Market research & Development
This ranking showcases watches that stand at the forefront of horology, defined by their craftsmanship, rarity, and historical significance. From record-setting auctions to expertly valued designs, each timepiece reflects the artistry and precision driving their extraordinary worth.
1. Graff Diamonds Hallucination – $55 Million
Unveiled at Baselworld 2014, the Graff Diamonds Hallucination features 110 carats of multi-colored diamonds set in a platinum bracelet. Crafted under Laurence Graff’s vision, its quartz dial is secondary to the gemwork, valued at $55 million for its unmatched opulence. Learn more about such designs in Haute Time’s jewelry watch guide.
2. Graff Diamonds Fascination – $50 Million
Launched in 2015, the Fascination boasts 152.96 carats of white diamonds, with a detachable 38.13-carat pear-shaped diamond doubling as a ring. Its platinum design blends versatility with extravagance, priced at $50 million. Explore Graff’s approach at WatchTime’s Baselworld retrospective.
3. Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 – $31.19 Million
Sold for $31.19 million at the 2019 Only Watch auction, this stainless steel Patek Philippe is the priciest wristwatch auctioned. With 20 complications, including a perpetual calendar and dual dials, its rarity drove its value. Dive into its story via Only Watch’s auction history.
4. Breguet Grande Complication Marie Antoinette – $30 Million
Commissioned in 1783 for Queen Marie Antoinette, this gold pocket watch by Abraham-Louis Breguet took 40 years to complete. Featuring a perpetual calendar and thermometer, it’s valued at $30 million and resides in Jerusalem’s L.A. Mayer Museum. Discover Breguet’s legacy at The Breguet Museum.
5. Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette – $26 Million
Gifted to Queen Elizabeth II, this white gold bracelet watch pairs a miniature Calibre 101 movement with diamonds. Valued at $26 million, its royal provenance adds allure. Read about its craftsmanship in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s heritage notes.
6. Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication – $24 Million
This 1933 gold pocket watch, made for banker Henry Graves Jr., has 24 complications, including a celestial chart. Sold for $24 million at Sotheby’s in 2014, it’s a horological milestone. See its significance in Sotheby’s auction archives.
7. Chopard 201-Carat Watch – $25 Million
Introduced in 2000, Chopard’s watch features 874 diamonds totaling 201 carats, including a 15-carat pink, 12-carat blue, and 11-carat white diamond. Priced at $25 million, its floral design shines. Learn more at Chopard’s haute joaillerie overview.
8. Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch – $18 Million
With 260 carats of emerald-cut diamonds on an 18-karat white gold case, this watch includes a tourbillon. Bought by Floyd Mayweather, its $18 million price reflects bold design. Understand tourbillons better at Horology House’s guide.
9. Rolex Paul Newman Daytona Ref. 6239 – $17.75 Million
This 1968 stainless steel Rolex, engraved “Drive Carefully Me” for Paul Newman, sold for $17.75 million at Phillips in 2017. Its Art Deco dial and Newman’s fame make it legendary. Check its impact in Phillips’ auction records.
10. Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 1518 – $11.1 Million
Sold for $11.1 million at Phillips in 2016, this 1941 perpetual calendar chronograph is one of four in stainless steel. As the first serially produced of its kind, it’s rare. Explore its context at Patek Philippe’s museum insights.
What Drives These Prices?
These watches fetch millions due to:
Craftsmanship Hand-assembled movements and gem-setting require years of expertise.
Rarity Limited editions, like the Grandmaster Chime, are scarce.
Provenance Ownership by figures like Paul Newman adds historical value.
Materials Diamonds and gold, as in Graff’s designs, elevate costs.
For deeper valuation insights, see Hodinkee’s market analysis.
The Investment Perspective
Luxury watches often appreciate. The Rolex Paul Newman Daytona, valued at under $1,000 in the 1960s, soared due to its cultural significance. Risks like market volatility and maintenance costs remain, so studying auction trends is key. For tips, visit WatchTime’s collector guide.
