With prices of necessities soaring up, there's a chance that you will never own an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Rolex Daytona Platinum, or any luxury watch. Fret not because you don't have to own one at all. Instead, you can opt to rent one.
The luxury watch leasing market is still in its infancy, but there are telltale indications that it could become part of the industry. According to Bain & Company, luxury watch rentals could make up 10% of luxury brand revenues by 2030.
“There’s a noticeable shift in how consumers perceive and engage with luxury,” explains Claudia D’Arpizio, a partner at Bain and co-author of LuxCo 2030: A Vision of Sustainable Luxury. She observed that younger buyers are becoming increasingly open to the idea of renting watches, reflecting a broader movement toward experiential luxury rather than permanent ownership. Bain’s research also suggests that rentals could breathe new life into a struggling industry after the Swiss luxury watch market shrunk.
So is renting a watch a good idea? Let's find out.
Why Should You Rent a Luxury Watch?
Wouldn't it be better if you actually own a luxury timepiece? After all, a luxury watch is a great investment. Well, renting a luxury watch offers several advantages.
1. Affordability Without Commitment: Luxury watches come with hefty price tags. You may be able to afford to buy one, but it will create a huge dent in your pocket. Renting, on the other hand, allows you to enjoy a high-end timepiece without making a long-term financial commitment. You get the prestige of wearing a Rolex, Patek Philippe, Breitling, or Audemars Piguet for a fraction of the cost.
2. Access to a Variety of Watches: Rent a watch so you can experience multiple luxury brands and models. Instead of investing in just one watch, you can rotate between different styles for different occasions, from a classic dress watch to a sporty chronograph.
3. Perfect for Special Occasions: A luxury watch adds a touch of sophistication to weddings, business meetings, red-carpet occasions, and other events that require you to look elegant. Renting gives you access to the perfect timepiece for each event without committing a big investment.
4. Try Before You Buy: If you’re considering purchasing a luxury watch, renting allows you to test it out before making a significant investment. You can experience its comfort and evaluate its design, and functionality to see if the timepiece truly fits your lifestyle.
5. No Maintenance Hassle: Owning a luxury watch comes with servicing, cleaning, storage, and other maintenance responsibilities. When you rent, you don’t have to worry about upkeep. The watch rental provider makes sure the watch remains in perfect condition.
6. Stay on Trend: Luxury watch trends evolve, and renting ensures you can always wear the latest models without the depreciation concerns that come with ownership.
7. Great for Business Travelers: For those who travel frequently, renting a watch at your destination means you don’t have to risk losing or damaging your personal timepiece while on the move.
8. Sustainable and Practical: By renting instead of buying, you reduce unnecessary consumption. It’s a more sustainable approach to luxury, allowing you to enjoy fine watches without adding to excessive production and waste.
Can You Name Some Popular Luxury Watch Rental Services?
- Breitling: This is the first luxury brand that offers luxury watch rentals. It introduced Breitling Select, a 12-month luxury watch subscription where subscribers pay a one-time fee of $450 and a $129 monthly fee to rent 3 watches a year. This service is available only in the US although Breitling is eyeing to introduce the service to Europe.
- Sansom Watches: Sansom Watches offers a selection of luxury timepieces for rent with options to pick up the watch or have it shipped to your location. Rental periods typically last for a weekend (3 days), and costs vary based on the watch's value.
- Watch Lending Club: Watch Lending Club provides a range of luxury watches, from budget-friendly options to high-end pieces. They offer corporate memberships tailored to specific needs.
- DI-AL: DI-AL has a curated collection of high-end timepieces for special occasions and personal style enhancements. They provide virtual try-ons and personalized styling services to enhance the rental experience.
- Luxury Watches USA: Based in New York City, Luxury Watches USA allows clients to rent the latest timepieces from top brands such as Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Cartier. They offer convenient and affordable rental plans to enjoy luxury watches without the hefty price tag.
- Swiss28: Touted as the world's first luxury watch rental service, Swiss28 offers a variety of Swiss-made timepieces for hire. Their collection includes models like the Rolex GMT-Master "Batgirl" and the Rolex Submariner Date.
- Axess Chronos: Axess Chronos provides access to a variety of luxury watches through their rental service. Clients can rent high-end watches for special occasions or to try before making a purchase decision.
- Acquired Time: Based in Singapore, Acquired Time offers a subscription service starting at SGD 175 per month, allowing members to experience a variety of luxury watches. Subscribers can swap their timepieces each month.
- MontLux: Operating in London, MontLux provides a luxury watch subscription service for professionals seeking access to high-end timepieces without the hefty price tag. Membership starts from £150 per month, with options to change watches monthly.
- Borrowed Time LLC: Borrowed Time offers access to a wide range of luxury watches for various durations, whether it's for a weekend event or a month-long experience. They provide a personalized service, procuring specific watches upon request if not already in stock.
- Alex Watches: Alex Watches provides a subscription service featuring iconic luxury watch brands. With flexible plans, members can enjoy the freedom to choose a subscription that fits their lifestyle and effortlessly switch watches every other month.
- Fears: This British company introduced Be Fearless. This is a free watch-for-rent service that they provide to people with an upcoming job interview.
How Do You Choose the Right Luxury Watch to Rent?
Consider the occasion, your personal style, your budget, and the watch’s functionality if you want to rent a watch. Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice:
1. Are you renting for a special event, a business meeting, or just to try out a luxury watch before buying? A dress watch like a Patek Philippe Calatrava suits formal occasions while a Rolex Submariner is perfect for a stylish yet sporty look.
2. Your watch should complement your wardrobe and personality. If you prefer classic elegance, a Cartier Tank or Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso may be ideal. For a modern, bold statement, a Hublot Big Bang or Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore works well.
3. Luxury watches come in various sizes, and the right one should fit your wrist comfortably. A case diameter of 36mm to 40mm is ideal for a dress watch while sports models often range 40mm to 44mm for a more rugged look.
4. Rent from a trusted source that offers authentic, well-maintained watches. Look for companies with insurance options, flexible rental periods, and customer reviews to verify their credibility.
5. Luxury watch rentals range from $100 to several thousand dollars per week, depending on the brand and model. Check your budget beforehand to find a balance between affordability and exclusivity.
6. If you want additional functionalities, consider watches with chronographs, GMT functions, or moonphase displays.
7. Match the watch to the occasion. Here are some ideas:
- Black Tie/Formal Events → Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Cartier
- Business Meetings → Rolex Datejust, Omega Aqua Terra
- Casual/Weekend Wear → Tudor Black Bay, IWC Pilot’s Watch
- Outdoor Adventures → Panerai Luminor, Rolex Explorer
What Are Some Important Things to Remember When Renting a Watch?
When renting a luxury watch, there are several important things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth experience.
1. Choose a reputable luxury watch rental service. Make sure you rent from a well-established company with positive customer reviews. Check their authentication process, maintenance standards, and customer support policies to avoid potential scams.
2. Understand the rental agreement. Carefully review the rental terms, including:
- Rental duration – Some services offer daily, weekly, or monthly rentals.
- Fees and deposits – Know how much is required upfront and whether a refundable security deposit is needed.
- Watch insurance coverage – Check if the rental includes theft or damage insurance. If not, consider adding coverage.
- Return policies – Be aware of late fees, extension policies, and damage penalties.
3. Bring the necessary documents. Luxury watch rental companies often require identification to ensure the watch is returned safely. Be prepared to provide:
- Government-issued ID (passport or driver’s license)
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement)
- Credit card (for security deposit and rental payment)
- Proof of income (some high-end rental companies require this for expensive watches)
- Rental agreement signature (physical or digital)
4. Inspect the watch before renting. Before leaving with the watch, examine it for:
- Scratches, dents, or damage – Note any pre-existing issues to avoid being charged for them later.
- Functionality – Ensure the watch is working correctly. Give special attention to complications such as chronographs, GMT hands, or moonphases; they should be working normally.
- Strap/bracelet condition – Make sure the strap fits well and is in good condition.
5. Handle with care. Since you don’t own the watch, treat it with extra caution:
- Avoid water exposure unless it’s a diving watch and permitted by the rental policy.
- Keep it away from harsh impacts to prevent scratches or damage.
- Store it properly when not in use, preferably in the case provided by the rental company.
6. Return the watch on time: Late returns can lead to hefty fees or even loss of your deposit. Set a reminder for the due date and return the watch in its original condition.
7. Consider an extended rental if needed: If you’re enjoying the watch and need it longer, check with the company about extension policies. Some companies offer discounts for extended rental periods.
Shipping Process
If the luxury watch rental company offers shipping, it usually takes extra precautions to ship high-value timepieces securely.
- Secure Packaging – Watches are shipped in protective cases with padding to prevent damage. Some companies include a sealed tamper-proof bag.
- Insured Shipping – High-end rental services use insured shipping via trusted carriers such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL to protect against loss or theft during transit.
- Tracking & Signature Requirement – The shipment is fully trackable, and most companies require a direct signature upon delivery to ensure safe receipt.
- Delivery Times – Standard shipping times range from 1 to 3 business days, but express shipping may be available for an extra fee.
- Return Shipping – Watch rental companies usually provide a prepaid return label for easy return shipping. Some may require returning the watch in its original packaging.
Rental Guarantee and Protection
To safeguard both the renter and the rental company, guarantees are often in place:
- Authenticity Guarantee – Reputable companies guarantee that all watches are 100% genuine and serviced before rental.
- Damage Coverage – Some companies offer optional insurance or damage waivers that protect against accidental damage. Otherwise, renters are fully responsible for repair costs.
- Security Deposit – Many luxury watch rentals require a refundable deposit, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The deposit is refunded upon returning the watch.
- Loss and Theft Policy – If a watch is lost or stolen, renters are usually held liable for the full replacement cost unless covered by an insurance plan.
- Return Inspection – Upon return, the company inspects the watch for wear, damage, or unauthorized modifications before refunding the security deposit.
What if the Unthinkable Happens?
If you damage or lose a luxury watch you rented, the consequences depend on the rental company's policies and the level of protection you opted for. Here’s what typically happens and how to handle the situation:
If You Damage the Watch
Luxury watch rental companies conduct thorough inspections upon return. If they find damage, the following may apply:
- Minor Wear and Tear – Most companies are forgiving on smudges, minor scratches, or strap wear. However, excessive damage may lead to additional charges.
- Repair Costs – You may be responsible for the full repair cost, which varies depending on the damage. Repairs for scratched crystals, damaged bezels, or broken movements can be expensive.
- Security Deposit Deduction – If you left a deposit, repair fees are often deducted from it. If the cost exceeds the deposit, you may be billed for the remaining amount.
- Purchased Damage Waiver – If you opted for an insurance or damage waiver, it may cover part or all of the repair costs, depending on the policy terms.
If You Lose the Watch
Losing a rented luxury watch is a more serious issue and typically results in:
- Full Replacement Cost – Most rental agreements hold renters liable for the watch’s full retail value unless covered by insurance.
- Use of Security Deposit – The rental company will usually keep the full security deposit and charge you the remaining balance of the watch’s value.
- Insurance Protection – If you purchased rental insurance, it may cover the loss (after a deductible), depending on the provider’s terms.
- Police Report Requirement – Some companies require a police report for lost or stolen watches before processing insurance claims or determining liability.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid financial losses when renting a luxury watch:
- Inspect the watch before renting. Document and take photos of any pre-existing damage.
- Purchase rental insurance if available, especially for high-value watches.
- Handle the watch with care and avoid risky activities while wearing it.
- Store it securely in a safe place when not in use.
Are There Luxury Watch Subscriptions?
If you wish to rent the same watch multiple times or if you want to wear different luxury watches without committing to full purchases, you might want to sign up for a luxury watch subscription. This service allows you to rotate through different luxury watches for a fixed monthly fee.
How Luxury Watch Subscription Services Work
- Choose a plan – Most companies offer tiered subscription levels based on watch value and brand exclusivity.
- Receive your watch – After signing up, you receive a luxury watch, often with the option to swap it out after a set period (e.g., monthly or quarterly).
- Enjoy and Swap – Depending on the service, you can keep the watch as long as you like or exchange it for another model.
- Return or Buy – If you fall in love with a watch, you could ask the watch rental provider if you could purchase it at a discounted rate.
Advantages of a Luxury Watch Subscription
- Access to Multiple Watches – Rotate between brands such as Rolex, Omega, Cartier, and Audemars Piguet.
- Try Before You Buy – Experience high-end watches before making a full investment.
- Lower Upfront Cost – No need for a massive initial purchase; just pay a monthly fee.
- Insurance Included – Many services provide coverage for minor damage or theft.
Popular Luxury Watch Subscription Services
- WatchGang – Monthly mystery watch club with a mix of entry-level and luxury options
- Eleven James – A well-known service that allowed subscribers to swap luxury watches (discontinued, but similar services exist)
- Mondani Club & Wrist Aficionado – Offer subscription-based access to high-end watches
- Watch Lending Club – Specializes in luxury and ultra-luxury brands
Conclusion
Can you rent a Rolex for weddings, important business meetings, and other important events? Definitely! In fact, it might be the smartest choice.
Presently, the uptake is still on the slow end. But as the world moves toward a culture of access over accumulation, luxury watch rentals will be redefining what it means to enjoy high-end timepieces. No longer reserved for collectors or those willing to shell out six figures, brands and rental services are opening the doors to a more flexible, experience-driven way to wear prestige. Why settle for just one signature watch when you can have a rotating lineup of icons?
