Most Expensive Antique Watch In The World
Watches have been around for centuries, and over time, they have become more than just a tool to tell time. They are now a status symbol, a fashion statement, and a piece of art. Antique watches, in particular, have become a prized possession for many collectors. Some of these watches carry a hefty price tag, making them the most expensive antique watches in the world. Here are some of the most expensive antique watches ever sold.
1. Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication – $24 Million
The Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication is the most expensive watch ever sold at auction, fetching a staggering $24 million in 2014. This watch was commissioned by Henry Graves Jr., a wealthy banker, in 1925, and it took Patek Philippe five years to complete. The watch has 24 complications, including a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater, and a celestial chart of New York City's skyline.
2. Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 in Stainless Steel – $11 Million
In 2016, the Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 in stainless steel sold for $11 million, making it the most expensive watch ever sold at the time. The Ref. 1518 was first introduced in 1941 and was the world's first perpetual calendar chronograph produced in series. Only four examples of the Ref. 1518 in stainless steel are known to exist, making it an extremely rare watch.
3. Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 Oyster Albino – $4 Million
The Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 Oyster Albino is a unique watch that sold for $4 million in 2014. The watch has a silver dial with no hour markers, giving it a clean and minimalist look. Only four examples of this watch are known to exist, making it a rare and sought-after piece for collectors.
4. Breguet Grande Complication Marie-Antoinette – $30 Million
The Breguet Grande Complication Marie-Antoinette is a legendary watch that was commissioned by an admirer of Marie-Antoinette in 1782. The watch took 44 years to complete and was not delivered until 1827, 34 years after the death of Marie-Antoinette. The watch features a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar, a thermometer, and a power reserve indicator. The watch was stolen from the L.A. Mayer Museum for Islamic Art in Jerusalem in 1983 and was eventually recovered in 2007. The watch was sold for $30 million in 2018.
5. Patek Philippe Calibre 89 – $5 Million
The Patek Philippe Calibre 89 is one of the most complicated watches ever made, with 33 complications. The watch was created in 1989 to celebrate Patek Philippe's 150th anniversary, and only four examples were made. The watch sold for $5 million in 2017, making it one of the most expensive watches ever sold.
6. Vacheron Constantin 57260 – $8 Million
The Vacheron Constantin 57260 is the world's most complicated watch, with 57 complications. The watch took eight years to create and was completed in 2015. The watch features a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater, a tourbillon, and a celestial chart. The watch sold for $8 million in 2015, making it one of the most expensive watches ever sold.
Conclusion
Antique watches are not just a timepiece; they are a work of art, a status symbol, and a piece of history. The most expensive antique watches in the world are a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of watchmakers throughout history. These watches are not just valuable for their price tags; they are valuable for their rarity, history, and beauty.