The Most Expensive Watches Ever Sold Around The World
It’s no secret that luxury watches are expensive. But in some cases, a sought-after timepiece’s resale price can far exceed its initial RRP. From (very) limited editions to grand complications that celebrate quality craftsmanship, the world’s most expensive watches could set you back more than what you’d cough up for a yacht. Or a Chelsea townhouse. The oft rolled out ‘quality means cost’ mantra may seem like standard marketing spiel, but these watches – the most expensive ever sold at auction – are cold hard proof.
10. Piaget Emperador Temple
Sold For: $3.3m
Fancy making a mugger’s day? Consider the Emperador Temple the perfect watch to do it. With 481 brilliant-cut diamonds (and that’s just the case), it’s fully iced – with a price tag to match. The inner chamber contains an additional tourbillon with a Polynesian mother-of-pearl dial, set with another 162 diamonds. Two for the price of one? Bargain. (Sort of.)
9. 1949 Patek Philippe Steel Perpetual Calendar
Sold For: $4.1m
Most men would be honoured to receive their dad’s old watch, but it’s unlikely to be as old (and as well crafted) as this 1949 edition from Patek Philippe. The hand-painted dial in itself is a costly feature, but its vintage and quality mechanics saw it fetch an unprecedented price at Christie’s in 2008.
8. Louis Moinet Meteoris
Sold For: $4.6m
Swiss watch prices are, generally speaking, out of this world – something that prompted Louis Moinet to literally blast off into the stratosphere. The Meteoris boasts a fragment of rare Dhofar 459 moon rock, and only four were ever made. (A Virgin spaceflight’s still cheaper, though.)
7. Breguet 1814 Fils Chronograph Pocket Watch
Sold For: $4.7m
Marie Antoinette wasn’t known for her modesty – expensive tastes put her on the chopping block. But she did leave behind a legacy in watchmaking. Breguet, a Swiss manufacture much patronised by Her Majesty, produced this dual movement pocket watch over 200 years ago. Pair a long lifespan with a storied brand, and you’re looking at some serious cashback.
