The Unseen Tug of War: Luxury Watch Brands Grapple with Desirability and Consumer Expectation

Published: 21 Jul 2025
In the realm of luxury watches, an unseen tussle arises between brand aspirations and consumer expectations - a dynamic that profoundly influences the market.

The narrative around luxury goods, particularly timepieces, encompasses more than the simple exchange of items for currency. It’s a battleground where buyers’ expectations and brand aspirations continuously lock horns. Instead of synergistic cooperation, the interaction proves more confrontational, challenging the commonly held belief that the market solely exists to satisfy consumer desire for fancy items through highly-priced experiences.

Brands primarily focus on carving out desirable luxury goods with steep price tags to ensure high profit margins. Consequently, they find themselves pulling consumers into the allure of a product perceived to be in high demand. However, consumers, on the opposite ‘pull’ side, yearn for products outcompeting others while offering tangible value for money.

Marketing strategies subtly influence consumers’ perception of popular products. The use of celebrity endorsement or ambassadors is a prime example. Brands present the famous faces with their products, relying on the implicit assurance of quality and competitiveness. Consumers tend to infer that celebrities, with their immense buying options, pick these items for their superior quality and competitiveness.

This dynamic between brand aspiration to create desirable products and consumer demand for competitive value underscores the complex interplay within the luxury timepiece market. It serves as a crucial determinant of what brands offer and what consumers ultimately seek.