The Most Expensive Watches Ever Sold at Auction

Luxury watches are masterpieces of craftsmanship, blending precision engineering, exquisite design, and rich history. Some of these timepieces hold immense value, not just for their materials or craftsmanship but also for their rarity, provenance, and cultural significance. Over the years, auctions have witnessed jaw-dropping bids, with collectors paying millions to own a slice of horological history. Here’s a look at the most expensive watches ever sold at auction and what makes them so extraordinary.

1. Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010

• Price: $31.19 million
• Auction: Only Watch Charity Auction, 2019

The Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime is currently the most expensive watch ever sold at auction. This one-of-a-kind piece was created for the Only Watch charity auction, an event dedicated to raising funds for Duchenne muscular dystrophy research.

What Makes It Special:

• Dual Dial Design: The watch features two dials—one on the front and one on the back—housed in a reversible case.
• 20 Complications: These include a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and a unique acoustic alarm.
• Exclusivity: This specific model, crafted in stainless steel, is the only one of its kind, adding to its rarity.

2. Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239

• Price: $17.8 million
• Auction: Phillips, 2017

This iconic Rolex Daytona was owned by actor and racing enthusiast Paul Newman, making it one of the most sought-after watches in the world.

What Makes It Special:

• Provenance: Newman wore this watch regularly, and its case back is engraved with the message “Drive Carefully Me,” a gift from his wife.
• Cultural Significance: The watch popularized the “Paul Newman” dial, which is now highly coveted among collectors.
• Historical Value: The sale set a record for a Rolex watch at the time, cementing its place in horological history.

3. Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication

• Price: $24 million
• Auction: Sotheby’s, 2014

Commissioned by New York banker Henry Graves Jr. in 1925, this pocket watch remains one of the most complex mechanical watches ever made.

What Makes It Special:

• 24 Complications: These include a perpetual calendar, sunrise and sunset times, and a celestial chart.
• Handcrafted Masterpiece: It took five years to design and assemble.
• Historical Importance: This watch represents the peak of Patek Philippe’s craftsmanship in the pre-digital era.

4. Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 1518

• Price: $11.14 million
• Auction: Phillips, 2016

The Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 was the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch ever made in a series, and this stainless steel version is exceptionally rare.

What Makes It Special:

• Material Rarity: Most Ref. 1518 models were made in gold, but only four stainless steel versions are known to exist.
• Innovation: It marked a milestone in horological design when introduced in the 1940s.
• Collector’s Dream: Its rarity and historical significance make it a grail watch for enthusiasts.

5. Rolex Bao Dai Ref. 6062

• Price: $5.06 million
• Auction: Phillips, 2017

This Rolex belonged to Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam, adding immense historical significance to its value.

What Makes It Special:

• Unique Features: It is one of only three Ref. 6062 models with a black dial and diamond hour markers.
• Imperial Provenance: Bao Dai’s ownership enhances its historical and cultural allure.
• Condition: Despite being decades old, the watch remains in remarkable condition.

6. Patek Philippe Gobbi Milan Ref. 2523

• Price: $9 million
• Auction: Phillips, 2019

This rare dual-crown world-time watch was sold at auction for its stunning craftsmanship and historical importance.

What Makes It Special:

• Cloisonné Enamel Dial: The dial depicts a map of Europe, Africa, and the Americas, showcasing exquisite artistry.
• Limited Production: Only a few examples were made, and this is the only one with “Gobbi Milano” co-branding.
• Technical Prowess: The watch represents Patek Philippe’s innovation in world-time mechanisms.

7. Richard Mille RM 56-02 Sapphire

• Price: $2.02 million
• Auction: Private Sale

Known for its futuristic design and cutting-edge materials, the Richard Mille RM 56-02 Sapphire is a marvel of modern horology.

What Makes It Special:

• Sapphire Crystal Case: The entire case is made from transparent sapphire crystal, offering a full view of the intricate movement.
• Advanced Technology: It features a cable-suspension system for the movement, a unique engineering feat.
• Luxury Innovation: Richard Mille is known for pushing the boundaries of watch design, and this model epitomizes that ethos.

8. Breguet No. 160 (Marie-Antoinette)

• Price: Estimated at $30 million (not sold at auction)

Commissioned for Queen Marie-Antoinette, this pocket watch took over 40 years to complete, making it one of the most legendary timepieces in history.

What Makes It Special:

• Historical Significance: It was commissioned in 1782 but wasn’t completed until 1827, long after the queen’s death.
• Complexity: The watch includes a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and a thermometer.
• Mystique: Its disappearance and rediscovery have only added to its allure.

9. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Ref. 5402

• Price: $1.02 million
• Auction: Phillips, 2021

This specific Royal Oak was owned by Gérald Genta, the legendary designer who created the Royal Oak’s iconic design.

What Makes It Special:

• Provenance: Genta’s ownership and its status as a prototype make it unique.
• Iconic Design: The Royal Oak is a groundbreaking luxury sports watch, and this model represents the origin of its legacy.
• Cultural Impact: The Royal Oak transformed the perception of luxury watches, making them fashionable and functional.

10. Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega 4

• Price: $2.7 million
• Auction: Private Sale

The Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega 4 is one of the most complicated wristwatches ever created, featuring an astonishing 36 complications.

What Makes It Special:

• Unmatched Complexity: It includes a perpetual calendar, multiple time zones, and a grand sonnerie.
• Engineering Masterpiece: With over 1,400 components, it showcases the pinnacle of watchmaking expertise.
• Limited Production: Each watch is custom-made, ensuring exclusivity.

Conclusion

The world of high-end watch auctions is a fascinating blend of history, artistry, and craftsmanship. From Patek Philippe’s groundbreaking innovations to Rolex’s iconic designs, these timepieces are far more than just watches—they are cultural artifacts that capture the essence of human creativity. Whether tied to historical figures or representing technical achievements, these watches continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.