The 30 Most Expensive Watches In The World

The most expensive watches in the world cost tens of millions of dollars. The Graff Diamonds Hallucination is the most expensive watch at a value of $55 million.

Centuries ago, watches were employed for the purpose of timekeeping. Today, they help fulfill a completely different purpose.

With the world’s advancing technology, we no longer rely on our watches to tell us the time, however, we continue to invest heavily in this accessory for another reason. Watches today have become a status symbol around the world. The best watches combine rich history, impeccable designs, multiple complications, and expensive gemstones, along with unparalleled technology, and come with a staggering price tag that could cost you millions of dollars.

These watches earn their remarkable value for a couple of different reasons. Some watches are appreciated for their iconic movements and their various complications, some gain their value from the expensive materials used to make them, and the others profit simply from their exclusivity.

Audemars Piguet, a Swiss luxury watch company, is well-known for its high-end watches. Many of these watches are considered collector’s items, and they can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more. Rolex watches are also known for their iconic movements and their various complications, and Omega Speedmaster is no exception.

Rolex’s watch is prized for its exceptional precision and its ability to withstand extreme conditions. It features a mechanical movement that is unrivaled in terms of accuracy and durability, and it is also equipped with a host of features that make it a true timepiece classic. For example, the steel case of the Rolex Submariner is known for its toughness and its ability to resist corrosion. The watch is also equipped with a high-quality movement that is resistant to the effects of temperature and humidity. However, Rolex and Omega watches are not the only ones with high price tags.

Complicated wristwatches, such as the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, are coveted for their intricate designs and the rare materials used to make them. These watches are often made with precious metals and stones, and they can cost millions of dollars. Watch collectors also appreciate the unique and rare timepieces that are not typically associated with expensive brands, such as the Heuer Autavia. These watches are often unique in design and feature unique movement mechanisms that are not found on other watches. Some world record watches have been made, and they can cost thousands of dollars or more.

If you’re wondering just how many millions these timepieces can cost you, scroll below to discover the 30 most expensive watches ever sold at auctions in the world.

1. Graff Diamonds Hallucination

Cost: $55 million

Released by the luxury British jewelry brand Graff in 2014, the Graff Diamonds Hallucination currently holds the title of the world’s most expensive wristwatch. Priced at a whopping $55 million, this timepiece is made up of 110 carats of extremely valuable and rare diamonds that come in a myriad of colors such as Fancy Pink, Fancy Yellow and Fancy Green, and in a variety of cuts such as heart, emerald, marquise, and round.

From afar, the Graff Diamonds Hallucination looks like a striking and incredibly expensive diamond bracelet. However, up close you can notice the small quartz dial that is encrusted with pink diamonds. Created by John Graff himself, this watch took thousands of hours to create and was worked on by some of the best gemologists and craftsmen around the world.

2. Graff Diamonds the Fascination

Cost: $40 million

The Graff Diamonds Fascination is a perfect amalgamation of a diamond bracelet and a wristwatch. This 3-in-1 timepiece is ornamented with 153 carats of white diamonds and is considered to be one of the most beautiful watches ever created.

Dubbed the Fascination, this watch’s expert craftsmanship allows the buyer to transform their timepiece into a 38.14 carat D Flawless pear ring and an opulent diamond bracelet pair. The center diamond easily detaches from the band and can be mounted on a bespoke ring, allowing the buyer to wear this exquisite piece of jewelry in multiple ways.

3. Breguet Grande Complication Marie-Antoinette

Cost: $30 million

The oldest watch on this list, the Breguet Grande Complication was commissioned back in 1782 and took over 40 years to make. This pocket watch features a combination of every complication that existed back in the 18th century, including a chime, a calendar, and a thermometer, and is currently on display at the L.A. Mayer Museum in Jerusalem.

This timepiece is rumored to have been commissioned by one of Marie-Antoinette’s lovers, however, the French Queen was executed 34 years before the watch was completed, and never got to witness the finished piece.

4. Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette

Cost: $26 million

One of the most unique wristwatches ever created, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette is embellished with 576 diamonds and features the smallest watch face in the world, with a calibre 101 movement, weight in just 1 gram.

The watch comes with a sapphire dial and was gifted to Queen Elizabeth II to commemorate her 60th year as ruler of the United Kingdom. With a number of diamond encrusted links that come together to form an elegant luxury bracelet, it’s no surprise that this watch costs an astounding $26 million.

5. Chopard 201 Carat Watch

Cost: $25 million

Much like the Graff Diamonds Hallucination, the Chopard 201-Carat watch features a multitude of fancy-colored diamonds including a 15-carat pink stone, a 12-carat blue stone, and an 11-carat white stone. Along with these three large diamonds, the watch is encrusted with another 163 carats of white and yellow stones that all come together to create one of the most beautiful watches existing today.

With a total of 874 diamonds that weigh 201 carats in total and come in various shapes and hues, this timepiece comes with a price tag of $25 million.

6. Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication

Cost: $24 million

Created back in 1933, this is the most expensive watch ever made by Patek Philippe and was crafted for an American banker named Henry Graves Jr. The watch comes with 24 complications that include a minute reader, a perpetual calendar, sunrise and sunset times, and a celestial calendar based on the night sky above Grave’s New York home, making it the world’s most complicated watch crafted by hand.

This watch is made with 18-carat gold and sold in a 2014 auction by Sotheby’s to an anonymous bidder for a whopping $24 million, marking the highest amount spent for a pocket watch during the time.

7. Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch

Cost: $18 million

Crafted with 18-carat white gold, the Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch is encrusted with 260-carats of white emerald-shaped diamonds. The watch was a result of a collaboration between founder Jacob Arabo and Italian Fashion label, Billionaire, and first made headlines back during 2015’s Baselworld.

The dial features a beautiful design and skeletonized movement that comes with a 72-hour power reserve. The Billionaire watch was purchased by American professional boxer Floyd Mayweather in 2018 for the asking price, going down in history as one of the most expensive watches in the world.

8. Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona

Cost: $17.8 million

This Rolex Daytona was commissioned as a present for famous actor Paul Newman by his wife Joanne Woodward back in 1968, and celebrated his love for motorsport and horology. One of the most sought-after watches in the world, this timepiece is often considered to be the best Rolex ever created.

The watch comes in an art deco style and features a cream and black dial, along with an inscription on the back reading ‘Drive carefully me.’ Newman gifted his iconic watch to his daughter’s boyfriend in 1984 who sold it at an auction for a staggering $17.8 million, donating a large portion of the proceeds to the Nell Newman Foundation.

9. Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 Stainless Steel

Cost: $11.1 million

Crafted back in 1941 as the first watch in limited edition 4-part series by Patek Philippe, the 1581 sold in an auction held in 2016 for over $11 million. What sets this timepiece apart from the rest of Patek’s collection is the material used to create it. Unlike other Patek Philippe watches, the 1518 has been fully crafted in high-grade stainless steel.

The 35mm dial was the first of its kind to combine a perpetual calendar with a chronograph. The watch features moon phases, is powered by Valjoux ebauche, and is considered to be one of the rarest and most exclusive watches in the world.

10. Vacheron Constantin 57260

Cost: $8 million

Known for its intricate complications, the Vacheron Constantin 57260 comes with a staggering 57 complications including an astronomical calendar, a Hebrew calendar, a lunar calendar, and a religious calendar.

Made using 2800 parts, the Vacheron Constantin 57260 is encased in white gold and features a well-designed display. The pocket watch was crafted in 2015 by a Master Watchmaker who employed the ‘Cotes de Geneve’ décor and techniques such as circular graining, and bevelling to create this masterpiece, which took over 8 years to produce.

11. Patek Philippe Calibre 89

Cost: $5.5 million

Crafted back in 1989, the Patek Philippe Caibre 89 was the most complicated pocket watch ever designed for over 25 years, until the Vacheron Constantin 57260 was introduced in 2015. There were four examples of this timepiece created, and each featured 33 complications including a thermometer, a leap year indicator, a century decade and year display, as well as a display exhibiting the day of the week.

The watch was introduced in 1989 to celebrate Patek Philippe’s 150th anniversary, weighed in at 1.1kg, and came with 1,728 different components and 24 hands. Made with 18-carat gold or platinum, the four pieces were each designed in a different hue, one in rose gold, one in yellow gold, one in white gold, and one in platinum.

12. Hublot Big Bang Diamond

Cost: $5 million

The perfect amalgamation of elegance and bling, the Hublot Big Bang Diamond is the most opulent and expensive watch ever created by the famous watch brand. Crafted using 18-carat white gold, the watch is encrusted with 1200 white baguette diamonds that are all of grade A VVS clarity, and 6 emerald diamonds that all weigh over 3 carats.

The Hublot Big Bang Diamond comes with a 42-hour power reserve and made headlines back in 2012 when famous singer Beyonce gifted this beautiful timepiece to her rapper husband, Jay Z, for his 43rd birthday.

13. Breguet Antique Number 2667

Cost: $4.69 million

Created over two centuries ago, the Breguet Antique Number 2667 is the 13th most expensive watch in the world today. This pocket watch is embellished with an 18k yellow gold case, a silver dial, and two oscillating bodies, all coming together to create the picture of elegance.

In 2012, this timepiece sold in Geneva for a whopping $4.69 million to a bidder in London, through an auction held by Christie’s.

14. Louis Moinet Meteoris

Cost: $4.6 million

Inventor of the chronograph, the brand Louis Moinet is known to create timepieces that excel in mechanics, technology, movement, and design. These qualities are extremely evident in Moinet’s Meterois collection that includes 4 exquisite timepieces, each containing a piece of space rock inside them.

The four watches are sold together as a set and portray the solar system collectively. The Tourbillon Mars contains a piece of a meteorite fallen from the planet, while the others contain a piece of a meteorite fallen from the planet Mercury and a piece of moon rock. With their immaculate design and out-of-this-world materials, it’s no surprise that this collection sells for a whopping $4.6 million.

15. Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 Oyster Albino

Cost: $4 million

Once adorned by famous musician Eric Clapton, this Rolex Daytona 6263 is one of the most popular and expensive watches ever created by the brand. Only 4 units of this design were ever crafted, making this Oyster watch one of the most exclusive Rolex’s to ever exist.

This timepiece owes it’s Albino’ nickname to its white, black, and silver design that features a manually wound Calibre 727. Made from stainless steel, the 6263 Oyster sold for $4 million in a 2015 auction.

16. Patek Philippe 5004T

Cost: $3.9 million

Unlike the other watches on this list, the Patel Philippe 5004T looks more sporty than a piece of high-end jewelry. However, this doesn’t affect its impeccable design or even its asking price. After the 5004 series was discontinued its by Patek Philippe, this rare 5004T version was crafted solely for the purpose of auction.

Its list of complications includes a perpetual calendar and a split-second chronograph. Made out of titanium, this timepiece is incredibly unique for the Patek Philippe brand and features stunning contrast stitching on the band, and a 40mm 18 carat white gold case.

17. Patek Philippe 1928 Single Button Chronograph

Cost: $3.6 million

Fashioned back in 1928, this single button chronograph is one of the rarest and most expensive watches ever produced by Patek Philippe. Housed in 18-carat white gold, the watch features a cushion-shaped white dial, Breguet numerals, 28 different jewels, a polished bezel, and a chronograph mechanism.

Sold among other important timepieces at a 2011 Christie’s auction held in Geneva, this 1928 single button chronograph was estimated to reel in an estimate of $2.7 million. However, it eventually managed to acquire almost a million dollars more, selling for an astounding $3.6 million to the highest bidder.

18. Piaget Emperador Temple

Cost: $3.3 million

The most expensive timepiece ever created by luxury watch brand Piaget, the Emeperador Temple is the epitome of prestige and elegance. Covered almost entirely in flawless white diamonds, the watch dial features a mother of pearl material that helps add contrast to the dazzling gemstones. The unique and highly advanced design houses 2 watches in one band, that can be easily accessed by pushing down on specific parts.

Crafted using 18-carat jewel-encrusted yellow gold, the case is encrusted with 481 brilliant-cut diamonds, with the inside watch exhibiting an additional 218 baguette-cut diamonds, and 162 brilliant-cut diamonds, along with another 350 baguette diamonds on the watch band.

19. Cartier Secret Watch with Phoenix Décor

Cost: $2.75 million

Similar to the Graff and Chopard watches on this list, this exquisite Cartier timepiece resembles a piece of high-end diamond jewelry more than a wristwatch. In fact, with over 3000 diamonds weighing over 80 carats encrusted on the watch, it’s almost hard to see the dial, giving this timepiece its ‘secret watch’ title.

The most expensive Cartier watch ever created, the Secret Watch with Phoenix Décor is made using 18-carat white gold and comes plated with rhodium. It resembles a phoenix, with the bird’s eyes embellished with emeralds, and its body enhanced with pear and portrait cut diamonds.

20. Frank Muller Aeternitas Mega 4

Cost: $2.7 million

The Aeternitas Mega 4 is not only the most expensive watch created by Frank Muller, but it also holds the record for being the most complicated watch to ever exist. With a record breaking 36 complications, the watch features an Equation of time, a calendar that doesn’t need adjusting for 1000 years, a Westminster carillon, a leap year indicator, and a minute repeater, along with many other complications.

The watch is made up of 1483 different components and the complications are set using an intricate and elegant design in the 50mm gold cased dial. One of the most technologically advanced watches ever created, the Aeternitas Mega 4 costs a staggering $2.7 million to procure.

21. Lange & Sohne Grand Complication

Cost: $2.5 million

The most expensive watch ever created by the brand, the Lange & Sohne Grand Complication took over a year to make, launched in 2013, and comes with a $2.5 million price tag. The timepiece features a beautiful gold case that houses a myriad of complications such as a grande and petite sonnerie with a minute repeater, a moon phase, a perpetual calendar, and a rattrapante-chronograph function with flying seconds.

Apart from all its intricate complications, the Lange & Sohne Grand Complication gets its high price tag from its exclusivity. Not only does it take a year to craft this masterpiece, but the brand also claims that only 6 of these timepieces will be created in total, making it one of the rarest watches to ever exist.

22. Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie

Cost: $2.5 million

Created by watchmaker David Candaux back in 2009, the Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie is an acoustic masterpiece. The watch features multiple complications but is renowned for its acoustic variety of complications including grande and petite sonneries, and a Westminster repeater that evokes the sound of the famous Big Ben with an extended melody.

Other examples of complications features in the watch include a perpetual calendar, and two power reserve indicators, with a total of 26 complications housed in an 18-carat white gold case. One of the most complicated watches ever created, it’s no surprise that the Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie comes with such a hefty price tag.

23. Rolex Antimagnetique Ref. 4113 from 1942

Cost: $2.4 million

Vintage watches bring a certain appeal for watch-lovers. This could not be truer for the Rolex Antimagnetique Ref. 4113 from 1942, which sold for a staggering $2.4 million in a 2016 auction held in Geneva. Even though this timepiece is crafted using steel rather than Rolex’s usual precious materials, the price of this watch surged due to its rarity (with only 12 examples of this design existing), rather than its material value.

The 44mm case houses a split-seconds chronograph, and a white dial inscribed with gold, black and blue numbering. The largest Rolex to ever exist, this watch was never introduced to the market for sale, but only created as a gift for certain racecar drivers and teams back in 1942.

24. Richard Mille RM 56-02 Sapphire Tourbillon

Cost: $2.2 million

The most expensive Richard Mille timepiece to ever exist, the 56-02 Sapphire Tourbillon was introduced to the world in 2014, with only 10 pieces being crafted. The base plate is made from titanium, and the triple-tier watchcase is solely created using pure sapphire crystal, making it one of the most unique, scratch-proof, and exclusive watches to ever exist.

The watch features a single-axis tourbillon, and is powered by a manually wound Calibre RM56-02. A combination of the precious material used to craft the watch, along with its unique design, rarity, and scratch-resistant case helps justify this timepiece’s $2.2 million price tag.

25. Vacheron Constantin Tour de I’lle

Cost: $1.5 million

One of the rarest watches ever created, 7 pieces of the Vacheron Constantin Tour de I’lle were crafted back in 2005 to celebrate the brand’s 250th anniversary. Back when It was first released, this wristwatch was dubbed the most complicated watch that existed worldwide, with 16 complications, and 834 individual parts housed in a pure 18 carat gold case with a blue sapphire glass.

The horological complications featured in the Tour de I’lle include moonphase, a perpetual calendar, a star map, sunrise and sunset times, power reserve indicator, and dual time zone, among many others. The strap is made from alligator leather and the white dial is encrusted with 39 different jewels.

26. Greubel Forsey Art Piece 1

Cost: $1.5 million

The Greubel Forsey Art Piece 1 is the result of a collaboration between Greube and Stephen Forsey with miniature artist Willard Wigan (known for creating microscopic art), who came together to create the perfect amalgamation of movement and art in a wristwatch. A one-of-a-kind unique timepiece, this watch encompasses a micro sculpture fashioned by artist Wigan, that can be viewed from a tiny magnifier set in the crown next to 9 o’ clock.

The dial comes in a striking blue color and features a Greubel Forsey 30 degree double tourbillon, and sapphire crystal glass casing. Unlike the other watches on this list that resemble a piece of art, the Art Piece 1 is literally a work of art in itself, and therefore deserving of its $1.5 million price tag.

27. Blancpain Specialites Tourbillon Diamants

Cost: $1.3 million

Perhaps one of the most luxurious men’s watches to ever exist, the Blancpain Specialites Tourbillon Diamants features a 40mm 3-piece white gold case with over 500 white diamonds weighing over 14 carats. The jewel encrusted dial is also fit with a staggering 164 white diamonds that weight over 5 carats collectively.

The timepiece is crafted using 238 individual components and features an automatic calibre 25A tourbillon movement. Offering one of the longest power reserves of all luxury watches, the Blancpain Specialites Tourbillon Diamants comes with a 7 day battery reserve, and 29 other gemstones.

28. Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon

Cost: $1.09 million

An incredibly rare watch by Patek Philippe, the Sky Moon Tourbillion went on auction back in 2019, estimating to acquire up to $1.6 million for its sale. The timepiece comes with 12 complications including a sky chart, moon phase, a leap year indicator, a minute repeater, moon age, and orbit display, among many more.

The watch first made headlines in 2007 for being one of the few existing watches to encompass both, multiple complications and a double-dial, after being introduced at the Baselwold fair in Switzerland. With the watch being solely made-to-order and only a limited number of pieces ever created, the Sky Moon Tourbillon is one of the most exclusive watches to ever exist.

29. Ulysse Nardin Royal Blue Tourbillon Watch

Cost: $1 million

Unlike a majority of watches on this list that are shrouded by their rarity, you could actually purchase a Ulysse Nardin Royal Blue Tourbillon Watch today, that is if you have $1 million to spend. The watch is embellished with an elegant combination of 568 white diamonds and 234 royal blue sapphires, along with a platinum case and bracelet, that all come together to create a truly unique and opulent piece.

The wristwatch features a manual Calibre UN-79 movement, a 100-hour power reserve, and a mysterious tourbillon complication. The exquisite design, luxurious gemstones, and advanced movements give this watch its substantial price tag.

30. Hublot Million Dollar Caviar Black Bang

Cost: $1 million

With only one piece ever created, the Hublot Million Dollar Caviar Black Bang is not only the more exclusive Hublot to ever exist, but also one of the rarest watches ever created in the world. While the strap is constructed using modest rubber, the case is made using 18 carat white gold, and the watch face is encrusted with dazzling gold and black diamonds. Over 500 black diamonds cover the watch, weighing over 30 carats collectively.

The watch features a Hub Solo T tourbillon movement, and comes with a 125 hour power reserve. With over 2000 hours of work and craftsmanship required to create this masterpiece, along with its impeccable design and its vast exhibition of diamonds, it’s no surprise that the Hublot Million Dollar Caviar Black Bang comes with such a staggering price tag.

What Do Watch Collectors Look For in a Watch?

Investing in expensive watches is all about the qualities watch collectors look for, as well as the timing (so to speak). The global luxury watch market will grow over the next few years. But what do watch collectors look for in expensive watches?

Here are the qualities luxury watch collectors look for in their watches:

Longevity

Luxury brands usually make timepieces that last for many generations. Watches crafted to last for this long tend to be handmade and are extremely precise at keeping time.

Style

Expensive watches are also appreciated for their details and style. Watch collectors consider the case design, dial design, band style, and other unique features of a watch. They also consider the look and feel of the design elements taken as a whole.

Luxury

Luxury watches are usually made with expensive materials, have the ultimate craftsmanship brand reputation, and are rare. These watches are usually in high demand by watch collectors who appreciate their beauty and exclusivity.

Collecting & Investing

Most expensive watches are handmade, which means they’re limited in the number created. This makes some luxury watch brands more expensive and entices collectors to purchase special edition and rare watches.

In addition, some collectors consider luxury watches to be an excellent investment.

What Makes Watches So Valuable?

Expensive watches are complicated timepieces that are appreciated for their unique designs, expensive materials, and for being handmade. Some limited edition watches are usually expensive due to being in high demand but in low supply.

Another reason luxury watches can be expensive is due to the complexity of the timepiece. It takes time to design and perfect these watches. It also takes years of training and experience to become a top-notch watchmaker.

In some watch brands, the materials used are expensive and may be challenging to work with. These factors put can make luxury watches some of the most expensive in the world.

Finally, the watch’s brand may have an excellent reputation. For example, Patek Phillipe is known for making beautiful watches that can be counted on for their value and beauty. When a company builds an excellent reputation over many decades, this can result in its watches becoming more valuable in the expensive watch market.