Dubai has always been associated with modern luxury, but in the last decade it has also become one of the most important global hubs for pre-owned high-end watches. Collectors and investors from Europe, the Middle East and Asia now look to Dubai when they want to buy, sell or trade serious pieces from brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille and many more.

From the perspective of the team at Prestige Calibers, a Dubai-based retailer working with modern and pre-owned luxury watches, this evolution is visible every day – in the diversity of clients, the speed of deals and the quality of watches that flow through the city.

In this article we explain why Dubai plays such a central role in the secondary watch market – and how we can helps you navigate it wherever you are in the world.

Why Dubai is perfect for pre-owned luxury watches?

Several factors have turned Dubai from a classic retail destination into a true marketplace for pre-owned timepieces.

1. Competitive, tax-efficient pricing

   Compared with many large markets, local tax and duty conditions in Dubai often allow for more attractive pricing on luxury goods, including pre-owned watches. For buyers this can mean that the same watch, in the same condition, is available at a more interesting price than in many European or North American cities.

2. International collecting culture

   Dubai brings together residents and visitors from all over the world. Many of them see watches not only as a lifestyle purchase but also as a way to store value and diversify their assets. This creates a very active community of collectors, investors and enthusiasts who are constantly buying and selling.

3. High density of professional dealers

   The city has a remarkable concentration of specialized watch retailers and platforms focused on pre-owned inventory. This competition benefits clients: there is more choice, prices tend to stay close to the global market and deals can be completed quickly.

Dubai Watch Week – the fair that changed the conversation

One event perfectly illustrates how serious Dubai has become as a horological center: Dubai Watch Week.

Founded by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, Dubai Watch Week was created as a non-commercial, educational event focused on watchmaking culture rather than pure sales. It brings together leading maisons, independent brands, watchmakers, designers, media and collectors in an open environment with free entry upon registration.

Unlike many traditional trade shows, Dubai Watch Week focuses on:

• panel discussions and the Horology Forum

• masterclasses in watchmaking, engraving and gem-setting

• direct conversations between brands, independents and collectors

Members of the Prestige Calibers team have attended Dubai Watch Week as professionals and enthusiasts. Experiencing it in person confirmed how strong Dubai’s position has become: the event is often described as one of the most impressive watch fairs in the world, and in many ways a fresh alternative to more traditional Swiss formats.

For clients, this matters because it shows that Dubai is not just a place where watches are traded – it is a genuine cultural and intellectual hub for modern horology.

What this means for collectors and sellers?

Because of these factors, Dubai offers clear advantages to both sides of the market:

For buyers

• access to references that might have long waiting lists in traditional retail

• the ability to compare multiple examples of the same model in different configurations

• pricing that reflects global demand and recent market movements

For sellers

• a liquid market where serious pieces can find a buyer

• professional platforms that help structure the selling or trade-in process

• the option to rebalance or upgrade a collection without unnecessary friction

For sellers, this structure means that exiting a position in a watch does not have to be complicated – you can simply begin the process on our Sell Your Watch page and let our team guide you through each step.

How Prestige Calibers helps you access Dubai’s watch market?

Prestige Calibers was created to be a gateway into this market for clients in Dubai and worldwide.

We focus on modern and pre-owned luxury watches and work with a vetted global network of suppliers, dealers and collectors. Our goal is simple: to make it easier and safer for you to buy, sell or trade the right watch at the right moment.

Key services we provide:

Watch sourcing

If you are looking for a specific reference or a short list of models, you can submit a request through our platform. A manager will contact you, clarify details such as budget and timing, and then reach out across our network. In many cases we can return with options – including indicative prices and delivery windows – within minutes.

Latest Arrivals

If you want to see what the Dubai market looks like right now, the best place to start is our Latest Arrivals collection. It is a live snapshot of pieces currently available through Prestige Calibers in Dubai, featuring carefully selected watches from brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, F. P. Journe and others. Each watch is chosen for its condition, desirability and relevance to serious collectors, and you can request more details, a viewing or a reservation directly from the listing.

Sell or trade in your watch

If you are considering selling a watch or using it to move into another piece, you can start directly on our Sell Your Watch page. Share the details and photos of your timepiece, and our team in Dubai will review the information and come back with a competitive offer and clear next steps. This structured process makes it easier to upgrade or rebalance your collection without unnecessary friction.

Authenticity and condition checks

Before any watch is handed over to a client, it is inspected for authenticity and condition. We encourage buyers to carry out any additional checks they feel are necessary, and we are transparent about what has been verified.

Why collectors choose Dubai – and Prestige Calibers

When clients speak to us about why they choose Dubai and Prestige Calibers, several themes appear again and again:

• access to desirable references that may be difficult to secure elsewhere

• pricing that reflects international market reality

• the ability to move in and out of positions in a collection with structure and support

• a partner on the ground in Dubai who understands both the local market and global expectations

Conclusion

Dubai’s rise as a global hub for pre-owned luxury watches is the result of many forces working together: competitive pricing, a strong collecting culture, a dense network of professional dealers and events such as Dubai Watch Week that put the city at the center of the horological conversation.

Prestige Calibers exists to help you benefit from this unique ecosystem. Whether you are searching for a specific model, exploring our latest arrivals or planning to sell or trade in part of your collection, our team in Dubai is ready to guide you through each step.