Time is Gold: 20 of the Most Expensive Watches in the World

Are you curious about the most expensive watches in the world? If so, this post is for you. We'll dig into the world’s most exquisite and exclusive multi-million dollar timepieces that catch the eye of top collectors, Hollywood stars, and even royal family members.

This article will look at some of the most valuable timepieces from luxury watchmakers, including Patek Philippe, Graff, Rolex, and others. If you love watches as much as I do, check this list of the top 20 most expensive watches, and see what makes them extremely precious.

20. Patek Philippe Platinum World Time Ref. 1415 - $4 million

This Platinum World Time Reference 1415 is Patek Philippe's first official World Timer. With its monotone style, this stunning watch creates powerful high-end drama. It is no longer the most expensive watch in the world but is still a highly sought-after timepiece.

19. Patek Philippe White Gold Calibre 89 - $5 million

This astronomical watch has a diameter of 88.2 mm and a thickness of 41.07 mm. It includes various intricate features such as a sunrise and sunset timer, a century leap year correction, a second-time zone, and a perpetual calendar, to mention a few. 

This incredible watch was initially produced for the brand's 150th anniversary.

18. Patek Philippe Gold Chronograph Ref. 1527 - $5.7 million

This Gold Chronograph Reference 1527 is a unique timepiece with a chronograph, date, and moon phases. The movement also has 23 jewels that give it a luxurious aesthetic. Its buckle is constructed of 18k gold—no wonder it garnered such a high price at auction.

17. Rolex Daytona Unicorn Ref. 6265 - $5.9 million

The Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265 was the second most expensive Rolex ever sold in a public auction. This watch was made in 1970, but it now has a luxurious white gold bracelet. This beautiful timepiece features a striking black display with a twist of white gold accents.

16. Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Calibre 89 - $6 million

The Calibre 89 Yellow Gold is one of only four Calibre 89 versions, the others being white gold, platinum, and pink gold. This remarkable timepiece includes several complications, such as world time for 125 cities, a barometer, compass, altimeter, and split-second clock, to name a few.

15. Patek Philippe Titanium Ref. 5208T-010 - $6.2 million

Patek Philippe Titanium Ref. 5208T-010 is one of the rarest wristwatches in the world because it is the sole titanium model of the Ref. 5208 Triple Complication timepiece. This watch is notable for its minute repeater, perpetual calendar, and mono-pusher chronograph.

14. Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 5016A-010 - $7.3 million

This high-end Patek Philippe timepiece is based on the brand's reference 5016 and features several remarkable complexities. A tourbillon, a perpetual calendar with a retrograde date, and a minute repeater are among the incredible features of the Stainless Steel Ref. 5016A-010.

13. Patek Philippe Two-Crown World Time Ref. 2523 Eurasia - $7.8 million

One of the most iconic timepieces is this incredibly desirable Patek Philippe Two-Crown Worldtime Ref. 2523. Its most notable feature is a dial depicting a map of Eurasia. This watch also features a world-time complication, a 41-city ring, and a dual crown, which is both intricate and instantly recognizable.

12. Vacheron Constantin 57260 - $8 million

With its 57 different complications, it's no wonder the Vacheron Constantin timepiece is one of the most sophisticated watches in the world. It boasts a night mode, a chronograph with two retrograde split seconds, and a Judaic calendar. It also contains 2826 separate components and 242 jewels.

11. Patek Philippe Gobbi Milan ‘Heures Universelles’ Ref. 2523 - $9 million

The blue enamel dial on this Gobbi Milan 'Heures Universelles' Ref. 2523 contrasts well with the opulent 18k pink gold casing. Its distinguishing feature is the Heures Universelles world time system and the signatures of both Patek Philippe and Gobbi Milano.

10. Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 1518 - $11 million

This Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 1518 is one of a four-piece limited edition collection featuring a high-grade stainless steel casing. Aside from being extremely rare, the gorgeous timepiece fascinates collectors with its perpetual calendar and chronograph.

9. Rolex Paul Newman Daytona Ref. 6239 - $17.7 million

The Paul Newman Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239 has a distinctive black and cream exotic dial and an exquisite Art Deco design. It's not surprising that the auction ended after only 12 minutes since Rolex is one of the most renowned luxury brands in the world.

8. Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch - $18 million

The Jacob & Co Billionaire Watch is decorated with 189 carats of Akosha diamonds, making it extremely expensive. This extraordinary timepiece also has 167 components and 18 jewels. The bracelet and dial are composed of 18k white gold, and the crown features a rose-cut jewel.

7. Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication - $24 million

Being one of the most expensive pocket-watches in the world, the Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication features a minute repeater with Westminster Chimes, a celestial chart based on the night sky, a perpetual calendar, and sunrise and sunset times.

6. Chopard 201-Carat - $25 million

This Chopard 201-Carat timepiece comprises 874 diamonds totaling 201 carats in various dazzling colors. With its superb engineering and luxurious look, it's no surprise that it's a favorite of royalty and Hollywood A-listers. It is regarded as one of ladies' world's finest luxury watches.

5. Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette - $26 million

This one-of-a-kind Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette was crafted as a present for none other than Queen Elizabeth II to commemorate her reign's 60th year. The exceptional timepiece features a sapphire dial, polished links set with 576 diamonds, and a small caliber101 movement.

4. Breguet Grande Complication Marie Antoinette - $30 million

This Breguet Grande Complication timepiece was initially commissioned by one of Marie Antoinette's lovers for the renowned French queen. This stunning piece took almost 40 years to complete. It is plated in gold and contains various remarkable complications, such as a thermometer and a perpetual calendar.

3. Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 - $31 million

The Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 is the most expensive Patek watch ever sold. This luxurious timepiece has two displays, five chiming modes, a date repeater, and an acoustic alarm. Both dials are blue opaline, with gold-applied digits and dial plates made of 18K pure gold.

2. Graff Diamonds The Fascination - $40 million

Graff Diamonds The Fascination appears on the world's second most expensive watches. This timepiece is a one-of-a-kind exhibition of diamond mastery and a work of horological art. It boasts 152.96 carats of white diamonds, and in the center is a 38-carat pear-shaped diamond dial.

1. Graff Diamonds Hallucination - $55 million

The Hallucination by Graff Diamonds is the most expensive watch ever created. This exceptional timepiece boasts a kaleidoscopic array of 110 carats of various colored diamonds, making it genuinely gorgeous and gloriously magical. It also has a platinum bracelet and a small dial in the middle.

There you have it! These are the most high-end watches in the world so far. Who would have thought that some timepieces are literally worth a fortune? Well, with their lavish styling and precious materials, these watches will surely turn the heads of anyone.