25th Anniversary

eBay Celebrates 25 Years: The Evolution of Collectible Sneakers, Watches and Trading Cards

eBay News Team

For the past quarter century, eBay has been home to a strong community of enthusiasts who have turned to the marketplace to discover rare watches, sneakers and trading cards.

Editor’s note: To celebrate our 25th anniversary at eBay, our four-part series takes a look at shopping over the last quarter century on our marketplace. 

Sneakerheads, watch enthusiasts and trading card collectors have been among the most passionate, vibrant and enduring communities on our eBay marketplace since 1995. For 25 years, these communities of enthusiasts have turned to eBay to fuel their passions in seeking that one-of-a-kind item or latest release to add to their growing collection. 

From luxe wristwear classics like the Rolex Submariner and hard-to-cop sneaker drops like the Air Jordan 4 Cactus Jack, or the famed 1997 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Green Michael Jordan trading card, enthusiasts know that eBay is a one-stop-shop to score unparalleled inventory around vintage and new-to-market pieces.

To celebrate our 25th anniversary this year at eBay, we’re taking a look at some of the most sought-after and beloved merchandise that were discovered on our marketplace across the watches, sneakers and trading cards categories.

Watches, Timepieces Collectors Love

Watches are one of the top-selling categories on eBay, and the marketplace has hundreds of thousands of new and pre-owned timepieces — shoppers can discover exactly what they want when they visit the site. From the ultra-lux watches to first-time investment pieces, check out the below styles that collectors keep coming back for — or find your own using our 2020 Luxury Watch Report as a guide.

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Vintage, Rare Footwear Sought by Sneakerheads 

Sneaker culture was born on eBay and continues to thrive on our marketplace. Sneakerheads worldwide know eBay is the premier online marketplace where they can  discover and purchase  those ultra-rare drops and sizes. From the OG Air Jordan 1 to Yeezys and 2020’s beloved Nike Chunky Dunky, if they dropped, they’re available on eBay. While it’s hard to pick favorites with all the amazing releases over the years, here’s a look at the grails that had sneakerheads flocking to the marketplace.

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One-of-a-Kind Trading Cards, From Rookie Sports Cards to Magic: The Gathering

Trading cards are a booming market among collectors, especially on eBay. Transitioning from a once predominantly in-person hobby to a digital forum, most serious collectors start on the platform when they’re looking for that Jeter Rookie Card or an ultra-rare Magic: The Gathering Black Lotus. These are just some of the finds that card collectors couldn’t wait to buy.

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For a closer look at shopping on eBay over the last quarter century, check out our articles on the 25 Most Iconic Moments, 25 Years of Passions & Hobbies, and 25 Most Expensive & Interesting Items Ever Sold

For more on eBay’s anniversary celebration, follow @eBay on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.