11 Most Expensive Watches

Featuring a blue enamel dial that contrasts beautifully with the luxurious 18k pink gold case, it doesn’t take a watch expert to identify this timepiece as something special.

It features the Heures Universelles world time system as patented in the 1930s by horological icon, Louis Cottier. And it’s also the only known reference 2523 to feature the signature of both Patek Philippe and Gobbi Milano.

Part of a limited edition four-piece series, the main appeal of this particular watch lies in its case. Made with a high-grade stainless steel case, it distinguishes itself from other Patek Philippe luxury watches, typically made of yellow or rose gold.

First introduced in 1941, the Patek Philippe Ref.1518 made horology headlines as the first-ever perpetual calendar and chronograph—yet another reason why this watch impresses collectors. And while you might think steel would make a watch less valuable than gold, it’s hard to find high-end watches in this material. Rarity always pushes prices up.

It certainly lives up to its designation, encrusted with 189 carats of Akosha diamonds—a cut that’s meant to make each diamond appear 30% bigger than a standard emerald cut diamond. Then there’s the skeleton face where you can see the intricate and hand-crafted tourbillon movement at work, composed of 167 elements and 18 jewels.

The bracelet and dial are seamlessly integrated and made of 18k white gold while a final rose-cut jewel on the crown is the cherry on this extremely expensive cake. No wonder Floyd Mayweather decided to buy it.

Actor and heartthrob Paul Newman was known for his love of fine watches and for being a devoted racing car fan. Hence why, when she had it commissioned in 1968, his wife Joanne Woodard had this watch engraved with the words Drive Carefully.

With its unusual black and cream exotic dial and elegant Art Deco style, the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona Ref.6239 appeals to more than horological buffs and anyone interested in Hollywood memorabilia alike.

Originally crafted in 1933 for a wealthy American banker by the name of Henry Graves, this Patek Philippe gold pocket watch took 7 years to design and build, back when watchmaking had to rely on craftsmen rather than the calculations of computers.

One of the world’s most expensive pocket watches, its impressive range of complications includes a perpetual calendar, minute repeater with Westminster Chimes, sunrise and sunset times, and a celestial chart based on the night sky as it looked from Graves’ home in New York

It may not be subtle but this Chopard timepiece certainly makes a statement.

With 874 diamonds—201 carats in total—in a whole range of spectacular colours, this 25 million dollar watch is probably the magnum opus of the Swiss watchmaker, a favourite of both A-listers and royalty.

If we told you that top-tier brand Jaeger-LeCoultre crafted this intricate timepiece as a gift for none other than Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate the 60th year of her reign, it would give you some idea of what to expect.

Indeed, with its utterly unique profile, made from white gold and featuring a series of polished and diamond-set links, plus a miniature calibre 101 movement (one of the smallest in the world), this watch deserves to be worn in the chambers of historic palaces and to exclusive state functions.

Legend has it that this watch was originally commissioned for the iconic French queen and fan of life’s finest things, Marie Antoinette, by one of her lovers.

Crafting this exceptional piece took around 40 years and she was executed before the work was complete—only adding to the romance and enigma of this historic timepiece.

The most expensive Patek watch ever sold, the Grandmaster Chime boasts 20 different complications, including five different chiming modes (hence the name), as well as an acoustic alarm and date repeater.

Both dials are blue opaline with gold-applied numerals and 18K solid gold dial plates.

The case is white gold and the strap is made of navy blue alligator leather.

Not only is The Fascination a masterpiece of horological craftsmanship but it’s also a unique demonstration of diamond mastery. Definitely, one to give all other women’s watches a run for their money.

This timepiece consists of 152.96 carats of white diamonds and a 38-carat pear-shaped diamond dial in the middle, which can also be worn as a ring.

Featuring a kaleidoscopic array of 110 carats of different coloured diamonds in a range of different cuts, set into a platinum bracelet, The Hallucination brings high-fashion to the world of horlogerie.

About as far from a tactical watch as you can get, it’s almost easy to forget this piece’s timekeeping capabilities but there is a tiny dial in the centre of all that sparkle.