2023 is coming to a close, which means it’s time for our year in review, in which we highlight some of the biggest industry trends and standout moments. Which watches were the most popular, and which trends from last year endured? We pulled data from all aspects of the business, including the most expensive watches sold, which states bought the most luxury fake watches, and our most popular blog posts.
By model, the top-selling watch last year was the Submariner. 116610, in 2023, by the iconic 5-figure Ref. Rolex 16610, which is not surprising because cosmetically, both watches are similar in design. Both feature a 40mm case, stainless steel face, black dial and black bezel, a timeless combination that many avid Rolex collectors seek year after year. What sets the Submariner ref. 16610 apart from its six-figure successor, is the old-fashioned case and bracelet, aluminium bezel, and smaller hour markers.
Another top seller over the past few years has been the black dial, which is fitting considering the top-selling watch is the Submariner 16610. Black is a popular choice because it is so versatile and classic. Not to mention that black is also the dial colour of choice for most of the sports watches in the Rolex catalogue.
For some time now, stainless steel watches have been one of the most popular models, and many of them have been selling well at the retail level, with used watches being purchased for much more than their original price. The main reason for the hype is that stainless steel is one of the most affordable and durable metal surfaces on the market. However, in recent years, two-tone watches are making a comeback – and it will be interesting to see if this trend continues into next year.
The top metal is stainless steel, and the top dial colour is black, both of which are hallmarks of the Submariner line. The top bracelet type therefore makes sense: the Oyster bracelet. The three-link bracelet is also a fixture in the Submariner and other Rolex products. It is timeless and practical – everything that many collectors seek in a great luxury watch.
The Oyster Perpetual Datejust is the most sold model of the year. This iconic formal watch has been on the market since 1945 and boasts one of the most diverse portfolios of all other Rolex replica watches. Features include a wide range of case sizes, metal finishes, strap types and even dial colours. The Datejust is most widely known for the date mechanism located at the 3-hour marker, a first when the model entered the market more than 70 years ago. Since then, it has become one of the most successful watches in Rolex’s history.
This brings us to the most-searched-for watch of 2023, the GMT Master II ref. 16710. It has all the appeal of a classic pilot’s watch with a 24-hour bi-directional bezel and a centrally mounted GMT hand. The model 16710 also has an interesting place in Rolex history, as it completes the first GMT Master II ref. 16760, bringing a slimmer movement and case. With its comfortable proportions and the then-new independent GMT hand, which allowed the wearer to read the time in three time zones simultaneously, the ref. 16710 is a legend that continues to top the must-have list of many Rolex enthusiasts.
