The World’s Most Expensive Watches: A Look Inside Billionaires’ Timepieces
Written by
Laura Bogart
Edited by
Kristen Mae
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For many people, a watch does so much more than tell time — it takes them back in time. It may remind them of a cherished parent or grandparent who sported a classic timepiece, or transport them to an era when craftsmanship was highly valued, blending form and function in an everyday wristwatch.
While every watch tied to such memories is truly priceless, some watches can fetch hefty prices on the market. From historical timepieces that set an auctioneer’s tongue wagging to modern marvels beloved by billionaires, these iconic watches can’t be found just anywhere.
Patek Philippe Grandmaster: $31.19 Million
Created to celebrate the beloved watchmaker’s 175th anniversary, this ornate number is widely regarded as the most complex Patek Philippe watch ever produced. It comes with 20 complications, displayed on two dials — one in black and one in salmon — with a swiveling, reversible case adorned with intricately patterned sides.
As if that weren’t impressive enough, this watch also boasts an elegant acoustic alarm, a date repeater on demand, as well as a Grande and Petite Sonnerie, moon phases, and a calendar. Between these formidable features and the watch’s breathtaking beauty, it’s no wonder the Grandmaster sold for over $31 million at auction. Proceeds from the sale were donated to combat Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Cartier Tank Française Watch: $379,500
This watch, once owned by Jackie Kennedy, was a gift from her brother-in-law, Prince Stanislaw “Stas” Radziwill. Befitting the former first lady and fashion icon, the watch is simple yet elegant, pairing effortlessly with both business and casual attire.
When the watch went up for auction at Christie’s in 2017, it was snapped up by a woman decidedly on the other end of the fashion spectrum — TV star Kim Kardashian, who purchased the piece for $379,500.
Heuer Monaco Watch Worn by Steve McQueen: $500,000 to $1 Million
If you want to own a piece of Hollywood history — and you have up to $1 million to spare — you could bid on the Heuer Monaco watch that actor Steve McQueen wore during the filming of the 1971 film “Le Mans”when it goes up for auction at Sotheby’s. This iconic timepiece features a blend of retro glamor and sporty appeal, making it a coveted item for racing fans, movie buffs, or admirers of McQueen alike.
Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona: $17.75 Million
Paul Newman was celebrated for his surreal good looks, cinematic presence, and legacy of activism. But he was also known for being a motorsport enthusiast — and his go-to accessory while racing was a very specific Daytona wristwatch, gifted by his wife, actor Joanne Woodward. The caseback is engraved with a loving inscription: “Drive Carefully — Me.”
The watch remained with the Newman family for over 50 years before finally hitting the auction block, where it sold for $17.75 million, making it the most expensive Rolex ever sold publicly.
Patek Philippe Worldtimer: $5.53 Million
With its gorgeous guilloche dial and rose-gold case, this timepiece is as rare as it is beautiful. Created in 1953, it is one of only four two-crown worldtimers ever produced in this style. In fact, one of its siblings is housed in the Patek Philippe museum in Geneva, highlighting its incredible rarity and historical significance.
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