The Fascinating World of Ultra Luxury Timepieces
Watches have long been used to not only tell time, but also as status symbols to flaunt wealth and success. While a $500 watch may impress some, there exists a whole other tier of horology comprised of pieces costing hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars. From historic time-telling treasures to innovative modern marvels, these watches push the limits of what can be achieved in luxury watchmaking. Join us as we explore some of the most exclusive and expensive watches ever crafted.
Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300G - $2.6 Million
Constructed over 6 years by a team of master craftsmen, the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300G is considered one of the most complicated watches ever made. In addition to hours, minutes and seconds, it chimes on demand and can replicate the Westminster Quarters every 15 minutes. Housing 24 complications requiring over 1,366 individual parts, each Grandmaster Chime is made to order starting at a staggering $2.6 million. Only seven have been produced to date, making it one of the rarest watches in the world. Its level of fine watchmaking artistry pushes the boundaries of what's possible.
Chopard 201-Carat Watch - $25 Million
Swiss jeweler Chopard raised eyebrows in 2013 when they debuted the heaviest and most expensive watch ever made - the 201-Carat watch. With over 100 grams of white gold and 201 carats of pave set diamonds forming the case and bracelet, it was valued at a record-breaking $25 million. While more expensive pieces have since emerged, the 201-Carat watch will forever hold the title of the heaviest luxury watch crafted. Each diamond was hand-set by skilled gem setters over 500 hours to create this dramatic work of wearable high jewelry. Its bedazzling display of diamonds is truly a sight to behold.
Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A - $31 Million
In 2019, Patek Philippe once again sent shockwaves through the watch world by unveiling the most complicated watch ever made - the Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A. Housed in a massive 45mm white gold case requiring 4 years and 310,000 hours to complete, it features 23 watchmaking complications controlled by a mind boggling 1,728 individual parts. A true technical tour de force, it accurately chimes on demand and is capable of striking perfect Westminster Quarters every 15 minutes for an entire hour. The ultra-rare piece was purchased anonymously at a charity auction for a record-shattering $31 million. Few watches will ever approach its level of horological complexity and virtuosity.
Jean-Claude Biver Rainbow Grand Prix - $55 Million
Former Hublot CEO Jean-Claude Biver sent shockwaves in 2019 when he commissioned the creation of the Jean-Claude Biver Rainbow Grand Prix - a one-of-a-kind watch valued at an astounding $55 million. Encrusted with over 500 carats of precious stones including pavé set diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and rubies, it took over 3,500 hours to craft. Adding to its rarity, each individual gem was hand-selected for color, cut and tone to perfectly transition from red to orange to yellow and so on in a rainbow gradient around the oval case. A true tour de force of gemsetting artistry, it breaks records as the most expensive watch officially appraised.
Breguet Marie-Antoinette - $30-40 Million
Though over 200 years old, the Breguet Marie-Antoinette stands among the most valuable watches of all time. Commissioned in 1780 by Louis XVI for his wife Marie Antoinette, it featured a revolutionary design well ahead of its time. Housed in a glamorously enameled gold case, a single hand swept across the mother-of-pearl dial to indicate the time instead of separate hour and minute hands. While other Marie Antoinette watches exist, this piece was likely stolen after the French Revolution and lost to history until Sotheby’s located it in the 1980s. Its rarity, provenance and inestimable cultural significance value it between $30-40 million today.
Graff Hallucination Watch - $55 Million
British jeweler Laurence Graff cemented his reputation for ultra high jewelry timepieces with the unveiling of the Hallucination Watch in 2010. Housing an incredible 110 carats of exceptional violet-colored diamonds, including a 24-carat pear-shaped center stone, its dazzling gems took over 1,800 hours to meticulously set. Presented on a platinum bracelet inset with another 52 carats of diamonds, the Hallucination embodied a symphony of color and brilliance for the discerning wearer. While no formal appraisal exists, experts estimate its value at $55 million, placing it among the most expensive watches regardless of category.
Heuer Monza Piguet - $18 Million
Discovered in a drawer and bought at auction for just $26 in 2014, this Heuer Monza Piguet chronograph from 1972 would become one of the most valuable finds in watch collecting history. Once identified, it was revealed to not only be one of the rarest in Heuer’s catalog, but more importantly the only known surviving example of the famous Porsche Type 718 “Monza” racing car clock made for privateer driver Jo Siffert in the 1970s. Its provenance from one of the most desirable vintage race cars of all time, combined with being one of one, pushed its value to $18 million at auction - making it the most valuable Heuer ever sold. Fortune truly favors the bold with unforgettable finds like this.
Pequignet Royal Blue Watch - Unknown Millions
Lost for over 150 years and considered one of the Holy Grails of watch collecting, the re-emergence of the unique Pequignet Royal Blue Watch created worldwide buzz in 2016. Originally commissioned in the late 1830s by Prince Aliseri of Savoy and outfitted with an unprecedented blue enamel dial, it became one of the earliest known wristwatches ever crafted. After resurfacing in an antique shop by chance, horological experts authenticated its importance as the oldest documented wristwatch made by a recognized brand. While no price is known due to its extremely private sale, collectors estimate its value as one of the most expensive watches period due to unprecedented importance in watch history.
Other Noteworthy Million Dollar Watches
- Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch: $18 million for this outrageous 247-carat diamond timepiece.
- Franck Muller Cintree Curvex: $2-$3 million for this ultra-complicated bronze marvel.
- Hublot King Gold Moon Phase: $5 million for the most expensive Hublot ever made.
- De Bethune DB25 Starry Varius: $1 million each for these unique in-house movement masterworks.
- Jacob & Co. Five Time Zone Watch: $250,000 base price and hand-engraved enameling jumps costs past $1 million.
No realm of luxury goods demonstrates creative virtuosity quite like the world of million dollar watches. By forging new frontiers in materials, complications and bejewelment, these rarefied timepieces will continue pushing boundaries while establishing new standards of horological beauty for generations of discerning clients to treasure. Their arrival signifies watchmaking at its most inspired.