Top Ten Most Expensive Watches Ever Sold At Auction
Written by Alexander Bitar
A timepiece has been the ultimate male accessory for centuries, whether it’s a wristwatch or a pocket watch. In recent years, however, it has become more than just an accessory. Today, the interest in watches is higher than ever before, and people don’t wear watches to tell the time but rather as a statement piece. If you have watches that you want to know the value of, then Value My Stuff is the best partner for you. Although if your watch doesn't qualify within a top ten list of the world’s most expensive watches, it can still be worth a fortune.
Patek Philippe – Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010. Images: Christie's.
Is Patek Philippe The Greatest Watch Brand in the World?
If you’re not a watch nerd, then you may not even have heard of the brand Patek Philippe. However, if you’re interested in watches, then it’s quite obvious that Patek is the most superior watch brand in the world. Rolex, Omega, and Cartier may be more famous, but fame isn’t everything.
It may be a spoiler for some, but the title of this article could easily have been “The Most Expensive Patek Philippe Watches Ever Sold”. The reason is that it would only differ with one watch. Yes, out of the world’s most expensive watches ever sold at auction, nine (!) are from the same brand, namely Patek Philippe. The only other brand on the list is Rolex, and you may be surprised about the reason for Rolex's entry to the list.
Read More: Patek Philippe Watch Appraisals
The Top 10 List
#10 Patek Philippe – Titanium Ref. 5208T-010
Model Year: 2017
Selling price: 6.2 million dollars
Auction date: November 2017
Auction place: Geneva
Auction house: Christie’s
Notable information: The watch is in titanium, which is one of the rarest metals for watches. It was donated by Patek Philippe to the charity auction "Only Watch" 2017.
To get your watch appraised, follow these simple steps.
Patek Philippe – Titanium Ref. 5208T-010. Image: Christie's
#9 Patek Philippe – Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018
Model Year: 2021
Selling price: 6.50 million dollars
Auction date: December 2021
Auction place: New York
Auction house: Phillips
Notable information: The dial is stamped Tiffany & Co. and bears the iconic Tiffany color. The watch is also the newest watch on this list.
#8 Patek Philippe – Stainless Steel Ref. 5016A-010
Model Year: 2015
Selling price: 7.25 million dollars
Auction date: November 2015
Auction place: Geneva
Auction house: Phillips
Notable information: The watch is a rare combination of a minute repeater, a tourbillon, and a perpetual calendar. It was donated by Patek Philippe to the charity auction "Only Watch" 2015.
Patek Philippe – Stainless Steel Ref. 5016A-010. Image: Phillips
#7 Patek Philippe – Two-Crown Worldtime Ref. 2523 Eurasia
Model Year: 1953
Selling price: 7.68 million dollars
Auction date: May 2021
Auction place: Geneva
Auction house: Phillips
Notable information: The watch is very special, partly due to the dial, which is of previously unknown cloisonné enamel.
Appraise your watches by following these simple steps.
#6 Patek Philippe – Gobbi Milan "Heures Universelles" Ref. 2523
Model Year: 1953
Selling price: 8.96 million dollars
Auction date: November 2019
Auction place: Honk Kong
Auction house: Christie’s
Notable information: This is the only watch on this list sold outside Geneva and New York.
Patek Philippe – Gobbi Milan "Heures Universelles" Ref. 2523. Image: Christie's
#5 Patek Philippe – Pink Gold Ref. 1518 with French calendar
Model Year: 1948
Selling price: 9.57 million dollars
Auction date: December 2021
Auction place: Geneva
Auction house: Sotheby’s
Notable information: The watch was previously owned by Prince Mohammed Tewfik A. Toussou.
#4 Patek Philippe – Stainless Steel Ref. 1518
Model Year: 1943
Selling price: 11.13 million dollars
Auction date: November 2016
Auction place: Geneva
Auction house: Phillips
Notable information: This is one of only four known ref. 1518 in stainless steel that was produced, and this is the prime example in excellent condition.
#3 Rolex – Paul Newman Daytona Ref. 6239
Model Year: 1968
Selling price: 17.75 million dollars
Auction date: October 2017
Auction place: New York
Auction house: Phillips
Notable information: Previously owned by Paul Newman himself, making it Paul Newman’s Paul Newman. Without the Paul Newman provenance, the watch would be worth less than a million dollars. It’s the only non-Patek Philippe on this list.
Read More: Rolex Watch Appraisals
Rolex – Paul Newman Daytona Ref. 6239. Image: Phillips
#2 Patek Philippe – Henry Graves Supercomplication
Model Year: 1932
Selling price: 23.98 million dollars
Auction date: November 2014
Auction place: Geneva
Auction house: Sotheby’s
Notable information: This is the only pocket watch, and the oldest watch, on this list.
#1 Patek Philippe – Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010
Model Year: 2014
Selling price: 31.0 million dollars
Auction date: November 2019
Auction place: Geneva
Auction house: Christie’s
Notable information: The watch was launched in 2014 to celebrate the 175 anniversary of Patek Philippe. It was the company's most complicated watch ever made, and was later donated by Patek Philippe to the charity auction "Only Watch" 2019.
Read More: How To Invest in Luxury Watches
Patek Philippe – Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010. Images: Christie's.
How To Find Out The Value of Watches?
The most crucial step to take when seeking to find the value of your item is to consult a professional appraiser. Only an expert in the field can determine the most accurate estimate. Luckily, there are professional watch experts available at Value My Stuff who can appraise your watches today! Start an appraisal of your watches here!