Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Hermès Watchmaking Ambitions Face Headwinds From Birkin Cult
Hermès wants to become more important in the watch business.
However, the popularity of its Birkin bags may be overshadowing its watches.
Many Hermès watches are available on secondhand websites.
This large supply can make them worth less when owners try to sell them.
In 2026, mint-condition Hermès watches on The RealReal resold for about 41% of their original price.
A pristine Rolex can recover all of its original price.
Some rare Rolex Daytona watches can even sell for more than they originally cost.
Cartier watches recover about two-thirds of their original price.
Hermès is pursuing bigger ambitions in watchmaking, but its Birkin reputation may be affecting perceptions of its watches.
The article says the supply of Hermès watches on secondhand sites limits their resale value.
Mint-condition Hermès watches on The RealReal have resold for an average of 41% of their original price in 2026.
Pristine Rolex watches can recover their full original price, with scarce Daytona models sometimes selling for a profit.
Mint Cartier watches recover about two-thirds of their original price, according to the comparison.
- Who
- Hermès, along with Rolex, Cartier, and The RealReal, is discussed.
- What
- The article compares the resale value of Hermès watches with Rolex and Cartier watches.
- When
- The cited Hermès resale figures are from 2026.
- Where
- The resale transactions referenced took place on The RealReal, an online secondhand marketplace.
- Why
- The article says the amount of Hermès watches available on secondhand sites weighs on their resale value, while the Birkin cult may distract from the brand’s watchmaking ambitions.
- Hermès resale value
- Mint-condition watches resold for 41% of their original sticker price on average.
- Time period
- The average applies to sales so far in 2026.
- Marketplace
- The RealReal.
- Rolex resale value
- A pristine Rolex can recover its full original price.
- Rolex Daytona
- Scarce Daytona models can resell for a profit.
- Cartier resale value
- A mint Cartier watch recoups about two-thirds of its original price.