Quartz Watch Market Size
The global quartz watch market size was valued at USD 71.51 billion in 2024, is expected to reach USD 75 billion in 2025, and is projected to hit USD 95.17 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 4.88% during the forecast period (2025-2030). The growth of the market is attributed to the growing demand for solar-powered quartz watches, as affordability and mass appeal are driving demand for quartz watches
Key Market Insights
- Analog quartz watches lead the market for their timeless appeal, precision, and affordability, with innovations like solar charging and water resistance.
- Mid-range quartz watches (USD 100–500) dominate globally, driven by value-conscious middle-class buyers, especially in Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
- Online retail is the top distribution channel, boosted by e-commerce platforms, D2C strategies, and influencer-driven digital marketing.
- North America and Europe remain strong markets, with premium heritage brands, fashion-driven buyers, and seasonal sales peaks.
- Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, fuelled by young consumers, urbanization, and tech-enabled online sales.
- Middle East & Africa and Latin America see strong demand from gifting traditions, middle-class growth, and stylish yet affordable models.
Latest Market Trends
Resurgence of vintage quartz watches among Gen Z
Vintage-style quartz watches are gaining traction among Gen Z, driven by a desire for affordable, stylish, and nostalgic timepieces. This trend reflects a shift toward individuality and appreciation for classic aesthetics in everyday fashion and accessories.
- For instance, in January 2025, The Guardian reported that brands like Seiko and Casio are reissuing classic models to appeal to younger buyers. Social media has amplified this trend, with influencers showcasing retro designs that blend heritage with modern reliability and long-term functionality. The vintage revival is encouraging brands to innovate while honouring timeless styles, strengthening appeal among fashion-conscious youth.
Growing integration of smart features in quartz watches
The quartz watch market is evolving with hybrid models that integrate smart features while retaining classic quartz movements, targeting tech-savvy professionals and millennials. Brands like Fossil, Citizen, and Casio are introducing watches with fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, notifications, and Bluetooth connectivity alongside quartz precision. Celebrities such as Zendaya and Harry Styles have boosted their popularity through their fashion choices and endorsements. This trend reflects growing consumer demand for analog craftsmanship fused with digital convenience. Hybrid quartz watches are redefining the category by blending timeless design with smart functionality, fostering innovation and expanding appeal across wider global demographics.
Quartz Watch Market Drivers
Growing demand for solar-powered quartz watches
The demand for solar-powered quartz watches is increasing as consumers prioritize reliability, low maintenance, and sustainability. These timepieces appeal to eco-conscious buyers looking to reduce battery waste without sacrificing style or performance.
- According to Ethos Watches in March 2025, the newly launched Tissot PRC 100 Solar Quartz reflects this shift, featuring Lightmaster Solar Quartz technology that charges in ten minutes of daylight to power 24 hours. Once fully charged, it offers a 14-month power reserve. The model includes a chronograph, Super LumiNova hands, and 100m water resistance. This innovation highlights the growing demand for energy-efficient quartz watches with long-lasting performance.
Affordability and mass appeal are driving demand for quartz watches
Quartz watches continue to dominate global sales due to their affordability, low maintenance, and high accuracy, making them ideal for mass market consumers. Compared to mechanical watches, quartz models are cheaper to manufacture and easier to maintain, appealing to budget-conscious buyers in both developed and emerging markets. Brands like Casio, Timex, and Titan have expanded quartz lines targeting students, young professionals, and first-time buyers. Their strong price-to-performance ratio enables deeper market penetration in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa, sustaining quartz watches’ dominance in the global wristwatch industry.
Market Restraints
Rising competition from smartwatches and mechanical watches
The quartz watch market faces mounting pressure from the rise of smartwatches and the resurgence of mechanical timepieces. Smartwatches attract tech-savvy, fitness-conscious consumers with features like health tracking, connectivity, and app integration. Meanwhile, mechanical watches appeal to luxury buyers seeking craftsmanship, heritage, emotional value, and collectibility. Though quartz models are affordable and reliable, they lack the prestige or innovation found in competing segments. As preferences shift, quartz watches risk being perceived as outdated or less aspirational. This dual threat restricts their competitiveness, especially in premium markets, and slows long-term growth and market positioning.
Limited perceived value in premium segments
Despite their accuracy and low maintenance, quartz watches struggle to gain recognition in the premium watch segment. High-end consumers often associate luxury with mechanical movements, handcrafted designs, and traditional horological excellence. Quartz models, powered by batteries and assembled with minimal human intervention, lack the artisanal and emotional appeal sought by affluent buyers. Even when crafted with premium materials and branding, they are often perceived as entry-level or mass market products. This perception limits their pricing power and appeal in luxury markets, restricting quartz brands from scaling into prestige-driven segments or competing effectively with automatic alternatives.
Quartz Watch Market Opportunities
Celebrity endorsements fuelling demand for designer quartz watches
Celebrity endorsements are reshaping the quartz watch market by boosting visibility and desirability, especially among younger consumers seeking fashionable accessories. As luxury brands embrace pop culture, quartz watches gain aspirational value beyond utility.
- According to GMT India in November 2024, Chopard launched two quartz models, Ice Cube Secret and Ice Cube Concealed, with supermodel Bella Hadid as the campaign face. The launch, titled Sculpted by Light, showcased minimalist design and received widespread media coverage. Such high-profile collaborations position quartz watches as luxury fashion statements, creating strong opportunities for growth in the premium lifestyle segment.
Integration of wellness features in quartz watches
With rising interest in health and well-being, there is growing potential for quartz watches to integrate basic wellness features without sacrificing their classic appeal. This opens doors to a niche yet expanding market segment. Consumers now seek functionality beyond timekeeping, such as step counters, hydration reminders, and UV alerts, especially in sleek, minimalist designs. Unlike bulky smartwatches, quartz models with wellness sensors offer a stylish, non-digital alternative. Brands like Garmin and Citizen are already exploring this hybrid space. Subtle health-focused features can help quartz watchmakers attract wellness-conscious, fashion-forward consumers seeking elegant utility.
Product Type Insights
Analog quartz watches remain the most popular type due to their classic appeal, precise timekeeping, and affordability. Featuring traditional dials powered by quartz movement, they attract both style-conscious and practical consumers. Brands like Tissot, Seiko, and Citizen enhance this segment with innovations such as solar charging and water resistance. These watches also lead the gifting category for their timeless aesthetics. As demand for understated luxury and low-maintenance functionality grows, analog quartz watches are expected to retain a leading share of the global market.
Price Range Insights
Mid-range quartz watches, priced between USD 100 and USD 500, dominate the global market due to their balance of brand value and affordability. This segment appeals to first-time buyers and gifting consumers. Brands like Casio Edifice, Citizen, and Fossil lead with durable materials, multifunction displays, and sleek designs. Features include water resistance and premium finishes. Demand is driven by the middle class in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. As value for money preferences rise, the mid-range segment is set for steady growth and intensified competition.
Distribution Channel Insights
Online retail has become the leading distribution channel for quartz watches, driven by smartphone penetration, convenience, and access to global brands. E-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and brand websites offer broad selections, user reviews, and flexible returns. Luxury brands are focusing on D2C strategies and virtual try-on tools to enhance digital experiences. Influencer marketing and social media have increased online conversions across age groups. With rising internet access in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, online retail is expected to remain the dominant sales channel.
| By Product Type | By Price Range | By Distribution Channel |
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Regional Insights
North America
North America holds a key position in the global quartz watch market, supported by strong brand presence, digital retail infrastructure, and high consumer spending. The U.S. leads in demand and innovation, with brands like Timex, Fossil, and MVMT offering analog and hybrid models. E-commerce platforms cater to fashion-conscious, value-driven buyers, with spikes during events like Black Friday and Valentine’s Day. In Canada, department stores and boutiques show growing demand for eco-conscious and locally made designs. The region maintains steady growth driven by lifestyle preferences, fashion trends, and diverse product availability.
Europe
Europe remains a key market for quartz watches, blending traditional watchmaking heritage with evolving consumer trends. Switzerland leads with precision quartz models from brands like Swatch, Longines, and Tissot. In the UK and France, Gen Z and millennials are driving demand for minimalist and designer watches, often shaped by social media. Germany shows resilience with a mix of premium and affordable brands. Sales occur through flagship stores and third-party e-commerce, boosted by tourism and gifting. Combining tradition and innovation, Europe continues to be a culturally rooted and premium-driven quartz watch market.
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market for quartz watches, fuelled by young consumers, urbanization, and tech-enabled commerce. In China and India, buyers prefer fashionable yet affordable models from brands like Casio, Titan, and Seiko. Japan leads in technology-driven designs, while South Korea emphasizes style and K-pop endorsements. Online platforms like Flipkart, JD.com, and Lazada boost access through influencer marketing and mobile-first behaviour. From sporty digital to elegant analog styles, diverse preferences drive demand. Rising disposable income across urban and semi-urban areas supports continued growth, innovation, and brand experimentation in the region.
Middle East & Africa
Quartz watch demand in the Middle East & Africa is rising with lifestyle shifts, modern retail growth, and cultural gifting traditions. In Gulf nations, designer quartz brands like Michael Kors, Emporio Armani, and Guess thrive in malls and airport outlets, with strong sales during Eid, weddings, and special occasions. In countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria, affordable models attract the growing middle class and urban professionals. E-commerce is expanding via mobile access and local platforms. As fashion and function converge, quartz watches serve as accessible, stylish accessories across diverse consumer groups.
Latin America
Latin America’s quartz watch market is driven by affordability, fashion trends, and expanding retail access across urban and semi-urban areas. Brazil and Mexico lead demand, with middle-income consumers favouring stylish, value-driven quartz models. Department stores and regional e-commerce platforms distribute brands like Casio, Invicta, and Orient. Bold, sporty analog styles and celebrity branding appeal to men. While economic fluctuations affect luxury sales, mid-range segments remain strong. Argentina and Colombia show rising adoption, fuelled by youth and seasonal offers. Demand for trendy, budget-friendly quartz watches remains resilient.
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Company Market Share
Leading brands are advancing quartz innovation through limited editions, smart integrations, and premium design updates to strengthen their market presence.
Citizen Watch Co. is a dominant player in the quartz watch market, driven by its Eco-Drive solar technology and global reach. Collections like Promaster, Attesa, and Citizen L appeal to both budget-conscious and eco-aware premium buyers.
Casio leads in analog and digital quartz segments with popular lines such as G-Shock, Edifice, and Vintage. Known for durability, affordability, and trend-driven designs, Casio appeals across age groups. Its strong online strategy enhances global reach and reinforces brand loyalty.
Recent News:
- In July 2025, Casio unveiled the G-Shock MRG-B5000HT-1, a limited edition solar quartz watch featuring tsuiki hammering and titanium, reinforcing its position in high-end quartz innovation.
Recent Developments
- May 2025: Citizen launched Unite with Blue, a limited edition quartz line featuring blue dials, Eco-Drive solar movement with 12-month power reserve, and satellite wave tech in Promaster and Attesa.
- May 2025: H. Moser & Cie. launched the Streamliner Alpine Mechanic’s Edition, a hybrid quartz sports watch with countdown alerts and F1 team sync features.
- June 2025: Timex and Noah launched a gold-toned moon phase quartz watch priced at $200, which sold out in pre-orders, highlighting demand for stylish limited editions.
Key Players in the Quartz Watch Market
- Citizen Watch
- Seiko Holdings Corporation
- Swatch Group
- Casio Computer
- Fossil Group
- Timex Group
- TAG Heuer
- Movado Group