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CHRONEXT is a technology company.
CHRONEXT operates as a comprehensive online platform for buying and selling certified luxury watches, encompassing new, pre-owned, and vintage models. The company distinguishes itself through its vertically integrated approach, featuring an in-house team of certified watchmakers who meticulously inspect, authenticate, and service every timepiece. This technical rigor ensures guaranteed authenticity and a 24-month warranty, providing a secure and transparent marketplace for high-value transactions.
The company was founded in 2013 by Philipp Man and Ludwig Wurlitzer. Their entrepreneurial vision emerged from recognizing the complexities and lack of transparency prevalent in the traditional luxury watch market. Both founders, particularly Man with his long-standing passion for watches, saw an opportunity to leverage technology to create a trustworthy and accessible ecosystem for discerning collectors and enthusiasts.
CHRONEXT serves a global clientele of luxury watch collectors and individuals seeking to acquire or divest premium timepieces, often bypassing conventional waiting lists. The company’s long-term vision is to be the premier trusted authority in the luxury watch sector, continuously expanding its curated selection and elevating the standards of security, authenticity, and customer service for every transaction.
CHRONEXT has raised $116.0M across 4 funding rounds.
CHRONEXT has raised $116.0M in total across 4 funding rounds.
CHRONEXT has raised $116.0M in total across 4 funding rounds.
CHRONEXT's investors include Acton Capital Partners, Capnamic Ventures, Cavalry Ventures, Earlybird Venture Capital, Iris Capital, Oliver Roskopf, Endeit Capital, Tengelmann Ventures, Olivier Schuepbach, NRW.BANK, Will Gibbs, Altus Capital.
# CHRONEXT: A Luxury Watch Marketplace, Not a Technology Company
CHRONEXT is not primarily a technology company—it is an e-commerce marketplace that sells luxury watches. While the company leverages sophisticated technology infrastructure to operate its platform, its core business is buying and selling certified pre-owned and vintage luxury timepieces, not building or selling technology products.
What CHRONEXT builds: CHRONEXT operates a global digital platform for buying and selling luxury watches, including new, certified pre-owned (CPO), and vintage models from brands like Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, and Breitling.[1][5]
Who it serves: Watch enthusiasts and collectors across more than 60 countries who seek authenticated, transparent transactions in the luxury watch market.[1]
What problem it solves: The luxury watch market—particularly the vintage segment—is plagued by authenticity concerns, inadequate documentation, and opacity. CHRONEXT addresses this by guaranteeing authentication through a rigorous 17-step quality control process conducted by in-house watchmakers, offering a 24-month guarantee on all watches, and providing a secure, transparent buying and selling experience.[1][5]
Growth momentum: Since its founding, CHRONEXT has served over 175,000 customers across more than 60 countries and expanded from a pure e-commerce model to include exclusive physical boutiques and lounges worldwide.[1]
CHRONEXT was founded in 2013 and established the first digital platform for buying and selling luxury watches.[1] The company emerged during a period when the luxury watch market lacked trustworthy digital infrastructure, particularly for the growing pre-owned and vintage segments. By combining the convenience of online retail with boutique-level service and rigorous authentication standards, CHRONEXT positioned itself as a bridge between traditional watch dealers and modern e-commerce expectations.
CHRONEXT operates within the luxury goods e-commerce trend, where digital platforms are democratizing access to high-value items traditionally sold through exclusive channels. The company benefits from several market forces:
By establishing digital infrastructure and authentication standards in a historically opaque market, CHRONEXT has helped legitimize online luxury watch trading and influenced how other luxury goods categories approach e-commerce.
CHRONEXT's trajectory suggests continued expansion of its omnichannel footprint—balancing digital reach with physical touchpoints in key markets. The company's investment in mobile-first technology and international localization positions it well for growth in emerging luxury consumer markets. Future success will likely depend on maintaining its authentication reputation as volumes scale and on leveraging its technology infrastructure to offer adjacent services (financing, insurance, authentication for private sellers).
The company exemplifies how operational excellence and trust-building—not technological innovation—can create defensible competitive advantages in luxury e-commerce.
CHRONEXT has raised $116.0M across 4 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $65.0M Series E in February 2020.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 1, 2020 | $65.0M Series E | Acton Capital Partners, Capnamic Ventures, Cavalry Ventures, Earlybird Venture Capital, Iris Capital, Oliver Roskopf | |
| Jan 11, 2018 | $34.0M Other Equity | Endeit Capital, Tengelmann Ventures | |
| Jun 1, 2016 | $12.0M Series C | Olivier Schuepbach | Acton Capital Partners, Capnamic Ventures, Cavalry Ventures, Earlybird Venture Capital, Iris Capital, Oliver Roskopf, NRW.BANK, Will Gibbs |
| Nov 1, 2015 | $5.0M Series B | Acton Capital Partners, Capnamic Ventures, Cavalry Ventures, Earlybird Venture Capital, Iris Capital, Oliver Roskopf, Altus Capital, MGO Digital Ventures, NRW.BANK, Otto Birnbaum, Playfair Capital |