Dealer Steven Rostovsky on Why Classic, Simple Watches Are Trending
Robb Report • • technology
Key Points:
- Despite initial concerns over President Trump's tariffs on Swiss watch imports, watch sales in 2025 exceeded expectations, with a particularly strong final quarter, signaling resilience in the market.
- Steven Rostovsky, a Los Angeles watch dealer, adapted by focusing on domestic purchases and secondary sales during high tariff periods, resuming imports when tariffs dropped to 15 percent in December.
- Currency fluctuations, especially the weakening U.S. dollar against the Swiss franc, have had a more significant impact on watch prices in the U.S. than tariffs, leading to higher retail prices domestically.
- Consumer preferences are shifting toward classic, simple, and well-crafted watches in limited quantities, moving away from the pandemic-driven demand for steel sport watches and rare shaped designs.
- The
