While the summer heat may well make one want to hit the pause button, the watch industry is having none of it. It’s been all buzz and excitement, with key development decorating the sector’s landscape. A wave of impressive growth is washing over the secondary watch market, with prices having seen a marked increase for the third quarter running. This notable trend, which reverses years of diminishing numbers, is the first extended upswing since 2022, in what seems to be an indicator of stabilization following the post-pandemic economic turbulence.
According to insights from Morgan Stanley and WatchCharts, this healing process has affected a wide range of brands, including Longines, Patek Philippe, and Zenith. Price rises have primarily been triggered by upward trends in primary market prices, tariffs impacting U.S. watch imports, and a revived vibrancy in the pre-owned luxury watch market.
In the world of horology, entering the market as a new brand can be a herculean task. But, co-founder of Aera, Olof Larsson, did just that and gives an intimate account of his exciting journey in a recent podcast conversation with Ariel Adams, founder of aBlogtoWatch. With a proven track record in the watch industry and roots in retail, Larsson shares his experiences and the vision that shaped Aera, a modern tool watch brand.
Larsson details how a serendipitous friendship from Ikepod led to the inception of Aera. He sheds light on his decision alongside co-founder Jas Minhas to introduce a fresh brand rather than resurrecting a heritage name. He discusses the challenging task of finding the perfect company name and emphasizes the importance of designing watches that reflect purpose, refinement, and a distinct personality.