Luxury watches are more than just timekeepers; they are symbols of status, exquisite craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. People buy the most expensive watches in the world for various reasons—whether as a statement of success, an appreciation for precision engineering, or heirlooms to be passed down through generations. We’ve compiled a list of the world’s most expensive watches, each justifying its staggering price tag through unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Top 10 Most Expensive Watches
| Rank | Watch Name | Price (Rs Crores) | Material Used | Manufacturing Year | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Graff Diamonds Hallucination | 458 | Platinum | 2014 | Quartz |
| 2 | Graff Diamonds The Fascination | 333 | Diamond | 2015 | Quartz |
| 3 | Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 | 258 | White Gold | 2019 | Manual |
| 4 | Breguet Grande Complication Marie Antoinette | 250 | Gold | 1827 | Automatic |
| 5 | Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette | 216 | White Gold | 2012 | Manual |
| 6 | Chopard 201-Carat | 208 | White Gold and Yellow Gold | 2000 | Mechanical |
| 7 | Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication | 200 | Gold | 1932 | Manual |
| 8 | Rolex Paul Newman Daytona Ref. 6239 | 155 | Stainless Steel | 1968 | Manual |
| 9 | Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch | 150 | White Gold | 2015 | Manual |
| 10 | Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 1518 | 100 | Stainless Steel | 1943 | Manual |
1. Graff Diamonds Hallucination – ₹458 Crores
Material Used: Platinum
Manufacturing Year: 2014
Movement: Quartz
The Graff Diamonds Hallucination tops the list as the world’s most expensive watch. Designed by Laurence Graff, Chairman of Graff Diamonds, this masterpiece features 110 carats of multi-coloured diamonds set into a platinum bracelet. Unveiled at Baselworld in 2014, this watch is a dazzling display of high fashion and exceptional watchmaking.
2. Graff Diamonds The Fascination – ₹333 Crores
Material Used: Diamond
Manufacturing Year: 2015
Movement: Quartz
Another creation by Graff Diamonds, The Fascination, is renowned for its versatility. This watch can be worn as a bracelet and features 152.96 carats of white diamonds. Its highlight is a 38.13-carat pear-shaped diamond that can be detached and worn as a ring, making it a true marvel of luxury and engineering.
3. Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 – ₹258 Crores
Material Used: White Gold
Manufacturing Year: 2019
Movement: Manual
Celebrating Patek Philippe’s 175th anniversary, the Grandmaster Chime is the brand’s most expensive watch ever sold. It boasts a dual-dial feature with blue opaline, gold-applied numerals, and 18K solid gold dial plates. This watch is a testament to Patek Philippe’s legacy of exceptional craftsmanship.
4. Breguet Grande Complication Marie Antoinette – ₹250 Crores
Material Used: Gold
Manufacturing Year: 1827
Movement: Automatic
Commissioned by one of Marie Antoinette’s lovers, this watch took 40 years to complete. Designed by Abraham-Louis Breguet, it is encased in gold and features a perpetual calendar, a thermometer, and other advanced attributes for its time. This historical piece now resides in the L.A. Mayer Museum.
5. Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette – ₹216 Crores
Material Used: White Gold
Manufacturing Year: 2012
Movement: Manual
Crafted by Jaeger-LeCoultre as a gift for Queen Elizabeth II, this watch celebrates her 60-year reign. It features a hand-wound mechanism, sapphire glass-covered clock, and 577 diamonds. The miniature calibre 101 movement, one of the smallest in the world, adds to its unique appeal.
6. Chopard 201-Carat – ₹208 Crores
Material Used: White Gold and Yellow Gold
Manufacturing Year: 2000
Movement: Mechanical
This watch by Swiss watchmaker Karl Scheufele III is adorned with 874 diamonds, totalling 201 carats. It features a spring-loaded mechanism that reveals the watch face when three heart-shaped diamonds open like flower petals. This piece is a favourite among A-listers and royalty.
7. Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication – ₹200 Crores
Material Used: Gold
Manufacturing Year: 1932
Movement: Manual
This gold pocket watch, created for American banker Henry Graves, took seven years to design and construct. Known as one of the most complicated pocket watches ever, it includes a calendar, a minute repeater with Westminster Chimes, and details on sunrise and sunset times.
8. Rolex Paul Newman Daytona Ref. 6239 – ₹155 Crores
Material Used: Stainless Steel
Manufacturing Year: 1968
Movement: Manual
Commissioned by Paul Newman’s wife, Joanne Woodward, this watch features an engraving that reads, “Drive Carefully Me.” It was auctioned in 2017, fetching a staggering price due to its association with the renowned actor and its status as a celebrated luxury brand.
9. Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch – ₹150 Crores
Material Used: White Gold
Manufacturing Year: 2015
Movement: Manual
Living up to its name, the Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch is adorned with 189 carats of Akosha diamonds, which are cut to appear 30% larger than standard emerald-cut diamonds. The watch features a skeleton face revealing the hand-crafted tourbillon movement with 167 elements and 18 jewels.
10. Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 1518 – ₹100 Crores
Material Used: Stainless Steel
Manufacturing Year: 1943
Movement: Manual
This watch is part of an exclusive four-piece series and represents a pivotal moment for Patek Philippe. Crafted from high-grade stainless steel, it diverges from the usual yellow or rose gold cases, making it a rare and highly valued piece among collectors.
Conclusion
The world’s most expensive watches are not just about telling time; they are about telling stories—stories of exceptional craftsmanship, history, and luxury. From the diamond-studded masterpieces of Graff Diamonds to the historical wonders of Patek Philippe, these watches are unparalleled in their elegance and sophistication. Each timepiece is a testament to the artistry and precision that define the world of haute horology. Whether as symbols of status, investment pieces, or heirlooms, these watches represent the pinnacle of watchmaking.
