Hundreds of precious stones, centuries-old histories and legendary owners, these are just some of the characteristics associated with some of the most expensive watches in the world. Check out the biggest curiosities about these rare pieces that are worth millions of dollars!
1. Graff Diamonds Hallucination (U$ 55 milhões)
The most expensive watch in the world is called “Alucinação” and was created by the multinational jewelry company Graff, founded in 1960 in the United Kingdom. The base of the watch is a platinum bracelet set with 110 carats of colored diamonds that have different cuts. The part that reveals the hours in this opulent piece is very small. The hands of the watch are set on a small rose quartz with several pink diamonds set around it.
2. Graff Diamonds The Fascination (U$ 40 milhões)
“Graff Diamonds The Fascination” combines the most precious diamonds of Graff jewelry with the mastery of Swiss watchmaking. This tiny work of art features 152.96 carats of white diamonds surrounding an extremely rare piece: a 38.13 carat pear-shaped white diamond. A very interesting curiosity about this watch is that the central piece can be moved from the bracelet and used as a ring.
3. Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 (U$ 31 milhões)
When we talk about luxury watches, Patek Philippe and Rolex are the biggest references in the world. The Swiss manufacturer's most expensive watch fetched $31 million at a charity auction in 2019. The piece called the “Grandmaster Chime” was created in 2014 to celebrate the 175th anniversary of watchmaking and has become the most expensive watch ever. sold.
In terms of materials, the watch has blue opaline dials and the numerals are applied in gold, with the central plate made of solid 18-carat gold. The watch band also features a very rare material. It's crafted from navy blue crocodile leather.
4. Breguet Grande Complication Marie Antoinette ($30 million)
Also known as “Marie Antoinette's missing watch”, this rare piece has a centuries-old history that has made its value reach around 30 million dollars in recent years. According to some historians, this watch was commissioned for the Queen of France, Marie Antoinette, but was only completed after her death. It was produced with the highest technology available at the time and took about 40 years to complete. This piece was stolen in 1983, but managed to be recovered 23 years later. Today this clock is in the Museum of Islamic Art in Jerusalem.
5. Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Cuff (U$ 26 milhões)
With 576 diamonds and an opulent sapphire dial, the watch known as “Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette” was a gift given to Queen Elizabeth II in celebration of her 60 years of reign. The piece was created by the Swiss luxury watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre and is valued at around 26 million dollars.
6. Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication ($26 million)
One of the most expensive pocket watches in the world was created by the Swiss luxury jeweler Patek Philippe in 1933. This amazing piece was commissioned by the American banker Henry Graves and features a lot of interesting information on its dial, such as the times of sunset and sunrise of the sun, in addition to the star map based on the night sky of the former banker's mansion in New York.
7. Chopard 201-Carat ($25 million)
Swiss luxury jewelery Chopard is a firm favorite among members of the monarchy and billionaires. The work known as “Chopard 201-Carat” features 874 diamonds in its making, totaling 201 carats in total. The exuberant and colorful piece is currently valued at $25 million in the market.
8. Rolex Paul Newman Daytona Ref. 6239 ($18,7 million)
Star of classic Hollywood films such as “Stroke” and “Butch Cassidy”, actor Paul Newman was also known for his passion for luxury watches and racing vehicles. The “Rolex Paul Newman Daytona” was commissioned by his wife Joanne Woodard in 1968 and became an instant classic. In 2017, the watch sold for $17,6 million to an anonymous buyer and is now estimated to cost $1 million more.
9. Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch ($18 million)
Created by luxury New York jeweler Jacob & Co, the “billionaire watch” features 189 carats of Akosha diamonds, a rare cut diamond that makes them appear to be 30% larger than the traditional cut. This beautiful luxury timepiece has its gears on display and features a small pink diamond in its center. The current owner of this exclusive item is legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather.
10. Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 1518 (U$ 12 milhões)
First introduced in 1941 as part of a collection of 4 exclusive Patek Philippe watches, the Stainless Steel was the first watch to feature a perpetual calendar and chronograph on its dial. In addition, this piece stands out among other watches from the Swiss brand because it is made of steel, which guarantees rarity among collectors.
11. Patek Philippe Gobbi Milan 'World Time' Ref. 2523 (U$ 9 milhoes)
Among the watches bearing the Patek Philippe reference 2523, this is the only one signed by both Patek Philippe and iconic Italian retailer Gobbi Mila, making it an extremely rare piece in the world of watch collectors. Called “Universal Hours”, this watch features a time system that was patented by Louis Cottier in the 30s and which promised to show the time of different regions of the world in a single watch.
12. Vacheron Constantin 57260 ($8 million)
Considered the pocket watch with the most complications in the world, the “Vacheron Constantin 57260” has 2826 independent parts, 242 precious stones and 57 different pieces of information on its dial. It took 8 years to complete and was introduced to the public in 2015, selling for a whopping $8 million.
13. Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 5016A-010 (U$ 7,9 milhões)
Renovation of a great classic by Patek Philippe watchmaking, reference 5016-010 was based on the success of the 5016, which was discontinued by the company in 2011. One of the great differences of this watch are some of the complications present on the dial, such as the minute repeater and the perpetual calendar with retrograde date.
14. Patek Philippe Two-Crown Worldtime Ref. 2523 Eurasia (U$ 7,7 milhões)
This beautiful Patek Philippe watch was produced in 1953 and features a feature that has made it highly desired among watch collectors: a map of Eurasia on its dial. Only three gold versions were produced of this watch which could cost as much as $7,7 million!
15. Patek Philippe White Gold Caliber 89 ($6,9 million)
In commemoration of the 150 years of creation of Patek Philippe, this extraordinary watch known as “Caliber 89” was unveiled to the public. It features several interesting complications on its dial, including the date of Easter. The Caliber 89 was created in 1989 and sold at auction in 2014, becoming one of the most expensive pocket watches ever sold in the world.
16. Patek Philippe Gold Chronograph Ref. 1527 (U$ 6,8 milhões)
Created in 1943 during World War II, the “Gold Chronograph”, by the Swiss company Patek Philippe, made history. Not only did it feature a more modern design compared to its previous models, it also featured 23 jewels and an 18k gold clasp. The year it was manufactured added to its rarity makes its price so high.
17. Patek Philippe Titanium Ref. 5208T-010 ($6,6 million)
Launched in 2017, this version of the Patek Philippe reference 5208 featured a major innovation: it used titanium in its manufacture. As the product is rarely used by the Swiss company, the watch has become a rarity and an object of desire among collectors. This piece also features some much-desired complications like a minute repeater and perpetual calendar.
18. Rolex Daytona Unicorn Ref. 6265 ($6,1 million)
The second most expensive Rolex ever sold is the so-called “Daytona Unicorn”. This work was manufactured in the year 1970 and sold in 2018 for a price of 5,9 million dollars. Today it is even more valued according to websites specializing in luxury items. Its retail version was changed to feature a white gold bracelet, which made its value even higher than when released.
FONTE: Luxe Digital; Wealthy Gorilla
