Watches have always been one of the most admired pieces of technology from very early on. Best known for their design, intricate craftsmanship and history, a few extravagant time-pieces run in millions and easily break all records when it comes to their hefty price tags. Their exquisite engineering, elegant styling, precious stones and overall exclusivity are just a few of the reasons why these exorbitant watches catch the eye of millionaires, royal families, collectors and A-list celebrities. If you are even mildly interested in Haute Horlogerie, here’s a quick run-down of the most expensive watches in the world that are synonymous with luxurious jewellery.
1. Graff Diamonds Hallucinations
Truly breathtaking and ethereal in its design, this is the most expensive watch ever made and it comes with a price tag of a whopping $55 million. Unveiled at the Baselworld in 2014, this piece of art comprises 110 carats of different coloured diamonds set into a platinum bracelet, combined to curate a spectacular timepiece. Amidst all its sparkle, it features a tiny dial in the centre and the culmination of this watch involved countless person-hours and an expert team of designers, artisans and gemologists.
2. Graff Diamonds The Fascination
The second most expensive watch in the world costs $40 million and it is designed by an opulent British Jeweler brand, Graff Diamonds. The Fascination is a masterpiece in itself for a multitude of reasons; it consists of 152.96 carats of pristine white diamonds and a 38-carat pear-shaped diamond dial in the middle. What’s further enchanting is that the diamond in the centre is detachable and can be word separately as a ring. The overall design of this magnificent watch is an example of expert artisanship.
3. Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime
The most expensive watch Patek ever sold, The Grandmaster Chime is priced at $31 million and it comes with 20 different complications, 5 different chiming modes, an acoustic alarm and a date repeater. Taking pride in being the 3rd costliest watch in the world, this majestic timepiece comes with two dials instead of one, on front and back. In addition, both these dials are curated with blue opaline and 18K gold dial plates, which gives most Horlogerie enthusiasts a run for their money.
4. Breguet Grande Complication Marie Antoinette
This fascinating timepiece comes with an enthralling history and was allegedly commissioned for the French queen, Marie Antoinette by one of her lovers. Priced at a whopping $30 million, this piece of art was completed in 1827. It included a thermometer, a chime, a perpetual calendar, and was displayed at the L.A. Mayer Museum in Jerusalem. After being stolen once in the late 1900s, this compelling watch is now safely restored at the museum and available for purchase.
5. Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette
Originally crafted as a gift for Queen Elizabeth II, this intricate watch is a polished example of minimalism and royalty. Entirely made from white gold and a series of diamond set-links along with a miniature calibre 101 movement, it is priced around $26 million and boasts exquisite refinement and historic artistry.
