9 Most Expensive Watches
Watches are more than simple timepieces—fashion statements, status symbols, and investments. In watchmaking and horology, a complicated mechanism is one in which the parts move relative to one another to show various functions of time, such as phases of the moon (complication). When it comes to watches, the most expensive ones tend to have very complicated mechanisms that result in a truly spectacular piece of machinery. It is also worth taking a look at the interesting history of watches.
Whether it's a Rolex or an Omega, some people simply believe that the costliest watch indicates the one who wears it is the most important person in the room. Others have made it their life's work to own the most expensive timepieces on earth. What follows is a list of the top nine most expensive watches:
Graff Diamonds Hallucination: $55 million
Graff Diamonds is known for creating some of the world's most luxurious, over-the-top jewelry pieces. That reputation is well-earned: the Graff Hallucination, its most expensive watch, is an eye-popping piece that takes high-end bling to a new level. It's a watch made up not just of precious colored diamonds—already dazzling enough on their own—but also fancy colored diamonds, which add extra rainbow sparkle.
The Graff Hallucination is truly a sight to behold. Each diamond in the watch face has been cut and polished to maximize light reflection and brilliance. The colors range from orange to pink to blue; there are more than 110 fancy-colored diamonds in all! The watch band is made of white gold, adding another layer of opulence to this unbelievable piece of jewelry.
Graff Diamonds The Fascination:
$40 million
Most of us will never know the pleasure of feeling a Graff watch's weight on our wrists or the indulgent satisfaction of slipping a diamond-encrusted timepiece around our arms. But we can enjoy the images of these pricey pieces—and, in doing so, learn about their assets and innovations. The Fascination is a prime example: in addition to its $40 million price tag, this art piece boasts 152.96 carats of the finest white diamonds (all of which are natural, by the way). The centerpiece is a 38.13-carat pear-shaped diamond that sits at its center—but wait! This diamond is interchangeable with a watch face made of matching white diamonds, turning this dazzling bracelet into an even more dazzling wristwatch.
Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime:
$31 million
For a watch to be worth $31 million, it has to be more than just pretty and rare. For example, in addition to being one of only seven ever produced, this Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime watch is the world's most complicated wristwatch, with two dials and 20 complications. It has four chiming mechanisms that can be controlled independently and a swiveling case that allows the timepiece to be viewed from any angle—the watchmaker explains that this work of art was designed to "allow the wearer to experience a real concert without leaving home."
Breguet Grande Complication Marie Antoinette: $30 million
The Breguet Grande Complication Marie Antoinette is not only the most expensive watch ever made, it also boasts the highest price for a hand-made timepiece. The Breguet Grande Complication Marie Antoinette is a 60mm pocket watch with a full perpetual calendar, a jumping hour hand, 23 complications, and 823 parts. The timepiece features sapphires on every working surface, and the case is encased in 18-karat gold. This masterpiece is made by Abraham-Louis Breguet, worth more than $30 million.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette:
$27 million
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette watch exemplifies the brand's new expression of femininity. The Calibre 101 was designed to redefine women's watches and to create timepieces that blend intricate, precision watchmaking with a modern, feminine aesthetic. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette watch features a random series of polished or diamond-set links concealing the miniature calibre 101 movements.
This timepiece by Chopard boasts a dazzling 120.81-carat diamond bezel worth $25 million. This is the highest price ever paid for a watch, and it took over two years to put together. The watch weighs about 40 grams, and its case is about 10 cm high at its tallest point. In addition to the huge diamond bezel, the watch is set with three heart-shaped diamonds weighing 15, 12, and 11 carats, respectively.
Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication: $24 million
The 18-karat gold Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication is widely considered the king of all watches. It takes watchmaking craftsmanship to a whole other level. The watch was assembled by Patek Philippe, who also moved from three stacked layers. The watch weighs about a pound and is 73.2mm wide in solid gold. The watch also houses a perpetual calendar, moon phases, and a celestial chart. It also has 24 complications, which are set using a single crown to operate each feature.
The Rolex Paul Newman Daytona is the world's most sought-after, expensive watch. The vintage "exotic dials" and Art-Deco-style numerals are defining features of the 6239 model. The watch's mechanical heart is the renowned Valjoux 72 movement, built to last, and has earned a reputation for its reliability. Collectors cherish the 6239 because of its intrinsic value and because it's one of Paul Newman's personal watches.
The Billionaire watch is a unique piece of jewelry with emerald-cut diamonds covering its face. Measuring 58 mm by 47.5 mm, it features an 18K white gold case and bracelet. With 260 carats of emerald-cut diamonds, there will be no space left on this watch.
Most expensive watches are a status symbol of the owner's wealth. The Billionaire watch has fulfilled its purpose, being one of the most expensive watches in the world today. It is a watch that no man could own, as it is a limited edition piece priced at $18 million dollars.
Conclusion
There you have it, the most expensive watches in the world. These extravagant timepieces are pretty precious and certainly collector pieces.
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