Watches have been a status symbol for centuries, and the market for luxury timepieces has only grown in recent years. Some watches, however, have become legendary and are worth millions of dollars due to their history, rarity, and unique features. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 10 most expensive watches ever sold.
Due to Copyright reasons the authentic pieces can not be used here.
10. Rolex Bao Dai – $5 million
This Rolex was owned by Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam. It features a black dial with diamond markers and a yellow gold case. It was sold at auction in 2017 for $5 million, making it the second most expensive Rolex ever sold.
9. Patek Philippe Ref. 1527 – $5.7 million
This Patek Philippe watch is another highly sought-after vintage timepiece. It was produced in the 1940s and features a perpetual calendar, moon phase display, and a chronograph. Only a few of these watches were made, and one sold at auction in 2010 for $5.7 million.
8. Rolex Daytona “Unicorn” – $5.9 million
This Rolex Daytona is one of the most unique watches ever made, featuring a white gold case and a dial with a rainbow of colors. It was nicknamed the “Unicorn” and was sold at auction in 2018 for $5.9 million.
7. Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 – $11 million
This Patek Philippe watch is one of the most sought-after vintage watches in the world. It was produced in the 1940s and features a perpetual calendar, moon phase display, and a chronograph. Only four were ever made, and one sold at auction in 2016 for $11 million.
6. Paul Newman Rolex Daytona – $17.75 million
This Rolex Daytona was owned by the legendary actor Paul Newman, who wore it daily for many years. It features a unique “exotic” dial and is considered one of the most desirable vintage Rolex watches in existence. It was sold at auction in 2017 for $17.75 million, making it the most expensive watch ever sold.
5. Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch – $18 million
This Jacob & Co. watch features 260 carats of diamonds and is considered one of the most extravagant timepieces ever made. It was sold in 2018 for $18 million, making it one of the most expensive watches ever sold.
4. Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication – $24 million
This Patek Philippe watch was commissioned by the American banker Henry Graves Jr. in 1933 and took eight years to complete. It features 24 complications, including a perpetual calendar, moon phase display, and a celestial chart of New York City. It was sold at auction in 2014 for $24 million, setting a new record at the time.
3. Chopard 201-Carat Watch – $25 million
This Chopard watch is a true masterpiece, featuring 201 carats of colored diamonds set in a bracelet. It took over 4,000 hours to create and is considered one of the most expensive and luxurious watches ever made. It was sold at auction in 2000 for $25 million, making it one of the most expensive watches ever sold.
2. Breguet Grande Complication Marie-Antoinette – $30 million
This Breguet watch was commissioned by an unknown admirer of Marie Antoinette in 1782, but was not completed until 1827, 34 years after her death. It features a range of complications, including a minute repeater, perpetual calendar, and equation of time display. It was stolen from a museum in Jerusalem in 1983 and recovered in 2007, before being sold at auction in 2018 for $30 million.
1. Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime – $31 million
This Patek Philippe watch is one of the most complex and intricate timepieces ever made. It features 20 complications, including a perpetual calendar, moon phase display, and a minute repeater. Only four were ever made, and one sold at auction in 2019 for $31 million, setting a new record for the most expensive watch ever sold.
These watches represent some of the most unique, rare, and valuable timepieces in the world. They are not only functional devices to tell time, but also pieces of art that are admired and coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike.