Top 10 Most Expensive Watches in the World

Luxury watches aren’t just timekeepers — they’re works of art, status symbols, and collectible investments that can fetch tens of millions of dollars at auctions or private sales. From diamond-encrusted masterpieces to historically significant horological wonders, here’s a look at the priciest timepieces ever made.

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1. Graff Diamonds Hallucination — $55 Million

The undisputed most expensive watch in the world, the Hallucination is essentially jewellery in the form of a timepiece. It features over 110 carats of rare, coloured diamonds set into platinum, creating a stunning kaleidoscope of luxury.

2. Graff Diamonds The Fascination — $40 Million

Also from Graff, The Fascination doubles as a watch and a jewel: its centrepiece is a detachable 38-carat D-flawless pear diamond that can be worn as a ring, combining practicality with extraordinary value.

3. Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 — $31 Million

This landmark Patek Philippe creation celebrates the brand’s horological expertise. With 20 complications, dual faces and reversible case, it’s the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction.

4. Breguet Grande Complication “Marie Antoinette” — $30 Million

Commissioned for the French queen, this historic timepiece took decades to complete and includes every advanced complication known at its time of creation.

5. Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette — $26 Million

This rare jewellery watch dazzles with hundreds of diamonds and incorporates one of the smallest mechanical movements ever made, a feat of both precision and design.

6. Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication — $26 Million

Made for a famous banker, this pocket watch features an astonishing array of mechanical complications and remains one of the most important pieces in watchmaking history.

7. Chopard 201-Carat Watch — $25 Million

As the name suggests, this watch is defined by its colossal diamond total — more than 200 carats of rare stones — arranged in a rainbow of colours.

8. Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona Ref. 6239 — ~$18.7 Million

A modern icon, this Rolex became legendary after being worn by actor Paul Newman, and today it’s among the most coveted vintage watches ever sold.

9. Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch — ~$18 Million

This showy timepiece is virtually a wrist-bound jewellery piece, with 260 carats of emerald-cut diamonds and an intricate skeleton movement.

10. Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 1518 — ~$12 Million

One of the rarest steel watches ever produced, this reference is a holy grail for collectors due to its scarcity, history and the fact that it was the first perpetual calendar chronograph in steel.

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Why These Watches Cost So Much

These record-breaking prices aren’t just about precious materials. The most expensive watches usually combine:

• Extreme rarity — sometimes only one piece was ever made

• Historical importance — ties to famous figures or milestones in horology

• Mechanical complexity — dozens of complications beyond simple timekeeping

• Jewellery craftsmanship — diamonds and gemstones set by master artisans

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Whether you’re a collector or dreamer, these watches show just how far luxury and engineering can go — from dazzling jewellery to horological masterpieces that define time itself.