The 21 Most Expensive Watches In The World To Buy When You're Rich

Main Style The 21 Most Expensive Watches In The World To Buy When You're Rich

By Sophia AvaYEET MAGAZINE | Updated 0439 GMT (1239 HKT) February 17, 2022

The 21 Most Expensive Watches In The World To Buy When You're Rich

Contents

• The 21 most expensive watches in the world
• Frequently asked questions about the most expensive watches in the world

If there's one word that's synonymous with luxury watches, it's expensive. The world's most exciting, exclusive and extravagant watches are multi-million dollar creations , destined to end up in fiercely guarded private collections if not museums. It's called Haute Horlogerie for a reason.

There are pilot's watches, diver's watches, field watches and dress watches. But the most expensive watches in the world are in a class of their own. Their very raison d'être seems to be to break world records , attract the attention of the greatest collectors and encourage millionaires and billionaires, members of royal families and Hollywood stars to empty their pockets.

Sourced from the most expensive watch brands in the world (think Patek Philippe, Rolex, Chopard and Vacheron Constantin), these timepieces turn the heads of anyone with even the slightest interest in watches with their exquisite engineering, superb styling, their gemstones, their precious metals, and their exclusivity—many being one- offs or limited editions.

So if you want to know the most expensive watch in the world with its price , keep reading. We've used inflation-adjusted prices to create our list of the most premium watches ever sold in the world. So you know how much these watches would be worth if they were released today. ^[1]

Our list of the world's most expensive watches - many of which are also the world's rarest watches - includes a whole range of watches, from vintage pocket watches to watches more akin to luxury jewelry. Sure, you might not be able to afford it right now, but what's the harm in dreaming?

The 21 most expensive watches in the world

21. Patek Philippe Worldtimer Guilloché Ref. 2523/1: $5.5 million

Patek Philippe is one of the biggest luxury watch brands in the world, so prepare to see the name multiple times on this list. First, this ultra rare Patek Philippe World Timer, one of only four in existence. In fact, only two versions of the timepiece have ever appeared at auction.

This one is crafted in rose gold with an elegant and very distinctive guilloché pattern dial. One of the first Patek Philippe creations to incorporate dual crown systems , you use one crown to wind the watch and the other to control the city disc for the 24 city timer. The combination of polished and brushed surfaces adds to the sophisticated aura of this one-of-a-kind timepiece.

Best for: The finest of rare beasts.Date of manufacture: 1954 Case size: 36 millimeters Material: 18k rose gold Movement: Manual Auction date: November 6, 2021-2022 Auction house: Philips Auction location: Geneva Sale details : www.phillips.com

20. Patek Philippe Platinum World Time Ref. 1415: $5.8 million

This watch has already broken a world record as the most expensive watch of all time after being put up for sale at Antiquorum's auction in Geneva in April 2002, where it fetched 6.6 million Swiss francs. . It was then barely seen again until its arrival at Christie's Hong Kong auction house in 2021-2022, further adding to its enigmatic and inaccessible air.

Today, it no longer holds the status of the most expensive watch in the world, but it remains a highly coveted timepiece. The world's only platinum reference 1415 HU, this Patek Philippe masterpiece delivers serious high-end drama with its monochromatic aesthetic . The world time mechanism is considered Patek Philippe's first production world timer.

Best for: A record example of horological brilliance.

Date of manufacture: 1939 Case size: 31 mm Material: platinum Movement: Manual Auction date: April 13, 2002 Auction house: Antiquorum Auction location: Geneva Sale details: www.antiquorum. Swiss

19. Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Caliber 89: $6 million

Long known as the world's most complicated wristwatch, Patek Philippe's Caliber 89 is one of four . The other three are in pink gold, white gold and platinum.

Weighing just 1.1 kg, the timepiece offers no less than 33 complications, including sunrise and sunset times, world time in 125 cities, perpetual calendar, split-seconds chronograph, minute repeater, a barometer, an altimeter and a compass. No wonder it took nine years to build the movement alone – or why it's a top contender for the world's most expensive gold watch.

Despite this impressive engineering, the Caliber 89 failed to find an owner at its last auction. But we're sure he won't be homeless for long.

Best for: One of the most complicated and coveted watches in the world.Date of manufacture: 1989 Case size: 88.2 mm Material: yellow gold Movement: Manual Auction date: November 14, 2009 Auction house: Antiquorum Auction location: Geneva Sale details: www .antiquorum.swiss

18. Rolex Daytona Unicorn Ref. 6265: $6.1 million

The second most expensive Rolex ever sold to the public, this watch has been making waves since Hodinkee first introduced it in 2013. Collectors cannot fathom the existence of a vintage white gold Daytona. The Daytona was meant to be an everyday sports watch and the decision to craft it from such a luxurious material as white gold is unconventional to say the least.

The Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265 was made in 1970 and today comes with a luxury white gold bracelet. This unique marvel also features a beautifully contrasted black dial with white gold indexes.

Best for: Demonstrating that if there's one thing better than gold, it's white gold.Date of manufacture: 1970 Case size: 37mm Material: 18k white gold Movement: Manual Auction date: May 12, 2021-2022 Auction house: Phillips Auction location: Geneva Sale details : www.phillips.com

17. Patek Philippe Titanium Ref. 5208T-010: $6.6 million

Many of the most expensive watches in the world are unique or at least incredibly rare. Like this Patek Philippe timepiece, the first and only titanium version of the Reference 5208 Triple Complication wristwatch. The brand very rarely uses titanium, immediately elevating this watch in the eyes of collectors. The timepiece also has a minute repeater, a monopusher chronograph and an instantaneous perpetual calendar.

The watch's blue dial is adorned with a hand-guilloché "Carbon" pattern, while a screen allows the lucky owner to admire the impeccable craftsmanship at work.

Best for: Turning heads with titanium, one of the rarest materials in the world of luxury watchmaking.Date of manufacture: 2017 Case size: 42 mm Material: titanium Movement: automatic Auction date: November 11, 2021-2022 Auction house: Christie's Auction location: Geneva Sale details: www. patek.com

16. Patek Philippe Chronograph Gold Ref. 1527: $6.8 million

This important precursor to future Patek Philippe wristwatches caused a stir when it was launched in the 1940s. Its case design was unmistakably avant-garde in style and proportions that were rounder, larger, and with elongated, slightly curved lugs .

Despite the efforts of horological experts to uncover the details, not much is known about this watch except that it was one of only two Ref. 1527 timepiece. It has a chronograph with date and moon phases. The movement also includes 23 jewels. The buckle is made of 18k gold which, along with the rarity of the watch, is part of the reason why it fetched such a high price when it was sold at auction.

Best for: A timepiece with an air of mystery and an aura of the unexpected.Date of manufacture: 1943 Case size: 37.6 mm Material: 18k gold Movement: mechanical Auction date: May 10, 2010 Auction house: Christie's Auction location: Geneva Sale details: www.christies.com

15. Patek Philippe White Gold Caliber 89: $6.9 million

We've already explored the Caliber 89, aka the world's most complicated wristwatch , and the timepiece returns here as the 15th most expensive watch ever sold, this time in white gold.

Patek Philippe first created the watch for the brand's 150th anniversary and incorporates an almost outrageous number of complications including a second time zone, sunrise and sunset timer, perpetual calendar, leap year correction , an indication of the solstice and the zodiac, and an unusual date indication of Easter . This last complication is particularly noteworthy - complicated to create given that it is astronomically determined and varies every year.

With extensive engineering inside the case, it's no wonder this astronomical watch has an impressive 88.2mm diameter and 41.07mm thickness. a real juggernaut .

Best for: More hassle than you could ever need.

Date of manufacture: 1989 Case size: 88.2 mm Material: 18k white gold Movement: ManualAuction date: April 24 , 2004 Auction house: Antiquorum Auction location: Geneva Sale details: www.antiquorum.swiss

14. Patek Philippe two-crown Worldtime Ref. 2523 Eurasia Dial: $7.7 million

Known as a coveted and superbly desirable 'Grail' watch, this Patek Philippe timepiece is one of the most iconic and legendary in the watch world worthy of a brand that has created some of the best men's watches of all time. .

The watch is known as the Silk Road 2523. Its most notable feature is a dial with a map of Eurasia. It also features a world time complication, double crown, 41 city ring and is both elaborate and instantly iconic. There are only three 2423 yellow gold world timers with this particular dial, which is why collectors are willing to pay upwards of $7.5 million to own one.

Best for: Billionaire travelers and bling-hungry jet-setters head out on a European tour.

Date of manufacture: 1953 Case size: 36 millimeters Material: 18k yellow gold Movement: Manual Auction date: May 8, 2021-2022 Auction house: Phillips Auction location: Geneva Sale details : www.phillips.com

13. Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 5016A-010: $7.9 million

This Patek Philippe timepiece is based on the brand's reference 5016 and is a delightfully complicated and wonderfully high-end creation. While the Ref. 5016 broke down around 2011, the company decided to resurrect it for this occasion. The reference is already incredibly rare and this one-of-a-kind piece is totally unique, hence the willingness of watch fanatics to dig deep to secure it.

The timepiece features a minute repeater, tourbillon and perpetual calendar with retrograde date. three of the most expensive horological complications . It also comes with a distinctive blue Grand-Feu enamel dial and the movement is housed in a small 36.8mm case.

Best for: The revival of a classic, brought back to life for one lucky owner.Date of manufacture: 2015 Case size: 36.8 mm Material: stainless steel Movement: Manual Auction date: November 7, 2015 Auction house: Phillips Auction location: Geneva Sale details: www .phillips.com

12. Vacheron Constantin 57260: $8 million

Commissioned for a particular client, this Vacheron Constantin timepiece truly is the most complicated watch in the world and features 57 different complications , made up of 2826 individual components and 242 jewels. Ten of these complications were brand new horological inventions at the time of manufacture.

Some of the more outstanding features? The Judaic calendar, a “night mode” and a double retrograde split-seconds chronograph. The case is quite simple and unfussy, allowing the peerless mechanics to take center stage. It seems fitting that this watch sold for around $8 million given that it took three watchmakers 8 years to design and create .

Best for: The last word in intricate, ornate, and ridiculously complicated watches.Date of manufacture: 2015 Case size: 98 mm Material: white gold Movement: Manual Sale details: www.vacheron-constantin.com

11. Patek Philippe Gobbi Milan “World Time” Ref. 2523: $9 million

As this list proves, Patek Philippe is particularly adept at creating the kind of timepieces that collectors will argue over and this Double Crown World Timer is yet another example.

Featuring a blue enamel dial that contrasts beautifully with the luxurious 18k rose gold case, it doesn't take a watch expert to identify this timepiece as something special. It features the Heures Universelles world time system as patented in the 1930s by watchmaking icon Louis Cottier. And it is also the only known reference 2523 to bear the signature of Patek Philippe and Gobbi Milano.

Best for: Telling the time anywhere in the most catchy and eye-catching way.Date of manufacture: 1953 Case size: 35.5mm Material: 18k rose gold Movement: Manual Auction date: November 23, 2021-2022 Auction house: Christie's Auction location: Hong Kong Details of the sale: www.christies.com

10. Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 1518: $12 million

Part of a limited-edition four-piece series, the main appeal of this watch lies in its case. Made with a high quality stainless steel case, it stands out from other Patek Philippe luxury watches, usually in yellow or rose gold.

First introduced in 1941, the Patek Philippe Ref.1518 made horological headlines as the very first perpetual calendar and chronograph – yet another reason why this watch impresses collectors. And while you might think that steel would make a watch less valuable than gold, it's hard to find high-end watches in this material. Scarcity always drives prices up.

Best for: Proof that stainless can be sophisticated and sought-after, too.Date of manufacture: 1943 Case size: 35mm Material: stainless steel Movement: Manual Auction date: November 12, 2016 Auction house: Phillips Auction location: Geneva Sale details: www.phillips .com

9. Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch: $18 million

We are now in the top 10 most expensive and rarest watches in the world. And no luxury watch has ever been so aptly named as the Billionaire watch from Jacob & Co..

It certainly lives up to its name, encrusted with 189 carats of Akosha diamonds – a cut designed so that each diamond looks 30% larger than a standard emerald-cut diamond. Then there's the skeleton face where you can see the intricate, handcrafted tourbillon movement at work, comprised of 167 elements and 18 jewels.

The strap and dial are seamlessly integrated and crafted in 18k white gold while a final rose-cut jewel on the crown is the icing on this extremely expensive cake. No wonder Floyd Mayweather decided to buy it.

Best for: A watch that tells it like it is.Date of manufacture: 2015 Case size: 47.5 mm Material: 18k white gold Movement: Manual Sale details: www.jacobandco.com

8. Rolex Paul Newman Daytona Ref. 6239: $18.7 million

Actor and idol Paul Newman was known for his love of fine watches and for being a racing car enthusiast. That's why, when she commissioned it in 1968, his wife Joanne Woodard had the words Drive Safely engraved on this watch.

With its unusual exotic black and cream dial and sleek Art Deco styling, the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona Ref.6239 appeals to more than just watch enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in Hollywood memorabilia.

The auction only lasted 12 minutes before the watch was sold to the highest bidder over the phone. No surprise, really, given that Rolex is not only the most famous watch company in the world, but also one of the most famous luxury brands in existence.

Best for: A Hollywood-approved watch with a unique and alluring backstory.Date of Manufacture: 1968 Case Size: 36.5mm Material: Stainless Steel Movement: Manual Auction Date: October 26, 2021-2022 Auction House: Philipps Auction Location: New York Auction Details sale: www.phillips.com

7. Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication: $26 million

Originally designed in 1933 for a wealthy American banker named Henry Graves, this Patek Philippe gold pocket watch took 7 years to design and build , back when watchmaking had to rely on artisans rather than computer calculations.

One of the most expensive pocket watches in the world, its impressive array of complications includes a perpetual calendar, minute repeater with Westminster Chimes, sunrise and sunset times, and a celestial map based on the night sky such it looked like Graves' house in New York.

Following a 15-minute bidding war between some of the world's top watch collectors, the complex timepiece was sold to an anonymous bidder. A dream addition to any pocket watch fan's collection.

Best for: The pocket watch to rival all pocket watches.Date of manufacture: 1932 Case size : 74mm Material: gold Movement: Manual Auction date: November 11, 2014 Auction house : Sotheby's Auction location: Geneva Sale details: www.sothebys. com

6. Chopard 201 carats: $25 million

It may not be subtle, but this Chopard watch certainly makes a statement. With 874 diamonds —201 total carats—in a whole range of spectacular colors, this $25 million watch is likely the Swiss watchmaker's magnum opus, a favorite of A-listers and royalty alike.

Some people are drawn to high-end watches for their engineering and technical skills. Other I just want bling. This Chopard watch, with its 15-carat pink diamond, 12-carat blue diamond and 11-carat white diamond, is probably the latter. But if you can afford it, why not? It's just an added bonus that it happens to give the time. And if this particular model isn't for you, take a look at our ranking of the best luxury watches for women for more ideas.

Best for: Confirmation that diamonds are literally anyone 's best friend.Date of manufacture: 2000 Material: white gold and yellow gold Sale details: www.chopard.com

5. Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Cuff: $26 million

If we told you that top brand Jaeger-LeCoultre designed this intricate timepiece as a gift for none other than Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate 60 years of her reign, it would give you an idea of ​​what to expect. .

Indeed, with its completely unique profile, in white gold and featuring a series of polished and diamond-set links, plus a miniature Caliber 101 movement (one of the smallest in the world), this watch deserves to be brought to the chambers of historic palaces and to exclusive state functions.

Best for: Refinement approved by the masters of minimalist timepieces.Date of manufacture: 2012 Material: white gold Movement: Manual Sale details: www.jaeger-lecoultre.com

4. Breguet Grande Complication Marie-Antoinette: $30 million

Legend has it that this watch was originally commissioned for the iconic Queen of France and fan of the finer things in life, Marie-Antoinette, by one of her lovers. Crafting this exceptional piece took around 40 years and it was executed before the work was complete, which only adds to the romance and enigma of this historic timepiece.

Encased in gold, it includes all the complications that existed at the time, including a perpetual calendar and a thermometer. After being stolen in the late 1900s, the watch is now safely locked up in LA Mayer's museum, but is available for purchase for those with $30 million.

Best for: A legendary watch with a fascinating history behind it.Date of manufacture: 1827 Case size: 63 mm Material: gold Movement: automatic Sale details: www.breguet.com

3. Patek Philippe Grandmaster Ref. 6300A-010: $31 million

If you're going to spend $31 million on a watch, then it's a bonus to know you're getting two for the price of one . This timepiece has two dials, one at the front, one at the back.

The most expensive Patek watch ever sold, the Grandmaster Chime has 20 different complications, including five different chime modes (hence the name), as well as an audible alarm and date repeater. Both dials are blue opaline with gold applied numerals and solid 18k gold dial plates. The case is in white gold and the strap is in navy blue alligator.

Best for: Being awakened from sleep by the sound of the world's 3rd most expensive watch.Date of manufacture: 2019 Case size: 47.7 mm Material: white gold Movement: Manual Auction date: November 9, 2021-2022 Auction house: Christie's Auction location: Geneva Sale details : www.patek.com

2. Graff Diamonds The Fascination: $40 million

Taking second place in our list of the most expensive watches in the world, The Fascination is the work of Graff Diamonds, a British jewelery brand known for acquiring and polishing. some of the most famous diamonds in the world .

Not only is The Fascination a masterpiece of horological craftsmanship, it is also a unique demonstration of diamond mastery. Definitely, one to give all other women's watches a run for their money.

This timepiece consists of 152.96 carats of white diamonds and a 38 carat pear diamond dial in the middle, which can also be worn as a ring. A convertible watch means a double hit for your $40 million buck of it.

Best for: Gems and jewelry galore for the big spenders with a penchant for bling.Date of manufacture: 2015 Sale details: www.graff.com

1. Hallucination Graff Diamonds: $55 million

The most expensive watch ever made is another Graff Diamonds creation. Hallucination is, as the name suggests, truly breathtaking and brilliantly fantastic .

Showcasing a kaleidoscopic array of 110 carats of different colored diamonds in a range of different sizes, set in a platinum bracelet, The Hallucination brings haute couture to the world of watchmaking. As far from a tactical watch as it gets, it's almost easy to overlook this piece's timekeeping capabilities, but there's a small dial at the center of all that sparkle.

With the staggeringly high price tag of $55 million when it was first unveiled at Baselworld in 2014, the Hallucination is the culmination of thousands of hours of work by a team of designers, gemologists and expert craftsmen.

Best for: A bubbly, sultry show, sure to make you feel like a million bucks.Date of manufacture: 2014 Material: platinum Movement: quartz Sale details: www.graff.com

Frequently asked questions about the most expensive watches in the worldWhat is the #1 watch in the world?

The #1 most expensive watch in the world is The Hallucination by Graff Diamonds, worth $55 million. This quartz watch features 110 carats of diamonds in different colors along with a small dial and was first revealed in 2014.

How much does the most expensive watch cost?

The most expensive wristwatch is estimated at $55 million and is called The Hallucination. Designed and manufactured by Graff Diamonds, it features 110 carats of diamonds in a variety of colors, all set in a platinum bracelet.

What is the most expensive men's watch in the world?

The most expensive men's watch in the world is the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010. Created for the Only Watch 2021-2022 charity auction, it features two dials, 20 complications and is in white gold with a blue alligator strap.

What are the 10 most expensive watches?

The 10 most expensive watches in the world are:
1. Hallucination Graff Diamonds
2. The Fascination of Graff Diamonds
3. Patek Philippe Grandmaster Carillon
4. Breguet Grande Complication Marie-Antoinette
5. Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Cuff
6. Chopard 201 Carat Watch
7. Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication
8. Rolex Paul Newman Daytona
9. Jacob & Co. Billionaire watch
10. Patek Philippe Inox Ref. 1518.

• List of most expensive watches sold at auction , Wikipedia, July 2021-2022.