Most Expensive Non-Gold Watches for Men
A watch is now not only considered as a necessity but more of a status symbol representing luxury and opulence. With designer watches making a craze in the markets, there are a few renowned watchmakers who have managed to release some of the most beautiful, yet expensive, non-gold watches for men. Some of them have unique features while others are chosen for their numerous functions besides being eye-catching adornments as well.
Let us look at some the most expensive non-gold watches for men:
1. Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime - $31 Million
The Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 is a stainless steel masterpiece, renowned as one of the most expensive non-gold men's watches. Featuring 20 complications, including a grande and petite sonnerie, minute repeater, and perpetual calendar, it exemplifies horological excellence. In 2019, this unique piece was auctioned for $31 million, setting a record for the highest price ever paid for a wristwatch.
2. The Breguet 1160 - $30 Million
The Breguet No. 1160, a meticulous replica of the original Marie Antoinette pocket watch, is among the most intricate and valuable timepieces ever crafted. Commissioned in 1783 and completed in 1827, it boasts 23 complications, including a perpetual calendar and minute repeater. Encased in gold, its historical significance and technical mastery make it one of the most expensive watches globally.
3. Patek Philippe Supercomplication - $24 Million
The Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication is a renowned non-gold men's pocket watch, celebrated for its intricate design and historical significance. Crafted in 1933 for banker Henry Graves Jr., this timepiece features 24 complications, including a perpetual calendar and celestial chart. In 2014, it fetched $24 million at auction, setting a record for the highest price ever paid for a timepiece.
4. Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch - $18 Million
The Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch is a remarkable timepiece renowned for its opulence and intricate design. Crafted from 18K white gold, it is adorned with 260 carats of emerald-cut diamonds, each weighing approximately 3 carats. The watch features a skeletonized dial showcasing a tourbillon movement, highlighting its horological sophistication. With a price tag of $18 million, it stands as one of the most expensive watches globally.
5. Paul Newman's Rolex Dayton - $17.75 Million
Paul Newman's personal Rolex Daytona, a stainless steel chronograph gifted by his wife Joanne Woodward, became the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction. On October 26, 2017, it fetched $17.75 million at Phillips in New York. This sale underscores the exceptional value that provenance and historical significance can add to non-gold timepieces.
6. Patek Philippe 1518 - $11.1 Million
The Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 in stainless steel is among the most expensive non-gold men's watches ever sold. Introduced in 1941, it was the first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch produced in series. While most Ref. 1518 models were crafted in gold, only four are known to exist in stainless steel. In 2016, one of these rare pieces fetched over $11 million at a Phillips auction in Geneva, setting a world record for any wristwatch sold at auction.
7. Patek Philippe Ref. 96 Quantieme Lune Timepiece - $6.2 Million
The Patek Philippe Ref. 96 Quantième Lune is a rare platinum-cased wristwatch featuring a triple calendar and moon phase complication. In May 2023, a model once owned by China's last emperor, Aisin-Gioro Puyi, sold for $6.2 million at auction, setting a record for the highest price achieved by a non-gold men's watch.
8. Eric Clapton’s Patek Philippe Ref. 2499/100 - $3.6 Million
Eric Clapton's Patek Philippe Ref. 2499/100 is an exceptionally rare platinum-cased perpetual calendar chronograph, one of only two ever produced. In 2012, it fetched approximately $3.6 million at a Christie's auction, underscoring its status among the most expensive non-gold men's watches.
9. Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch - $1 Million
Steve McQueen's Heuer Monaco, worn during the 1971 film "Le Mans," is a notable example of a high-value, non-gold men's watch. In December 2020, this iconic timepiece sold at auction for $2,208,000, setting a record for the brand. Its stainless steel construction and association with McQueen contribute to its significant value, highlighting the appeal of non-gold watches in the luxury market.
10. Jean-Claude Killy’s 1951 Rolex Dato-Compax Chronograph - $614,500
The Rolex Dato-Compax Chronograph, often referred to as the "Jean-Claude Killy" model, is a highly coveted timepiece among collectors. Notably, a stainless steel version of this watch, specifically the Reference 6036, was sold at a Christie's auction for a significant sum, underscoring its value and rarity.
These are just the tip of the iceberg of most expensive non-gold men watches. These are more for practical use than as style statements, while some are truly unique art-pieces. It will surely be every man’s dream to own one of these beauties to flaunt on their wrist.
