Although some modern watches can sell for hundreds of thousands (or even millions) of dollars, we think vintage and antique examples are way more interesting. Often, the most expensive watches ever sold have fascinating stories to go with their super-high values.
5 Most Expensive Watches Sold at Auction
Although you won't have one of these high-value timepieces sitting around the house, it's fun to look at the vintage and antique watches that fetch the most money when they come to auction.
| Vintage or Antique Watch | Value |
|---|---|
| Henry Graves, Jr. Supercomplication by Patek Philippe & Co. | $24 million |
| Paul Newman Rolex Daytona | $17.7 million |
| Reference 1518 by Patek Philippe Presented to H.H. Windsor, Jr. | $11.14 million |
| Reference 1518 by Patek Philippe Purchased by Toussoun | $9.57 million |
| Reference 2523 by Patek Philippe | $8.97 million |
Henry Graves, Jr. Supercomplication by Patek Philippe & Co.
This open-faced pocket watch took years to build, and it's nearly a century old. Started in 1925, the watch wasn't completed until 1932. Wondering why it took so long? It's famous for being the most complicated watch ever constructed without the use of computers. It has tons of features in its solid yellow-gold case and enamel and silver dial, including a perpetual calendar, a stopwatch, a gorgeous map of the night sky from New York City, moon phases, a split-second chronograph, and more.
This watch is a marvel of human engineering without computers. It's no wonder that it's the most expensive watch ever sold when you take out any modern counterparts. Sotheby's sold this beauty at auction in 2014 for about $24 million.
Paul Newman Rolex Daytona Wristwatch
This vintage watch is a record-setter for a reason, too. Made in 1963, this Rolex Daytona was owned and worn by the legendary Hollywood actor Paul Newman. This gorgeous Rolex has a sweet engraving from the actor's wife, Joan Woodward, saying, "Drive carefully, Me."
In addition to being a Rolex, this watch has some of the most amazing provenance ever. Its history and star appeal are significant. It sold at auction for $17.7 million in 2017, setting the record for the most expensive wristwatch ever sold and the most expensive Rolex ever sold.
Reference 1518 Patek Philippe Wristwatch Presented to H.H. Windsor, Jr.
Coming in as the next most expensive wristwatch, this incredible example has a lovely history. The vintage watch was created in 1948 and features a perpetual calendar and chronograph (the first wristwatch by the company to sport these features). It was presented to H.H. Windsor, Jr., editor of Popular Mechanics magazine, upon the 50th anniversary of the publication by the staff.
Windsor clearly did not wear the watch often because it was in pristine condition when it came up for auction at Phillips in 2016. It sold for $11.14 million.
Reference 1518 Patek Philippe Wristwatch Purchased by Prince Tewfik Adil Toussoun of Egypt
Another beautiful Reference 1518 by Patek Philippe, this pink gold example was also made in 1948. It was bought by Prince Tewfik Adil Toussoun of Egypt in 1951 and kept in absolutely perfect condition. With the same incredible features for the time as the watch presented to H.H. Windsor, Jr., this Reference 1518 was a treasure of its era and a beautiful example of a valuable vintage wristwatch.
The mint condition watch included its original instructions and presentation bag when it came to auction at Sotheby's in 2021. The importance of this watch, as well as its nearly brand-new condition, helped it reach an auction price of $9.57 million.
Reference 2523 Patek Philippe Gobbi Milan "Heures Universelles"
Again, one of the record-setters for the most expensive watch sold is another mid-century wristwatch by Patek Philippe. The 1953 watch is a marvel of engineering and luxury, and there were only seven examples made. It's made of 18k pink gold and has a two-crown design that shows the time around the world. It has blue enamel accents.
This watch came up for sale in 2019 at Christie's, where it fetched top dollar. The sales price was about $8.97 million.
Related: 9 Most Expensive Rolex Watches & Their Timeless Appeal
What makes the most expensive watches ever sold worth so much? It's a combination of story, condition, rarity, and all-out luxury. If you're considering buying or selling a vintage timepiece, these are important factors to consider when it comes to value.
Triumphs of Watchmaking
The most expensive watches ever sold have all kinds of monetary value, but they have historic value, too. Many of these timepieces represent triumphs of human engineering and watchmaking, and they also have fascinating stories that make them worth even more.
