What is the Most Expensive Watch in the World? 15 Most Lavish Watches

Explore the pinnacle of luxury timepieces with this guide to the world’s most expensive watch. The article delves into the craftsmanship, history, and unique features of these extraordinary watches, showcasing why they command such high prices. Whether you’re a horology enthusiast or simply curious about luxury items, this guide provides fascinating insights into the world of ultra-premium watches.

Three Kinds Of Expensive Watches

Expensive watches can be divided into 3 categories, but in some cases, they may have characteristics of more than one category, or at a push, be a combination of all 3!

1. The traditional set up: These watches are expensive as a result of the time spent designing and engineering each unique piece. Often, these watches feature the classic cogs and gears to track the time and embrace the history of timekeeping.
2. The bling set up: These watches are expensive due to the materials used to craft them. From precious metals to diamonds and gems, they look the part and scream “expensive timepiece”. It needs to be sparkling to be expensive, right?
3. Famous watches: Theses piece were previously owned by famous people, and as such, have increased in value. In some cases, they have slight defects that have made them famous and one-of-a-kind. Collectable watches can have quite the hefty price tag, especially when they’re deemed vintage and unique.

15 Of The World’s Most Expensive Watches

1. Graff Diamonds Hallucination

   

   Price: $55 Million

   The Hallucination holds the official title of the world’s most expensive watch. Made from 110kt of coloured diamonds in a variety of cuts and finishes and featuring a platinum bracelet, it’s easy to see how this watch earned its title.

2. Graff Diamonds The Fascination

   Price: $40 Million

   If you think that you’ve seen it all, hold on to your hats, folks. This watch contains 152.96kt worth of white diamonds as well as a detachable 38.13kt diamond ring.

3. Breguet Grande Complication Marie-Antoinette

   Price: $30 Million

   You can take a look at the internal mechanics of this watch that took over 40 years to make! It was a gift to Marie Antoinette by one of her ex-lovers. Unfortunately, she was executed before she could see the final product.

4. Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette

   

   Price: $26 million

   To celebrate her 60th year in power, Queen Elizabeth II was gifted this beautiful watch. It’s customisable and can feature 576 diamonds as well as a sapphire dial.

5. Chopard 201-Carat Watch

   Price: $25 Million

   Encrusted with colourful diamonds and 163kt yellow and white diamonds, it’s easy to see why this watch has such a jaw-dropping price tag.

6. Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch

   Price: $18 Million

   The beautifully designed skeleton face features 260kt diamond and represents the true spirit of the brand. Floyd Mayweather is just one of the celebrities that have splashed out on this timepiece.

7. Paul Newman Rolex Daytona

   

   Price: $17.6 Million

   Actor Paul Newman was gifted this watch by his wife as a tribute to his passion for motorsport and horology. This watch was originally difficult to sell, but after Paul was spotted wearing it, the price went through the roof and sold for a large sum at auction.

8. Patek Philippe Ref. 1527

   Price: $5.7 Million

   Looks can be deceiving. It may look simple on the outside, but this watch contains over 20 varieties of precious stones and is housed in 20kt rose gold. Crafted in 1943, the Patek Philippe Ref. 1527 is the only one of its kind.

9. Hublot Big Bang Diamond

   Price: $5 Million

   Add some sparkle to your life with this piece of art. It features 1280 diamonds that have all been hand cut. Jay-Z originally received this as a birthday present from Beyoncé for his 43rd birthday. We now know what to buy the man who has everything!

10. Louis Moinet Meteoris

    

    Price: $4.6 Million

    This watch contains a piece of moon rock, making it extremely rare. Adding to the exclusivity is the fact that only four of these timepieces were made.

11. Breguet Antique Number 2667

    Price: $4.5 Million

    An 18kt yellow gold pocket watch, this Breguet model features an elegant design that screams sophistication and class. This pocket watch was manufactured in 1814 out of 18 carat gold and it has to oscillating bodies, making it incredibly advanced for its time.

12. Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 Oyster Albino

    Price: $4 Million

    The distinctive white hue of the chronograph subdials gives the Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 Oyster Albino its name. Only four of these beauties were ever made, with this specific piece previously owned by Eric Clapton too. It looks like the singer has great taste in timepieces!

13. Patek Philippe 1928 Single Button Chronograph

    

    Price: $3.6 Million

    A vintage piece created in 1924, the Single Button Chronograph was previously owned by Eric Clapton. It’s made of 18kt white gold and is decorated with 28 different jewels. A bonus? It also tells the current moon phase.

14. Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega 4

    Price: $2.7 Million

    Not only is this beauty expensive, but it also holds the title of the world’s most complicated wristwatch. The Mega 4 holds the record for most components in a watch – 1483 to be exact!

15. Vacheron Constantin Tour de I’Ile

    Price: $1.5 Million

    This piece was manufactured in 2005 by Swiss watch manufacturer Vacheron Constantin. Only three of these watches were made to celebrate the company’s 250th anniversary, making it incredibly rare and all the more exclusive for collectors.

Make A Timeless Statement

If you’ve got money burning a hole in your pocket and a passion for collecting one-of-a-kind watches, this list is sure to inspire your next lavish purchase. Whether as a gift or for yourself, a stunning timepiece is the ultimate spoil.