A handful of watches have sold at auction for sums that would buy a country estate. Here are some of the most famous, and why collectors paid so much for them.
Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime 6300A: 31 million Swiss francs
In 2019 a unique steel Grandmaster Chime, made by Patek Philippe for the Only Watch charity auction, sold for 31 million Swiss francs, a record for any watch sold at auction at the time. Steel is unusual for a grand complication, which made this one-off especially desirable.
The Henry Graves Supercomplication: 23.2 million Swiss francs
Completed by Patek Philippe in 1933 for the American banker Henry Graves Jr, this gold pocket watch has 24 complications. It sold at auction in 2014 for 23.2 million Swiss francs.
Paul Newman's Rolex Daytona: $17.8 million
The actor Paul Newman's own Rolex Daytona reference 6239, a gift from his wife Joanne Woodward, sold in New York in 2017 for $17.8 million. Daytonas with the same style of “exotic” dial have been known as “Paul Newman” Daytonas ever since. See a vintage Daytona 6240 in our shop.
Patek Philippe reference 1518 in steel: 11 million Swiss francs
The 1518 was the first perpetual calendar chronograph made in series. Only four were made in steel, and one sold in 2016 for 11 million Swiss francs.
What makes a watch so valuable?
- Rarity: one-offs, prototypes and tiny production runs.
- Provenance: a famous owner or a documented history.
- Condition and originality: untouched dials, original parts and unpolished cases.
- Complication: the most complicated watches are the hardest to make.
You don't need millions to own a watch with history. Browse the vintage and prestige pieces in our shop, or read what to ask before buying a vintage watch.
