##A side hobby that became a serious business
Gülmez, now the founder of mainspring.dxb, began collecting second-hand timepieces in 2016. Over the years, he built a personal collection worth nearly $60,000 (Dh220,350), sourcing models from across the world. By 2021, he was casually reselling watches. But this year, he finally turned the obsession into a full-time business.
“Now I’m free mentally and financially,” he told Gulf News. “Most people want to follow their dreams but are forced to hold on to jobs that don’t speak to their soul. Once you save enough or feel financially secure, that’s when you’re ready to pursue what you love.”
The biggest push came from his daughter. With her now in university, gulmez felt he had fulfilled a lifelong obligation, creating stability and securing her future.
With that chapter complete, he decided it was finally time to write his own.
##Why the Dubai Flea Market became his launching pad
While many entrepreneurs start with sleek showrooms or e-commerce sites, Gülmez chose a very different path: the Dubai Flea Market.
it wasn’t glamorous, but it was transformative.
“I love selling there. The energy is completely different and I meet new people every time,” he said. Bargaining means thinner margins, but the exposure was priceless. He has been a regular vendor since 2022, paying just Dh250 per stall, and he still returns every weekend – despite now having a permanent kiosk at B1 mall, Al Barsha.
“A permanent stall gives customers trust.They know where to find me.But I’ll always sell at the flea market because I love the community.”
He also markets through Instagram and TikTok, showcasing pieces and educating beginners.
##Self-funded growth and a 350-watch inventory
Gulmez started with 50 watches. Once sold, he reinvested everything.No loans. No partners. No shareholders. Today, he has a stock of more than 350 watches, ranging from Omega and Rolex to Seiko, Citizen and Orient.
His sourcing strategy is unconventional. He doesn’t chase the rarest or priciest finds. instead, he focuses on trusted resellers.
“There’s a saying: ‘don’t buy the watch, buy the seller.’ Japan is my main source because it’s one of the best markets for vintage watches.”
Gulmez’s collection comes from travels,flea markets,second-hand dealers,and trusted resellers worldwide. He isn’t necessarily chasing the rarest or most expensive models, he focuses on reliability, authenticity, and the story behind each watch.
##What customers want: From Seiko to Rolex
From Flea Market Finds to Dh80,000 Days: How One entrepreneur Built a Vintage Watch Business in Dubai
Table of Contents
Dubai has become a global hub for luxury,but a thriving second-hand market is also gaining traction. One entrepreneur is capitalizing on this trend, building a accomplished business trading in vintage and pre-owned watches. This is the story of how he turned a passion for history and design into a rewarding venture, boosted by Dubai’s business-friendly habitat.
The business, while unpredictable, can be highly lucrative.The entrepreneur once sold a Rolex at a flea market for Dh63,000,leading to a total revenue exceeding Dh80,000 in a single day.
He explains that premium watch models generally align with global market prices, but the true value of vintage pieces lies in their rarity, condition, and functionality. “People today want something with a story. They want pieces with history, personality and soul,” he explained. “Vintage watches give them that.”
A Lifelong Passion
his fascination with collecting began with ephemera – past documents like old boarding passes and even Ottoman-era title deeds. He sees a natural extension of this passion in watches. “I think I love watches because they’re art, design and history wrapped into one.”
Dubai: The Ideal launchpad
The entrepreneur credits Dubai’s streamlined business setup process as crucial to his success. He utilized the Department of Economic growth (DED) Café to register his company and obtain the necessary permits in just one hour. He describes the process as remarkably efficient: “walk in the morning, walk out in the afternoon with your own company.” The DED Café offers a convenient platform for entrepreneurs to establish businesses quickly and efficiently in Dubai. https://www.ded.ae/en/
The Rise of Second-Hand Retail in Dubai
Despite Dubai’s reputation for opulent malls and luxury brands, the second-hand watch market is flourishing. This is driven by a growing consumer desire for unique, historically meaningful items.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those considering starting their own business,the entrepreneur emphasizes the importance of passion.He acknowledges the challenges – financial pressures and self-doubt – but believes a genuine love for the work makes them more manageable. “If you love what you’re building, you will find solutions you didn’t know you were capable of,” he says.
He also highlights the importance of trust, particularly in the vintage watch market. Reputation, he argues, is more valuable than extensive marketing. He builds trust by offering a three-month warranty, no-fee exchanges, and complete transparency. Having sold over 5,000 watches, some dating back to the 1910s, he views each sale as a continuation of the watch’s unique history.
Keep reading