the region has intensified as buyers increasingly view high-end timepieces as an alternative store of value. “GCC buyers are flocking to luxury watches, firstly because of the desirability of beautiful timepieces and secondly, the performance of watches as an asset class. The growth of millionaires and billionaires within the region has skyrocketed and whether they are purchasing for their own personal collections or as part of a professional investment strategy, demand for luxury watches from the region has never been higher.”

GCC collectors fuel luxury watch boom

The report also highlights the influence of expatriate communities within the Gulf, particularly Indian buyers, who are described as playing a significant role at auction. According to FutureGrail, many of these collectors view watches in a similar way to gold, using them as a hedge against volatility and a long-term store of value.

Wealth advisers are also increasingly recommending luxury watches as part of diversified portfolios, further supporting demand at the top end of the market. This trend has coincided with more competitive bidding at international auctions, where GCC buyers are now among the most active participants.

Beyond traditional wristwatches, the report points to emerging preferences within the region. FutureGrail notes a growing interest in pocket watches among GCC collectors, particularly younger Emirati and Kuwaiti men.

Nael said this shift reflects broader changes in fashion and collecting tastes. “Pocket watches have been underrated for decades, but we started to see youth in Geneva reigniting global demand. This spark has caught on amongst GCC millennials and Gen Z, so as surprising as it may be, you may start to see more pocket watch wearers at high-end events over the coming seasons.”

As auction houses prepare for what FutureGrail expects to be a record-breaking year in 2026, the firm says the Gulf’s influence on the global luxury watch market is likely to continue expanding, driven by wealth growth, investment interest and evolving collector tastes across the region.