The world's most expensive watches: a story of wealth and prestige

The luxury VVS watch market is constantly evolving, with ever more sophisticated models and prices reaching dizzying heights. But what is the most expensive watch in the world? In this article, we offer you a journey through the history of exceptional watches that have marked their era and reveal the secrets of these extraordinary objects of desire.

The Rolex Daytona Paul Newman: a legendary model at the top of auction sales

The Rolex Daytona Paul Newman is undoubtedly one of the most iconic models in the history of watchmaking. Worn by the American actor and car enthusiast, this watch has been a resounding success with collectors and luxury watch enthusiasts. In 2017, at an auction organized by Phillips, the watch worn by Paul Newman himself was sold for a record sum of 17.8 million dollars, making it the most expensive Rolex ever sold.

The characteristics of the Rolex Daytona Paul Newman

Produced between 1960 and 1980, the Rolex Daytona Paul Newman is characterized by its exotic dial with tricolor counters and its graduated bezel in steel or Bakelite. It is also equipped with a mechanical column-wheel chronograph movement and an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet. The different models of this legendary watch are distinguished by their reference, their material and the color of the dial.

The Patek Philippe Supercomplication Henry Graves: a watchmaking masterpiece

If there is one watch that deserves the title of the most expensive in the world, it is the Patek Philippe Supercomplication Henry Graves. Made in 1933 for the eponymous American banker, this 18-karat yellow gold pocket watch is considered one of the most complex and refined pieces ever created by the famous Swiss manufacturer.

The incredible complications of the Patek Philippe Supercomplication Henry Graves

This exceptional pocket watch has no fewer than 24 complications, some of which have never been made before, such as:

• A large bell with chime
• A power reserve indicator for the grande sonnerie
• A perpetual calendar with moon phases
• A split-seconds chronograph with 60-minute counter
• A double sidereal chronometer
• A celestial planisphere visible from New York

In total, nearly 900 parts make up this extraordinary watch, the fruit of eight years of hard work by the master watchmakers of the Patek Philippe factory.

Patek Philippe Supercomplication Henry Graves sets sales record

In 2014, at an auction organized by Sotheby's in Geneva, the Patek Philippe Supercomplication Henry Graves was sold for the exceptional price of 24 million dollars, setting a new record for a watch sold at auction. This astronomical amount is a testament to the interest and passion generated by rare and precious works of watchmaking art.

Jacob & Co Billionaire: an extravagant watch for the ultra-rich

In the world of luxury watches, there are also models that stand out for their extravagant design and original materials. This is the case of the Jacob & Co Billionnaire, a unique watch created in 2015 by the American jeweler Jacob Arabo in collaboration with the Italian businessman Flavio Briatore.

A diamond-set watch for a dizzying price

The Jacob & Co Billionnaire is a veritable jewel case of diamonds: its 18-carat white gold case is entirely covered in emerald-cut precious stones, while its dial is adorned with baguette diamonds arranged like indexes. In total, this incredible watch has a total weight of 260 carats of diamonds!

Equipped with a mechanical tourbillon movement and a 72-hour power reserve, the Jacob & Co Billionnaire is a watch that is as valuable as it is powerful. Its retail price is estimated at $18 million, making it one of the most expensive watches in the world.

A symbol of wealth and prestige

The Jacob & Co Billionnaire is not just a watch: it also embodies the social status and power of those who wear it. Owning such an object is an ostentatious display of wealth and success, reserved for a wealthy elite with a high demand for luxury and refinement.

So, whatever the most expensive watch in the world, it is undeniable that these exceptional objects fascinate and captivate our imagination, testifying to the limitless excellence of the master watchmakers and jewelers who create them.