South Korea Watch Market Overview, 2029

Due to the rich cultural heritage of South Korea, certain traditional beliefs and values may have an impact on consumer preferences for watches. Watches are frequently seen as more than just timepieces; they can also be status, achievement, and fashion symbols. The fashion business in South Korea is renowned for being lively and dynamic. Current fashion trends may have an impact on consumer watch selections, as people look for watches that both represent their personality and go well with their outfits. Given that South Korea is a technologically proficient nation, buyers might be interested in timepieces that include contemporary technology. This could include wearable’s that provide notifications, health tracking capabilities, and device connectivity. The watch industry may be impacted by tourism, particularly in well-known travel locations. The yearning for luxury goods as mementos and duty-free shopping could drive up watch purchases. Certain watch brands' level of popularity can have a big effect on the market. South Korean customers may exhibit interest in local brands that suit their tastes or have preferences for specific international brands. The channels of distribution used to sell timepieces, such as department stores, specialized shops, and internet sites, can have an impact on customer access and buying patterns. The middle class in South Korea is expanding, and buyers who value high-end, well-made products may have a greater need for luxury items like timepieces. South Korea is not an exception to the global trend of online buying. Traditional retail channels may be impacted by the convenience of buying timepieces online and the abundance of selections. The consumer market is significantly influenced by a nation's overall economic circumstances. Higher discretionary incomes from a robust and stable economy may encourage consumers to spend more on upscale items like watches.

According to the research report "South Korea Watch Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Watch Market is projected to reach market size of more than USD 6 Billion by 2029. South Korea has had substantial economic growth, which has increased many customers' discretionary income. People may be more likely to spend money on watches and other non-essential products when their financial situation improves. Watches are regarded as more than just timepieces and frequently have cultural importance. In South Korea, where traditional values and contemporary lifestyles combine, timepieces can serve as status, achievement, and fashion symbols. The fashion business in South Korea is renowned for being dynamic and significant. The newest fashion trends may have an impact on consumers since timepieces are seen as both practical accessories and fashion statements. Due to its popularity as a travel destination, duty-free shopping and the demand for high-end gifts, South Korea may be a factor in the watch market's expansion. Increased sales could be attributed to foreign visitors, particularly for well-known watch brands. Market expansion may be fueled by certain watch brands' appeal, both domestically and internationally. Strong branding, clever marketing plans, and prominent locations can raise customer preferences and brand awareness. Tech-savvy South Korean consumers may be drawn to the trend of combining cutting-edge technology into devices, such as smartwatches with health tracking capabilities. The market may expand as a result of consumer demand for watches that interface with smartphones and other gadgets. The emergence of e-commerce platforms has made a large selection of watches easily accessible to South Korean consumers. Easy comparison, customization, and delivery services are made possible by e-commerce, which promotes industry growth.

Based on movement market is divided into smart watch, Quartz, mechanical, solar & other. Due to mass production made possible by quartz technology, watches are now more affordable and available to a wider range of Koreans. Both first-time watch aficionados and budget-conscious consumers are catered to by this. Superior accuracy and low maintenance requirements characterize quartz movements. This is appealing to Koreans who appreciate accuracy and usefulness in their timepieces. A wide variety of styles and functionalities are possible using quartz technology, satisfying a wide range of preferences. Popular examples include sports watches with cutting-edge technologies, understated styles, and solar-powered models. Prominent companies such as Seiko, Citizen, Orient, and Casio are excellent producers of quartz movements, providing dependable and abundant options at competitive costs, thereby reinforcing the market's position.

Based on the product range of the market is divided into low- range, Mid-range, luxury. Mid-range timepieces frequently combine price and quality in a harmonious way. Watches with good craftsmanship, dependable movements, and fashionable designs that don't come with the hefty price tags associated with luxury watches may appeal to South Korean consumers. Numerous well-known and reputable mid-range watch brands are known for their high quality. South Korean consumers may value the status attached to these brands and want to strike a balance between reputable names and an affordable price range. Mid-range watches are adaptable for many situations because they frequently come in a selection of designs and styles. Mid-range watches may appeal to South Korean consumers who are affected by fashion trends and a desire for personal expression because of their varied styles. Trendsetting inclinations and a lively fashion culture are well-known attributes of South Korea. Because they combine style, quality, and affordability, mid-range timepieces might be a good fit for South Korean customers' fashion tastes. Several people choose to give watches as gifts for a variety of occasions, and the mid-range market has several selections that are appropriate for giving. In South Korea, mid-range timepieces are popular alternatives for gift-givers due to their perceived value and cost.

Based on the Enduser the market can be categorized by male, female, unisex. Like many other nations, South Korea has long-standing gender norms that affect how people shop. Watches have long been connected to success, professionalism, and masculinity, all of which are in line with cultural norms and expectations. Like many other cultures, South Korean culture views watches as status and prestige symbols. Men's watches can be seen as symbols of achievement and success, particularly when they come from well-known brands. Presentation and look play a big part in the commercial and professional culture of South Korea. In professional situations, males are typically held to a higher standard of punctuality and professionalism when wearing watches. The watch business frequently mirrors general fashion trends, with some designs and styles being targeted primarily at men. Men's watches are dominant in the market, which is attributed to the view of them as fashion accessories.



Based on type of Distribution Channel the market can be categorized by retail store, specialty store, and online retail. In-depth brand and technical knowledge is provided by committed professionals, which helps luxury and enthusiast customers make well-informed purchases. Prestigious settings highlight well-made timepieces, appealing to luxury watch consumers looking for a unique experience. Various manufacturers, ranging from well-known luxury labels to independent niche markets, offer timepieces that suit a wide range of tastes and price points, drawing in a wider clientele. Younger generations and consumers on a tight budget are drawn to online marketplaces such as Coupang and Gmarket because they provide convenience, reasonable pricing, and an expanded selection. Even while the value of individual transactions through this channel may be lower than that of specialist stores, it nevertheless makes a considerable contribution to market volume.

Considered in this report:
• Geography: South Korea
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report:
• South Korea Watch market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Movement:
• Smart watch
• Quartz
• Mechanical
• Solar & other

By Product Range:
• Low- range
• Mid-range
• Luxury

By End user:
• Male
• Female
• Unisex

By Distribution channel:
• Retail store
• Speciality store
• Online retail

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Watch industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.