Luxury watches are more than just timekeeping instruments; they are symbols of wealth, artistry, and status. A few extraordinary timepieces, however, have risen to an entirely new level, setting world records with astronomical prices at auctions. Here are the 10 most expensive watches ever sold, each one a masterpiece of horology.
1)Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010
$31 million at Christie’s, Geneva (November 2019). The most complicated wristwatch ever made, with 20 complications and two dials.
2)Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239
$17.8 million at Phillips, New York (October 2017). Owned by actor Paul Newman, this Rolex is iconic in the racing world.
3)Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 in Stainless Steel
$11 million at Phillips, Geneva (November 2016). One of only four stainless steel versions of the Patek Philippe Ref. 1518.
4)Patek Philippe Pink Gold Ref. 1518 with French Calendar
$9.57 million at Sotheby’s, Geneva (December 2021). A rare pink gold version of the 1518 with a French calendar.
5)Patek Philippe Gobbi Milan ‘Heures Universelles’ Ref. 2523
$8.9 million at Christie’s, Hong Kong (November 2019). A stunning 1953 wristwatch with an enamel world map dial.
6)Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018 (Tiffany & Co. Edition)
$6.5 million at Phillips, New York (December 2021). A limited edition with a blue dial featuring the Tiffany & Co. logo.
7)Patek Philippe Titanium Ref. 5208T-010
$6.2 million at Christie’s, Geneva (November 2017). A unique titanium piece created for the “Only Watch” charity auction.
8)Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239 ‘Unicorn’
$5.9 million in 2018. The only known vintage white gold version of the Rolex Daytona, produced in 1970.
9)Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Grande Complication
$3.1 million at Christie’s, Geneva (May 2015). A highly complicated and rare Audemars Piguet wristwatch.
10)Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6263 ‘Big Red’
$3.1 million at Phillips, Geneva (May 2018). A sought-after vintage Rolex Daytona with the “Big Red” dial.
