Luxury watches are known as luxuries for a reason. Past a certain point, you are not gaining anything in terms of functionality or reliability.
The craftsmanship is definitely at the top of its class but functionally, you are not better off than if you just had a really great watch that only cost a couple hundred Euros.
Instead, luxury watches get most of their value from the fact that they become less and less accessible the more luxurious they are.
Past a certain point, they are practically completely inaccessible to the general public, and even wealthy individuals might have problems purchasing them without giving them a second thought.
A luxury watch is luxurious because very few individuals can have one that is truly at the top of its class.
Of course, the precious metal and gemstone value of each luxury watch tends to be fairly high as well.
That is just a small percentage of its market value though.
As such, if you are looking for the ultimate status symbol or you simply want to see how ridiculously extravagant watches can get, we have the perfect list for you.
The following are the 5 most expensive watches in the world.
1. Graff Diamonds Hallucinations
Graff Diamonds’ Hallucinations model is the most expensive watch in the world as of mid-2023, and nothing is likely to usurp it within the foreseeable future. The watch costs a staggering $ 55 million.
What makes this watch worth more than several of the USA’s finest bits of Hollywood real estate? 110 carats of the world’s finest diamonds in a variety of colors.
The Hallucinations is not just adorned with diamonds, though. The color choice and arrangement for each diamond are specifically chosen to create a kaleidoscope effect.
This lighting effect is what gives the Hallucinations its name and it is the most visually unique and appealing part of the watch’s overall design.
2. Patek’s Only One Grandmaster Chime Watch
The Patek’s Only One Grandmaster Chime watch is worth millions of dollars.
You could easily use the funds to instantly start a large real estate operation without an investor for its price point.
The insane price tag is a little more warranted in the case of the Grandmaster Chime.
First, the Grandmaster Chime is one of the most complicated non-digital watches available.
It has a face on the front and back, several complications that add tremendous flexibility to its functionality, and it is designed to resemble the class appearance of a grandfather clock made from precious materials.
However, that is not why the price is so high.
Rather than the price being there purely for luxury value and the maker’s reputation, it is there because only one of the watches was ever made, a second will not ever be made, and it was specifically made for a charity auction.
That means that the watch is extremely rare and none of our readers, regardless of how wealthy they might be, are ever likely to see it; let alone get a chance at owning it.
All of the watches on this list are the most superior timepieces on the planet, but this one’s unique purpose and story make it a true standout and its superior functionality certainly helps set it apart, as well.
3. Bregete Grande Marie-Antoinette Pocket Watch
This is another watch that is completely inaccessible regardless of how wealthy you are. It was commissioned by Marie-Antoinette in 1783, and it is the 5th most complicated watch in the world.
First, this pocket watch was made of gold and featured every complication possible at the time.
It even included a thermometer. Each working part of the watch is fitted with the finest sapphires, and all of the watch’s inner mechanics are visible to the user.
If you’re caught up on your history, you know that Marie Antoinette was famously executed during the French Revolution in 1793. After the watch was commissioned ten years earlier, it took 40 years to complete. She never lived to see the watch completed.
Only 4 other watches have been made since that are more complex, and given the materials, craftsmanship, and historical significance, it is clear why this watch is not just expensive. It is priceless.
4. Patek’s Henry Graves Supercomplication
This wristwatch held the “most complicated wristwatch” title for decades after it was made in 1933. It featured 24 complications (which gives it its nickname) and was specially commissioned for Henry Graves.
Patek spent 5 years creating the exquisite timepiece, and it was held by Henry Graves for 20 years until his death in 1953.
Today, the Supercomplication is one of the most sought-after watches on the planet, but its price tag is worth millions of dollars.
5. Rolex Daytona: Paul Newman Version
Rolex is known for making some of the finest watches in the world and if you only look at brand recognition and general product quality, it is among the top three options in the world.
However, even with some of the priciest luxury watches around, it is still not a brand that typically creates pieces as expensive as our other list options.
Until you see the Paul Newman Daytona.
The Paul Newman Daytona is a special unique version of the Daytona model, and it was commissioned by Paul Newman’s wife to have a unique face and the engraving “Drive Carefully Me” on the back.
She gifted it to Newman in recognition of his Nascar racing career.
Newman carried the watch throughout his career, and he gave it to his daughter’s boyfriend.
The Daytona is not the most expensive watch, but it is a one-of-a-kind version of one of Rolex’s most popular luxury models and it is a treat for any Nascar or Hollywood fan just to see the watch; let alone get the chance to pursue it.
Are These Watches Worth It?
You probably noticed that all these watches cost tens of millions of dollars, or they are so limited that they are practically impossible to get a hold of. One’s even a historical piece.
So, it’s unlikely that anyone reading this is going to be able to purchase one of these watches but it is a testament to how far watches have come, the value that a seemingly small detail can add to what would otherwise just be a luxurious timepiece and of course, what to look out for with mimicking design themes when you go for more “affordable” luxury watches.
