Bloomberg – Your 2025 Guide to Holiday Prices: Where Tariffs Are Biting and Where They’re Not
“When it comes to luxury watches, both Bonaparte and Stephan Shipe, economist and founder of Scholar Advising, said that now’s a good time to buy before prices go up further in 2026.”
Key Takeaways
Luxury goods are feeling the heat from tariffs.
Prices for jewelry and luxury watches have been rising sharply, with gold hitting record highs and tariffs on Switzerland (a key exporter of high-end timepieces) adding more pressure. The same goes for diamonds and other precious stones, as trade restrictions on India — the world’s largest diamond exporter — ripple through the market.
Holiday timing matters.
The Bloomberg piece notes that luxury watch buyers might want to act now. As inventories purchased ahead of tariffs dwindle, prices are likely to rise again in 2026. Both Jewelers of America CEO David Bonaparte and Stephan Shipe agree: for those considering a high-end timepiece, this holiday season may be the best opportunity.
Tariffs are reshaping price trends across categories.
From toys to electronics, the guide offers insight into which items are more inflated this year and which remain relatively stable. Watches and jewelry are firmly in the “more expensive” category — making timing and sourcing more important than ever.
If you’ve been eyeing a luxury watch as a gift (or an investment in timeless craftsmanship), 2025 might be your best window before 2026 price increases hit. As always, align your purchases with your overall financial strategy — and buy intentionally, not impulsively.