World’s most expensive watches

What would it mean to own one of the most expensive watches in the world? The association between owning an expensive watch and elegance or class is a widespread perception. Traditionally, luxury watches have been considered symbols of status and sophistication, reflecting not only the owner’s economic ability but also an appreciation for craftsmanship and sophisticated design.

The world’s most expensive watch brands

The world’s most expensive watches are pieces of fine watchmaking that combine craftsmanship, precious materials, mechanical complexity, and often a significant history.

Prices can vary widely depending on these factors. Some of the brands and models known to produce some of the most expensive watches include:

1. Patek Philippe: This Swiss brand is renowned for its craftsmanship and has produced some of the most expensive watches ever sold at auction. For example, the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 sold for $31 million in a charity auction in 2019, making it the most expensive watch ever sold at auction.
2. Rolex: Known for its durability and symbolic status, Rolex has some models, such as Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona, that have fetched high prices at auctions, with Newman’s Daytona selling for $17.8 million in 2017.
3. Vacheron Constantin: One of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world, Vacheron Constantin has created incredibly complex and richly decorated watches, such as the Vacheron Constantin 57260, which is considered one of the most complicated watches ever made.
4. Jaeger-LeCoultre: Famous for its complicated movements, Jaeger-LeCoultre has watches that are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch high prices.
5. Audemars Piguet: This brand is known for its iconic Royal Oak model, among others. Audemars Piguet watches can be extremely expensive, especially when they are made in limited editions or contain complex watchmaking complications.
6. Richard Mille: Richard Mille watches are known for their futuristic design and use of advanced materials, which makes them very expensive. Some models can cost more than $1 million.
7. Breguet: The Breguet Grande Complication Marie-Antoinette (No. 160) is a watch famous for its history and complexity. It was commissioned by an admirer of Queen Marie Antoinette of France and took decades to complete.
8. Hublot: Known for its innovative approach to materials, Hublot has created some very expensive watches, such as the $5 million Big Bang, which is studded with diamonds.
9. Graff Diamonds: This jewelry house has created watches such as the Graff Diamonds Hallucination, which is worth over $55 million and is considered one of the most expensive watches because of its many colored diamonds.
10. Jacob & Co.: Known for its bold and luxurious designs, Jacob & Co. produces watches such as the Billionaire Watch, which is valued at about $18 million and features emerald-cut diamonds.

The variability of watch prices

It is important to note that watch prices can vary widely depending on auctions, market demand, and rarity. Watches with a significant history or belonging to famous personalities often fetch higher prices because of their added historical and collectible value.

On The Royal Watchery you can enter a drawing to win a watch belonging to one of these brands.