There is no doubt about it. If you are looking for an accessory to take your outfit from an 8 to a 10, there is only one answer.
Watches.
Yes, watches have held a place in the society of prestige, class, and elegance for centuries, qualities that all of us should have locked away in our wardrobes, even if it is just for special occasions.
Pondering the importance of a good timepiece got us thinking. What are some of the most expensive watches out there? Well, after some research, we have put together a list of some of the most prestigious watches ever, just in case you have any extra change hanging around and want to put it to good use!
Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona Ref. 6239
As much as a celebrity in watch circles as its name bearer, this intricate timepiece is also used to hold the record of being the most expensive watch ever sold at auction. This was until another watch on our list knocked it off its perch!
The Daytona was given to Paul Newman as a gift by his beloved wife, fellow actor Joanne Woodard, and it is quite clear that she knew her man. While getting a Rolex has always been special, the Daytona, in particular, was manufactured with racing drivers in mind with dials that include elapsed time and average speed, something that would have been useful for him in his parallel life as a budding race car driver.
What makes this Rolex one of the world’s most expensive watches and different from other Daytonas is the exotic or “Paul Newman” dial. The Paul Newman boasts a bolder design that only 2,000-3,000 have.
The charm of the Daytona Ref. 6239 is that it is fit for an A-lister but has a back story we can all connect to, including the sweet message from Joanne to Paul engraved on the back “Drive carefully.” Little did she know that one day it would be sold for a staggering $17 million at auction in 2017.
Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010
No talk about any expensive brands of watches would be complete without talking about the powerhouse that is Patek Philippe. Their creations have been worn by a diverse line of famous and influential people in history, including Queen Victoria, Picasso, Tolstoy, Einstein, and Lady Diana.
To give you a sense of how prestigious they are, in the list of the most expensive watches ever sold at auction, 8 out of the top 10 were Patek Phillppes.
With that in mind, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out that the watch that knocked the Rolex Paul Newman from the top of the most expensive watches sold at auction was a Patek Philippe.
The Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 gained fame for its intricated design, with 20 complications, 2 dials, and 5 chiming modes, hence the name.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette
Having links to royalty does wonder to the potential value of any accessory. But when that link is a specially made present for the longest-serving monarch in the world, that’s when values start to go up into the stratosphere.
The watch, made by the prestigious watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre, was presented to her honor on her 60-year jubilee in honor of the watch made by them that was given to her by the then president of France at her coronation.
Valued at an eye-watering $26 million, this watch certainly deserves its place on any list of the world’s most expensive watches based solely on craftsmanship alone. In fact, only 3 people on the planet know how to make the watch.
It is fitted with one of the smallest movements in the world, believed to weigh only one gram. It also boasts interlocking squares of diamond and sapphires, with the final look appearing to seem more like a bracelet than a watch.
In this case, one of the most expensive watches in the world is definitely fit for a Queen.
Vacheron Constantin 57260
A marvel in the world of watchmaking, although it goes down as the cheapest watch on our list, the Vacheron Constantin 57260 reaches its $8 million value based purely on what a testament it is to watchmaking.
With its over 2,800 components, it also has 57 individual complications. These include a night mode and 3 separate calendars, Hebrew, gregorian and astronomical. No wonder it took 8 years to make!
For the oldest of the fabled Swiss watch manufacturers, the 57260 is certainly the jewel in their crown.
Graff Diamonds Hallucination
From the cheapest to the most expensive on our list, we go out with a bang with the world’s most expensive watch. Valued at $55 million, the Graff Diamonds Hallucination is a shining example of what is possible when the best in gemology and watch design come together.
Every inch of this watch is covered in the most precious diamonds available, each one of them of the rarest kind. Included are the fancy intense blue, fancy orange, and fancy pink, to name a few. Each is cut to perfection in a variety of shapes, from heart, marquise, pear, round, and more.
Its 110 carets are a sight to behold, and it certainly kicked up a deserved fuss when it was first unveiled in 2014 at the Baselworld Watch and Jewellery Show and continues to do so up to this day.
Read also: How to Spot a True Luxury Watch Brand
Which of the Most Expensive Watches Is on Your Wishlist?
Watches have and will continue to catch the imagination of all who value luxury goods. We hope that our rundown of the most expensive watches has only served to feed your appetite for the finer things in life.
If you wish to continue learning about special timepieces, why not check out this article on another mythical watch. Otherwise, be sure to investigate the other gems of articles to be found on Luxtionary!
Featured image source: Swisswatches-magazine.com
