Now I have owned a few watches in my time, gifts from my wife and family. But I have never looked at the higher end brands as they are unlikely going to be something I ever manage to afford. Omega, Rolex and sometimes to be honest I would struggle to look at the price tag of a Swatch.
While researching this article I have come across another universe of brands I’ve never heard of before, having not spent much time frequenting the multi-millionaire auction houses for the eye-wateringly wealthy.
If you yourself aren’t as financially challenged as myself and have got bored of buying sports cars, islands, jets and football teams, then maybe a wee watch would be a nice change of pace.
5 – Patek Philippe “Prince Mohammed Tewlik A. Toussou” Ref. 1518 ($9.57mil)
The Patek Philippe “Prince Mohammed Tewlik A. Toussou” Ref. 1518 is a historically significant and extremely rare timepiece, linked to Egyptian royalty. The Ref. 1518 is known as the world’s first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch produced in series, and its association with Prince Mohammed Tewlik A. Toussou of Egypt further adds to its allure. This particular model, crafted in 18k yellow gold, is highly prized for both its technical sophistication and its unique provenance, having belonged to Egyptian nobility.
In November 2021, this rare Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 was sold at a Christie’s auction in Geneva, fetching an impressive $9.57 million. The sale underscored the enduring value of Patek Philippe’s craftsmanship and the importance of royal provenance in driving up the value of collectible timepieces. The watch’s historical significance, combined with its rarity and connection to Egyptian royalty, made it one of the most desirable models among collectors.
The sale of the “Prince Mohammed Tewlik A. Toussou” Ref. 1518 highlighted the intersection of horological excellence and historical importance, solidifying its place among the most iconic vintage watches ever produced by Patek Philippe, and enhancing its status in the world of luxury auctions.
4 – Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 1518 ($11.137mil)
The Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 1518 is one of the rarest and most prized watches in the world, celebrated for its rarity, craftsmanship, and historical significance. Introduced in 1941, the Ref. 1518 was the first-ever perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch to be produced in series, marking a milestone in horological innovation. While most Ref. 1518 models were made in yellow or rose gold, only four examples were produced in stainless steel, making them extraordinarily rare and highly coveted by collectors.
In November 2016, one of these stainless steel Ref. 1518 watches was sold at a Phillips auction in Geneva for a record-breaking $11.1 million, making it the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction at the time. This sale highlighted not only the demand for vintage Patek Philippe watches but also the unique allure of rare stainless steel models, which were less common in high-end watchmaking.
The Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 in stainless steel stands out as a symbol of the brand’s technical prowess and timeless elegance. Its auction price reflects both its scarcity and its status as one of the most historically significant watches in the world, solidifying its place in horological history.
3 – Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona Ref. 6239 ($17.75mil)
The Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona Ref. 6239 is one of the most iconic and sought-after watches in the world, largely due to its association with the legendary actor and race car driver Paul Newman. This specific model, featuring an exotic dial with distinct sub-dial markings, became famously linked to Newman, who wore the watch regularly after receiving it as a gift from his wife, Joanne Woodward, in the 1960s. The watch gained cult status among collectors, with the “Paul Newman” Daytona becoming one of the most coveted Rolex models ever produced.
In October 2017, the original Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239 owned by Paul Newman himself made history when it was sold at auction by Phillips in New York. The watch achieved an astounding price of $17.75 million, setting a record for the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction at the time. The extraordinary sale was driven not only by the watch’s rarity and condition but by its personal connection to Newman, a Hollywood icon and passionate racing enthusiast.
The sale of this watch highlighted the immense value placed on both the craftsmanship of Rolex and the provenance of items connected to significant cultural figures, cementing the “Paul Newman” Daytona’s legendary status.
2 – Patek Philippe Henry Graves Super-Complication Ref. 198.385 ($24mil)
The Patek Philippe Henry Graves Super-Complication Ref. 198.385 is one of the most legendary timepieces in the world, known for its intricate craftsmanship and astronomical sale price. Commissioned by American banker Henry Graves Jr. in 1925, this pocket watch took five years to complete and was delivered in 1933. At the time, it was the most complicated watch ever made, boasting 24 complications, including a perpetual calendar, moon phases, and a celestial chart based on the night sky above Graves’ home in New York.
In November 2014, the Patek Philippe Henry Graves Super-Complication made headlines when it was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva for a record-breaking $24 million. This sale cemented its status as the most expensive watch ever sold at auction. The watch’s intricate design, historical significance, and association with one of Patek Philippe’s most distinguished clients contributed to its immense value.
Its auction underscored the ongoing demand for rare, historically significant timepieces, especially those created by prestigious Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe. To this day, the Henry Graves Super-Complication remains a symbol of horological excellence and a pinnacle of luxury watchmaking.
1 – Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 ($31.19mil)
The Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 became the most expensive watch ever sold when it fetched an astounding $31.19 million at the Only Watch charity auction in Geneva on November 9, 2019. This unique timepiece was specially created for the biennial auction, which supports research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Crafted in stainless steel, a rare material for Patek Philippe, the Grandmaster Chime features 20 complications, including five chiming modes, a perpetual calendar, and a minute repeater.
Its double-faced reversible case allows the wearer to switch between two dials, one showing the time and the other displaying the calendar functions. The watch’s intricate design and high level of craftsmanship make it a masterpiece of modern horology. The phrase “The Only One” is engraved on the case, further emphasizing its one-of-a-kind status.
The Grandmaster Chime’s record-breaking sale underscored Patek Philippe’s reputation as one of the world’s most prestigious watchmakers. Not only did it shatter the previous auction record for a wristwatch, but it also highlighted the growing market for rare and complicated timepieces, blending horological excellence with philanthropy.
Looking To The Future
That was one hell of a list!
The amount of time (pun intended), effort and masterful skill that it takes to design and create such a work of art is just staggering.
One thing that happens when a record is set is there’s always competition out there looking to beat it and there already seems to be a few lining up to take that top spot.
Graffs Diamonds Hallucination – valued at $55 million
The Graff Diamonds Hallucination watch is one of the most extravagant and expensive timepieces ever created, valued at a staggering $55 million. Designed by the British luxury jeweler Graff, it made its debut at Baselworld in 2014, stunning the world with its vibrant and intricate craftsmanship.
The Hallucination features an array of exceptionally rare colored diamonds, totaling 110 carats. Each diamond is meticulously hand-set into the bracelet, creating a kaleidoscope of pink, blue, yellow, orange, and green hues. These stones include a variety of cuts, such as heart, pear, marquise, and round, contributing to the watch’s dazzling, multifaceted appearance.
Despite its opulence, the watch retains a practical aspect with a small quartz dial embedded among the diamonds, offering a delicate contrast to the boldness of its surrounding jewels. Graff’s artisans and gemologists worked tirelessly to bring this masterpiece to life, blending horology and high jewelry into one cohesive, breathtaking creation.
More than just a timepiece, the Graff Hallucination is a statement of artistry, luxury, and rarity, representing the pinnacle of high-end watchmaking and jewelry design, designed to push the boundaries of craftsmanship and beauty.
