Pocket watches have been around for centuries, and they remain a popular collectible today. While there are some truly expensive watches out there, pocket watches are worth only a few dollars while others can fetch a hefty price at auction. Here are 10 of the most valuable pocket watches ever sold:
The Patek Philippe Supercomplication – $24 million
The most expensive pocket watch ever sold is the Patek Philippe Supercomplication. This unique timepiece was created for banker Henry Graves Jr. in 1932 and took nine years to complete. It features 24 complications, including a perpetual calendar, moon phases, and a minute repeater. The Supercomplication was sold at Sotheby’s in 2014 for a staggering $24 million.
The mystery watch made by Paul Newman – $17.8 million
This unique Rolex Daytona was owned by Hollywood legend Paul Newman and became known as the “Paul Newman Daytona.” It was sold at Phillips in 2017 for a record-setting price of $17.8 million, making it the most expensive Rolex ever sold at auction. The watch was originally given to Newman by his wife, actress Joanne Woodward, in 1972.
The Patek Philippe reference 1518 – $11 million
The Patek Philippe reference 1518 is a highly coveted timepiece among collectors. This particular watch was sold at Christie’s in 2016 for an impressive $11 million. The reference 1518 was the first perpetual calendar chronograph ever made and is one of only four known to exist.
The Patek Phillipe reference 3448 – $5.7 million
The Patek Philippe reference 3448 is another highly coveted timepiece. This watch was sold at Sotheby’s in 2018 for $5.7 million, making it the most expensive yellow gold watch ever sold at auction. The reference 3448 is one of only two known to exist and features a perpetual calendar and moon phases.
The Breguet & Fils timepiece – $4.7 million
This Breguet & Fils pocket watch is one of only three known to exist and is the most expensive Breguet ever sold at auction. It was purchased by an anonymous buyer at Sotheby’s in 2017 for $4.7 million. The timepiece features a unique “perpétuelle” calendar complication and was made in the early 19th century.
The Henry Graves Supercomplication – $4 million
The Henry Graves Supercomplication was once the world’s most complicated watch. It was commissioned by banker Henry Graves Jr. in 1926 and took eight years to complete. The timepiece features 24 complications, including a perpetual calendar, moon phases, and a minute repeater. It was sold at Sotheby’s in 2014 for $4 million.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre reference 3802 – $3.6 million
The Jaeger-LeCoultre reference 3802 is a highly sought-after timepiece. This particular watch was sold at Sotheby’s in 2017 for an impressive $3.6 million. The reference 3802 is one of only four known to exist and features a perpetual calendar, moon phases, and a minute repeater.
The Vacheron Constantin 57260 – $3 million
The Vacheron Constantin 57260 is the most complicated watch ever made. It features 57 complications, including a perpetual calendar, tourbillon, and minute repeater. The timepiece took eight years to create and was sold at Sotheby’s in 2019 for $3 million.
The Patek Phillipe reference 1436 – $2.5 million
The Patek Phillipe reference 1436 is a highly coveted timepiece. This watch was sold at Sotheby’s in 2016 for an impressive $2.5 million. The reference 1436 is one of only four known to exist and features a perpetual calendar, moon phases, and a minute repeater.
The Patek Philippe reference 5016P-001 – $2.4 million
The Patek Philippe reference 5016P-001 is a highly sought-after timepiece. This particular watch was sold at Sotheby’s in 2018 for an impressive $2.4 million. The reference 5016P-001 is one of only two known to exist and features a perpetual calendar, moon phases, and a minute repeater.
The Patek Philippe reference 1526 – $2.3 million
The Patek Philippe reference 1526 is a highly coveted timepiece. This watch was sold at Christie’s in 2017 for an impressive $2.3 million. The reference 1526 is one of only four known to exist and features a perpetual calendar and moon phases.
As this list shows, pocket watches can be extremely valuable, with some fetching prices in the millions of dollars. Whether you’re a collector or simply appreciate the craftsmanship of these timepieces, pocket watches are definitely worth the investment.