From diamond-encrusted watches to classically constructed timepieces, the practical accessory that sits neatly upon one’s wrist can sit at extravagant price points.
High-profile brand collaborations throughout 2023 have been part of the synergy that has recently boosted sales in the watch industry. The same effect is produced when a celebrity’s image is attached to a product, like fine jewelry, which explains the high values of several timepieces listed below. Resellers are also enjoying the rewards of the wave.
WWD has listed 15 of the world’s most expensive watches and custom timepieces that have been sold for lavish prices.
James Dean’s Standard USA Pocketwatch, $41,587.91
Antiquorum auctioned off one of James Dean’s 1889 Standard USA pocketwatches online for $41,587.91 on June 22, 2013. The late actor’s initials are engraved on the gold cover.
John F. Kennedy’s 14-karat gold Nastrix Timepiece, $120,000
Antiquorum sold John F. Kennedy’s 14-karat gold Nastrix timepiece in a New York auction for $120,000 on March 5, 2009. After Kennedy’s assassination, the watch was given to his widow Jacqueline Kennedy, who later gifted it to her second husband, Aristotle Onassis.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Skyfall 007 Timepiece, $200,659.65
Omega auctioned the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Skyfall 007 timepiece through Christie’s on Oct. 5, 2012 for $200,659.65. Daniel Craig wore the watch during his turn as James Bond in the movie “Skyfall.”
Jackie Kennedy’s Cartier Tank Française Watch, $379,500
Kim Kardashian paid $379,500 for Jackie Kennedy’s Cartier Tank Française watch through a Christie’s auction in New York on June 21, 2017. The timepiece was originally gifted to Kennedy by her brother-in-law, Prince Stanislaw “Stas” Radziwill.
John F. Kennedy’s Omega Ultra Thin Reference OT3980 Dress Watch, $420,000
The Omega Museum of Bienne, Switzerland, paid $420,000 for John F. Kennedy’s 18-karat gold Omega Ultra Thin Reference OT3980 dress watch through a 2005 auction in New York. The watch was given to Kennedy by his friend Grant Stockdale leading up to the 1960 presidential election.
Jean-Claude Killy’s 1951 Rolex Dato-Compax Chronograph Watch, $614,500
Auction house Antiquorum sold Olympic skiing champion Jean-Claude Killy’s 1951 Rolex Dato-Compax Chronograph watch for $614,500 in December 2012. For more than four decades, Killy acted as a Rolex ambassador.
Jacob & Co Caviar Tourbillion World Timer Watch, $1.5 million
Jay Z sold his Jacob & Co Caviar Tourbillion World Timer watch for $1.5 million at an auction benefiting the Reform Alliance Charity at Atlantic City’s Ocean Casino Resort on Oct. 3, 2023. The timepiece is composed of 18-karat white gold and features a manual-winding tourbillon that supports three global time zones for cities including Los Angeles, Geneva and Dubai.
Eric Clapton’s Patek Philippe Ref. 2499/100 Watch, $3,635,808
In a Geneva auction, Christie’s sold a rare 1987 Patek Philippe Ref. 2499/100 watch from the personal collection of guitarist Eric Clapton for $3,635,808 on Nov. 12, 2012. The timepiece features 23 jewels, a silvered matte dial, an applied gold baton and gold dauphine hands.
Emperor of China’s Patek Philippe Ref. 96 Quantieme Lune Timepiece, $6.2 million
A Patek Philippe Ref 96 Quantieme Lune watch that once belonged to the last emperor of China’s Qing Dynasty, Aisin-Gioro Puy, sold at a Phillips Hong Kong auction for $6.2 million in May 2023. The timepiece features an intricate face adorned with a small moon phase painting.
Prince Mohammed Tewlik A. Toussou’s Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 Watch, $9.57 million
In a New York auction, Sotheby’s sold a Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 watch belonging to Prince Mohammed Tewlik A. Toussou for $9.6 million in December 2021. While almost 300 models of the watch were originally produced, only one-fifth of them were released in pink gold, with the majority in yellow gold.
Paul Newman’s ‘Paul Newman’ Rolex Daytona, $17.8 million
Sotheby’s sold Paul Newman’s ‘Paul Newman’ Rolex Daytona watch for $17.8 million at an auction in 2017. Because the timepiece was only manufactured for one year, from 1970-71, it is considered to be a very rare model.
Patek Philippe Ref. 6300A-010 Grandmaster Chime, $31 million
In a Christie’s Geneva charity auction, a Patek Philippe one-of-a-kind Ref. 6300A-010 Grandmaster Chime watch was sold for $31 million in 2019. The timepiece is the first and only Grandmaster Chime model produced in steel, an uncommon metal used by the manufacturer.
Graff Diamonds Hallucination Watch, $55 million
The 2014 Graff Diamonds Hallucination watch was estimated to be worth $55 million, according to the jewelry brand. Not available for sale, the timepiece is made up of 110 carats of rare and colorful diamonds.
Princess Diana’s Gold Cartier Tank Française Watch, Priceless
Princess Diana’s iconic gold Cartier Tank Française watch was inherited by her son Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, who gifted it to his wife Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. The watch has not been estimated in value, but is considered priceless by many fans of the late princess. The Tank Française model retails for $22,300.
