# Luxury watch industry trends and history

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/luxury-watch-industry-trends-and-history
> Updated: 2026-08-23T03:10:37.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

The luxury watch industry is characterized by a focus on iconic model revivals, historical technological shifts, and major global industry events.

Recent developments include Cartier’s plan to relaunch the Roadster in 2026, a model that has been absent since 2012 but remains highly desirable on the secondary market. Additionally, Bvlgari is introducing a 37mm version of the Octo Finissimo for 2026, and the WatchTime New York event is scheduled for October 2026 to serve as a North American hub for collectors.

Historically, the industry has navigated significant challenges, such as the quartz crisis of the late 1960s. During this period, the Swiss mechanical watch industry faced threats from quartz movements, prompting brands like Rolex to develop their own quartz technology. Today, the market emphasizes pieces with historical relevance, such as the Rolex Submariner and the Omega Speedmaster, which have transitioned from functional tools to global symbols of sophistication.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Rolex and the evolution of luxury watchmaking

An exploration of luxury watchmaking history and collecting, covering the impact of the quartz crisis on Rolex and the enduring status of iconic models like the Rolex Submariner and Omega Speedmaster.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rolex-and-the-evolution-of-luxury-watchmaking

### 2026-08-22: Luxury watch industry focuses on iconic revivals and major global events

Luxury watchmakers are focusing on iconic revivals, led by Cartier’s 2026 return of the Roadster, alongside major industry gatherings like Watches & Wonders and WatchTime New York.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luxury-watch-industry-focuses-on-iconic-revivals-and-major-global-events

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Cite as: Luxury watch industry trends and history. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/luxury-watch-industry-trends-and-history