Kronos360, a leading name in the French luxury pre-owned watch market, is taking a major step forward with a fundraising campaign on Tudigo. Supported by OLMA Luxury Holdings, a specialized luxury investment fund playing a key role in the company’s structuring and growth, this initiative is part of a clear and methodical expansion strategy, aimed at strengthening its premium watch inventory, optimizing its omnichannel structure, and expanding its presence in the European market.
Beyond a simple financial lever, this fundraising is also a strategic statement: by adapting to new market dynamics and consolidating its position, Kronos360 aims to establish itself as the reference player in high-end pre-owned watch retail in France and Europe.
A Unique Positioning in a Fast-Growing Market
The global luxury pre-owned watch market is experiencing rapid growth, currently valued at €26 billion, with an annual increase of 12%, more than double that of the new watch market, which grows at 5% per year. France, which accounts for 1% of the global market, is undergoing a structural transformation. Kronos360 currently holds 4-5% of the French market and aims to reach 10% in the medium term, leveraging its omnichannel model and strong innovation capabilities.
Unlike platforms like Chrono24, which operate as marketplaces with high risks due to a lack of certification, Kronos360 positions itself as a premium retail player. Each watch sold is certified by its in-house watchmaking workshop and authenticated through a secure process incorporating blockchain technology. This unique service in the pre-owned market ensures total traceability for each watch, with a precise record of its movement and details accessible anytime through a digital warranty card.
This differentiation is crucial in a market where counterfeiting is on the rise, making it unthinkable to purchase a watch worth €10,000 or €15,000+ without an optimal level of security.
A Targeted Growth Strategy Focused on Premium Models
Since 2021, Kronos360 has recorded an average annual growth of 50%. However, 2024 marked a strategic shift, with a voluntary revenue drop to €7 million from €8.9 million in 2023, due to the discontinuation of entry-level watches (under €3,500). These models were deemed insufficiently profitable due to low margins and heavy stock turnover requirements.
This decision aligns with a premiumization strategy, focusing exclusively on highly liquid and desirable models like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. To support this shift, Kronos360 optimizes its stock management and margin strategy, with an annual stock turnover reaching up to four times its initial value.
This optimization is built on three key pillars:
- Consignment sales, with an average commission of 15%.
- Buy-and-sell operations, where watches are acquired at strategic prices, allowing for an average gross margin of 30%.
- The in-house watchmaking workshop, currently contributing less than 2% of total revenue, but serving as a critical profitability lever once fixed costs are absorbed.
A Fundraising Initiative to Accelerate Expansion
Following a first €1 million fundraising round in 2024, financed by 50 private investors via a dedicated SPV on Caption.market, Kronos360 is now opening its 2025 fundraising campaign to the public via Tudigo, targeting between €600,000 and €1 million.
These funds will primarily be used to strengthen purchasing power and expand marketing efforts, as stock is the primary driver of growth. Through a data-driven approach, Kronos360 carefully selects which watches to acquire based on customer search patterns, reducing the risk of unsold inventory and maximizing turnover.
This scalable model enables rapid growth without inflating fixed costs, unlike competitors such as Chronext and Watchmaster, which struggled due to overexpansion and increased payroll costs at the expense of profitability.
European Ambitions and a Structured Exit Strategy
Kronos360’s expansion is not limited to France. The website is now available in five languages, strengthening its presence in France, the UK, Germany, and Italy. Additionally, the partnership with Galeries Lafayette, featuring a dedicated pre-owned watch corner, aims to capture a highly mobile and international clientele.
For investors, the strategy is clear: create value for an exit within five years, targeting a valuation of €20 to €25 million by 2029-2030. Several exit scenarios are being considered based on market developments and strategic opportunities.
One potential outcome could be an acquisition by a major luxury group looking to expand its presence in the pre-owned watch market. Richemont, for instance, adopted this approach by acquiring Watchfinder to solidify its position in the second-hand segment. Other exit strategies are also under review to ensure an optimized return for investors.
A Key Challenge: Strengthening Reputation and Managing Growth
While Kronos360 enjoys an excellent rating on Trustpilot, some negative reviews persist on Google, largely due to issues inherited from the acquisition of MMC. Many of these reviews originate from former Watchmaster clients, the previous owner of MMC, who misunderstood that Kronos360 acquired the store, not the company.
Beyond these reputation challenges, Kronos360 remains focused on enhancing the customer experience, particularly by streamlining payment processing times, which are sometimes perceived as slow due to a 30-day payment period plus one week of processing.
Conclusion: A Strategic Opportunity to Invest in a High-Growth Market
With this fundraising campaign, Kronos360 is reinforcing its growth trajectory and affirming its ambition to become the leading French and European player in luxury pre-owned watches.
By leveraging recognized expertise, a unique omnichannel infrastructure, and a rigorous financial approach, the brand is establishing itself as an essential force in the industry.
For investors, this initiative represents a strategic opportunity to enter a dynamic and rapidly growing market, partnering with a company that has already demonstrated its ability to structure its development and generate value.
With approximately 15% of the funding target already reached, Kronos360’s fundraising effort is progressing rapidly, reflecting strong investor interest in a high-potential sector.
If you are interested in participating in this venture and becoming part of Kronos360’s success story, now is the time to invest and contribute to the future of luxury pre-owned watchmaking. Learn more about the investment opportunity on Tudigo and join the leaders shaping the second-hand watch market.
