When choosing exquisite specimens of high horology, no price is too high for the serious collector. Here are 15 of the most expensive and coveted watches from Patek Philippe that any collector would love to own.
For purveyors of fine timepieces and horological masterpieces, few pleasures exist to rival the perfect luxury watch, rich with complications, extraordinary design elements, and exquisite craftsmanship. Among the greats of high horology, Patek Philippe has presented numerous extraordinary timepieces over the years — many of which are deserving of attention and interest. In celebration of that, we look at the most expensive and coveted Patek Philippe watches.
When it comes to rare timepieces, no price is too steep for the watch collectors and connoisseurs of the world. With over a century of experience in crafting everything from jewel-encrusted masterpieces to watches that marry tradition, history, heritage, and the hallmarks of high horology, Swiss luxury watchmaker Patek Philippe has cemented its place amongst industry greats.
Boasting quality and consideration for the time-honoured craft of watchmaking, Patek Philippe watches rightly command high price points among those with expensive tastes. Rigorous crafting standards ensure optimum quality in every piece; master jewellers imbue exquisitely detailed watch cases with precious gemstones while skilled artisans build internal movements that push boundaries in advancing the field. Suffusing the process at every turn is the unimpeachable notion that quality materials are of the utmost importance, lending themselves to the creation of timepieces that are prized and coveted amongst horology enthusiasts.
Beyond the enduring virtuosity of its timepieces, the Patek Philippe brand has also made its own indelible mark on the mechanisms required of watchmaking. As of today, the brand holds over 100 patents, with over 20 basic calibre inventions to its name. Historically, Patek Philippe has always striven for excellence, securing itself a place at the forefront of the horological sphere. In 1868, the brand created the very first Swiss wristwatch; later in 1889, the brand patented a perpetual calendar mechanism for its pocket watches, with a patent for a double chronograph to follow just three years later in 1902.
Further living up to its name as a pioneering force in horology, Patek Philippe went on to produce the first lady’s wristwatch with a five-minute repeater complication in 1916. Other incredible feats of horological engineering that can be credited to the brand include the creation of the world’s first split-second chronograph wristwatch in 1923, the creation of the world’s first perpetual calendar wristwatch in 1925, and the creation of the world’s first all-electronic clock in 1958. As it stands today, Patek Philippe can claim to have created several of the world’s most complicated mechanical watches, winning widespread respect and recognition.
With its reputation for excellence thus established among watch enthusiasts, it comes as little surprise that Patek Philippe watches can command incredible prices at auction or otherwise. If you’re looking to add one to your collection, here are some of the most expensive and covetable Patek Philippe watches, from vintage offerings to contemporary conceptions alike.
One in only two split-seconds chronographs to feature a stainless-steel case, this vintage beauty was first introduced in 1938, when it was produced as a racing tool for gentlemen who wished to time their car or horse races. While a vast majority of the reference 1436 Split Seconds Chronographs were made in yellow gold, with fewer than 10 units found in pink gold, very few stainless-steel iterations have emerged in the market, making this one of the most coveted and expensive Patek Philippe watches ever sold.
Adding to its exclusivity, the ultra-rare model was discontinued in the early 1970s after 30 years in production. Featuring two pushers to activate its mechanisms, a silvered dial with raised steel hour markers, and signature and scales in black enamel, it is a true collector’s item indeed. This timepiece (case number 630772, movement number 863056) was produced in 1945 and to the Harry Stern Watch Agency on May 11 1949.
It remained in the hands of a single owner until 2009, when it realised CHF 1.25 million (approx. USD 1.395 million) at auction. Its new owner, esteemed collector Alfredo Paramico, eventually sold it to another collector, who then put it up for auction via Phillips in Geneva where it realised CHF 3.3 million (approx. USD 3.68 million).
Having once adorned the wrist of English music icon Eric Clapton, this exquisite Patek Philippe Ref. 2499/100 was manufactured in 1987, featuring complications like a chronograph and a perpetual calendar. The Ref. 2499 was first introduced in 1951 as the successor to the Ref. 1518; however, over the course of its 35-year run, only 349 were produced, with majority of them in yellow gold and a few rarities in pink gold.
A solitary deviation from tradition, this watch is the only one of its kind, and was said to have been produced at the whims of Philippe Stern to celebrate the end of the Ref. 2499’s celebrated run. On November 12 2012, the timepiece went under the hammer at Christie’s, realising a staggering USD 3.8 million.
An incredible collectors’ item that heralds horology’s long and storied history, this 1952 yellow gold Ref. 2499 caused quite a stir amongst collectors when it emerged in pristine condition in 2020. Once retailed by Serpico y Laino, this specific timepiece features the retailer’s initials on its dial; it is one in two known Ref. 2499 watches to possess this unique marking.
Incorporating a chronograph, a perpetual calendar, and a tachymeter, this timepiece also features square chronograph buttons and applied Arabic numerals. Its bracelet, which was produced and stamped by Gay Frères bears a stamp that reads ‘1.57’, marking the first quarter of 1957 as the time of its initial sale. In 2021, it realised approximately USD 4.2 million at an auction by Philipps, making it one of the most expensive Patek Philippe watches in the world.
First launched in 1958, the Patek Philippe Ref. 2458 series of watches were produced mainly in yellow gold, with a few rare pieces in pink gold. Renowned watch collector and lawyer J.B Champion, however, opted for one in platinum, thus leading to the creation of this one-of-a-kind Ref. 2458. The watch featured the No. 861’121 movement, one in 30 wristwatch chronometer movements made by Patek Philippe to compete in the Geneva Observatory ‘Concours de Chronometrie’ precision contests. It subsequently met all the requirements for the observatory, receiving the Geneva Seal of approval to nock its place in the realm of horological accuracy.
J.B Champion’s watch features a personalised dial with small seconds at 9 o’ clock and the prestigious words GENEVA OBSERVATORY BULLETIN No. 861121 at 3 o’clock. The watch is further augmented by text that reads MADE ESPECIALLY FOR J.B CHAMPION, honouring the person for whom it was made. For his part, Champion had been an avid collector of Philippe Patek and Vacheron Constantin timepieces, even receiving the former’s very first self-winding wristwatch (Ref. 2526) in 1953.
The watch was sold in a Christie’s auction in 2012, realising USD 4.22 million.
Yet another Ref. 2499 imbued with the branding of its retailer, this ‘Asprey’ chronograph dates back to 1952, one among the reference’s first series. Incorporating complications such as a chronograph and a perpetual calendar, this yellow gold timepiece is likely the only one in existence that bears the sign of London retailer Asprey on its dial. Yet another unique distinction lies in its snap-on caseback, which features both the Patek Philippe and Asprey hallmarks as well as an engraving that reads: RC 25th May 1956, likely denoting its first owner’s initials and the date of its purchase. On November 13 2018, the watch realised approximately USD 4.37 million in a Sothesby’s auction in Geneva.
Once owned by American entrepreneur and auto-and-yacht racer Briggs Swift Cunningham II, this incredibly rare and coveted Patek Philippe 1526 Perpetual Calendar has its roots in 1949. Boasting complications like a perpetual calendar and a moonphase, it likewise incorporates the amagnetic compensation balance of the Calibre 12”’120. Sleek, simplistic, and sophisticated, the timepiece incorporates a silver matte dial, applied black-painted, white-gold Arabic numerals, and matching feuille hands. It was put up for sale at a Christie’s auction, realising USD 4.62 million on May 12 2008.
Released in 2014 to mark the 175th anniversary of Patek Philippe, the Ref. 6300G-010 features a staggering 20 complications, making it one of the most expensive and coveted timepieces the brand has offered over the years. With five chiming modes including the Grande Sonnerie, an alarm, a perpetual calendar, a date repeater, the timepiece is rich in mechanical brilliance, allowing the masterful work of Patek Philippe’s artisans to truly shine.
Additionally, a patented invisible reversing mechanism effortlessly rotates the case when needed, seamlessly transitioning between its two independent dials — one for timekeeping and sonnerie, and the other an ode to the instantaneous perpetual calendar. This timepiece once belonged to actor Sylvester Stallone; it was eventually sold at a Sotheby’s auction, realising USD 5.4 million.
Featuring an exquisite exhibition caseback and an iconic Tiffany blue dial, the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018 ‘Tiffany & Co’ celebrates two time-honoured giants in their respective fields. High horology meets jewellery in the Ref. 5711/1A-018, which pays tribute to the brands’ 170-years-long collaboration. A luxury sports model, this Nautilus houses an in-house automatic movement with central seconds — the calibre 26-330 S C movement, which has been discontinued as of 2022.
With only 170 limited pieces available worldwide, the ‘Tiffany & Co’ Nautilus was made available across Tiffany locations in New York City, Beverly Hills, and San Francisco upon its announcement in 2021; however, one was put up for auction by Philipps in December 2021, with all proceeds set to go to The Nature Conservancy, an environmental organisation aimed at conserving land and waters across the planet. The watch in question eventually realised USD 6.5 million at auction.
Made in 1946, this Ref. 1415 ‘Heures Universelles’ timepiece features 41 cities, countries, and regions in the world, employing the ‘World Time’ system which was invented around 1931 by Louis Cottier. Featuring a three-part case with polished and brushed finishings, the exquisite timepiece also bears a dial comprising revolving concentric circles in matte silver, indicating time with applied white-gold Arabic numerals.
Within, its mechanism is the M. Cal. 12”’-400 HU, with 18 jewels and fausses côtes decorations, all tucked away behind a solid caseback. Of note, the timepiece features teardrop-shaped lugs and a black leather strap. At a 2022 auction at Hotel Richemond in Geneva, the highly-coveted timepiece realised an incredible USD 7.38 million.
Imagined by world renowned watchmaker Louis Cottier, the Ref. 2523 ‘Silk Road’ timepiece is an ornate masterwork radiating beauty and elegance. Featuring a rare cloisonné enamel dial outfitted in a mere 12 Ref. 2523 models, this Patek Philippe watch is a prince among men, its intricate make and exclusivity placing it solidly in the ranks of the most expensive and coveted watches the brand has ever produced.
Of the 12, six models display North America, with three in yellow gold, two in pink gold, and one in white gold; three show South America, with two in yellow gold and one in pink. The remaining three, including this piece, are a showcase of Eurasia, all crafted in yellow gold.
An extraordinary piece coveted by collectors and connoisseurs alike, this timepiece features complications like World Time with two rings, one denoting 24 time zones and the other denoting 24 hours. In May 2021, the watch realised USD 7.88 million at a Phillips auction, making it one of the most expensive watches from Patek Philippe.
Yet another extraordinary addition to the list of most expensive and coveted Patek Philippe watches is the one-of-a-kind Ref. 5016A-010 Grand Complications. Featuring a minute repeater, tourbillon, perpetual calendar, retrograde date, and moonphase, this timepiece also gains bonus points courtesy of its Calatrava-style stainless steel case — a unique material considering the brand’s penchant for using primarily yellow and pink gold for their cases. For those who enjoy watching the mechanisms within, this timepiece also features an interchangeable sapphire crystal caseback and solid caseback, the former of which proffers a full view of its 506 intricately composed, hand-finished components.
Put up for sale at the 2015 Only Watch charity auction held in Geneva, the Ref. 5016A-010 was estimated to sell for between CHF 700,000 to CHF 900,000 (approx. USD 782,968 to USD 1 million). However, it ended up fetching a staggering USD 8.15 million, making it a true star among horology enthusiasts.
One of the rarest and most coveted watches from Patek Philippe, this 1518 ‘Pink on Pink’ Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch was purchased by Prince Twefik Adil Tousson of Egypt on July 20 1951. The prince, who was directly descended from the founder of modern Egypt fled the country during the 1952 revolution; however, the prized watch remained in his possession, albeit relegated to the protection of a safety deposit box in which it spent much time. Because Prince Twefik also saved the timepiece’s original certificate of origin, operating instructions, and box, this timepiece remains the only ‘Pink on Pink’ 1518 that still boasts its original documents of authentication.
While 281 of the Ref 1518 were produced, only a fifth of them (58 in total) boasted pink gold cases and silvered dials; however, with only 14 in existence, the ‘Pink on Pink’ takes it one step further with matching salmon-toned dials. Its complications include a French perpetual calendar, a chronograph, and moon phases. In 2021, it was put up for auction via Sothesby’s, realising USD 9,570,000.
Produced in 1944, this Ref. 1518 is unique in that it features a 35 mm case made of stainless steel — an uncommon occurrence in Patek Philippe watches, which are known to feature cases made of precious metals like yellow gold and pink gold. Of the 281 Ref. 1518s made, a majority featured yellow gold cases, while 20 percent came in rose gold; a mere four were made of stainless steel. Among these four steel models, one was famously owned by the last King of Romania, and three remain in private collections. In 2016, the current model was auctioned off for the first time ever by Phillips in Geneva, fetching a staggering USD 12.3 million.
Commissioned in 1925 by New York banker Henry Graves Jr, this exquisite timepiece took a period of seven years to complete by hand. Completed in 1932, the one-of-a-kind timepiece, which features a gold case, silver and enamel double dial, and double open face was delivered on January 19 1933.
Weighing almost a pound (453 grams), the watch incorporates a mind-boggling 24 complications, which include a double dial, Westminster chimes, grande and petite sonnerie, split seconds chronograph, perpetual calendar accurate to 2100, moon phases, and a celestial chart that reflects New York City’s night sky. The timepiece proved resilient and was perfectly functional despite a 40-year lapse in service. It realised USD 24 million at auction in 2014, making it one of the most expensive and coveted Patek Philippe watches ever sold.
Among the most expensive and most coveted watches from Patek Philippe, the Ref. 6300A-010 ‘Only Watch’ Grandmaster Chime comes in at the top, fetching a staggering price of USD 34.7 million. Composed of no less than 20 complications, this extraordinary watch is the only Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime to be produced in steel, exclusively imagined for Christie’s 2019 Only Watch Auction.
Five acoustic functions including two patented global premières, an alarm, and a date repeater join other functionalities. Including a strikework isolator indicator, second time zone with day/night indicator, day, date, month, leap-year cycle, four-digit year display, 24-hour and minute subdial, and crown position indication, this exquisite timepiece highlights the expertise of Patek Philippe’s master watchmakers. In its inspired endeavour to retain legibility for its 20 complications, the watch also switches between two dials.
(Main images: Patek Philippe, Phillips; featured image: Phillips)
The Patek Philippe 6300A-010 Only Watch Grandmaster Chime, which was produced for the 2019 Only Watch auction, fetched USD 34.7 million.
The Graff Diamonds Hallucination watch is worth USD 55 million.
Patek Philippe watches are more expensive.
The number one watch in the world is subjective, based on what you would personally like. Favourite brands among watch collectors include: Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, IWC, Cartier, and more.
Associate Digital Editor
Emmelyn curates and creates content in Kuala Lumpur, where she's spent the past decade building a portfolio comprising copy and video spanning print and digital platforms. Endlessly fascinated with cookbooks, ..Read More
Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates.
Thank you for your subscription.
