From diamond-encrusted watches to classically constructed timepieces, the practical accessory that fits perfectly on the wrist can be extravagant. prices.
High-profile brand collaborations throughout 2023 they were part of the synergy that recently boosted sales in the watch industry. The same effect is produced when a celebrity’s image is attached to a product such as fine jewelry, which explains the high values of several watches listed below. Resellers are also taking advantage of the wave’s rewards.
More from WWD
WWD has listed some of the world’s most iconic watches that have sold for exorbitant prices. Below, a roundup of striking designs with notable stories.
John F. Kennedy’s 14-karat gold Nastrix watch, $120,000
Antiquorum sold John F. Kennedy’s 14-karat gold Nastrix watch at a New York auction for $120,000 on March 5, 2009. After Kennedy’s assassination, the watch was given to his widow Jacqueline Kennedy, who more later gifted it to her second husband, Aristotle Onassis. .
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “John Mayer” Perpetual Calendar Limited Edition Watch, $180,000
The limited edition Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer” watch is equipped with the manufacturer Automatic caliber 5134. The design of the 18-karat white gold watch revolves around the dial, which is finished in shiny blue faux crystal and adorned with an embossed night sky motif.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Skyfall 007 Watch, $200,659.65
Omega auctioned the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Skyfall 007 watch through Christie’s on October 5, 2012 for $200,659.65. Daniel Craig wore the watch during his performance as James Bond in the film “Skyfall”.
Jackie Kennedy’s Cartier Tank Française watch, $379,500
Kim Kardashian paid $379,500 for Jackie Kennedy’s Cartier Tank Française watch at a Christie’s New York auction on June 21, 2017. The watch was originally gifted to Kennedy by her brother-in-law, Prince Stanislaw “Stas” Radziwill.
John F. Kennedy’s Elegant Omega Ultra Thin Reference OT3980 Watch, $420,000
The Omega Museum in Bienne, Switzerland, paid $420,000 for John F. Kennedy’s 18-karat gold Omega Ultra Thin Reference OT3980 dress watch at a 2005 auction in New York. The watch was given to Kennedy by his friend Grant Stockdale before the 1960 presidential election.
1951 Rolex Dato-Compax chronograph watch by Jean-Claude Killy, $614,500
Auction house Antiquorum sold Olympic ski champion Jean-Claude Killy’s 1951 Rolex Dato-Compax Chronograph watch for $614,500 in December 2012. For more than four decades, Killy served as a Rolex ambassador.
Amelia Earhart’s Patek Philippe, $1.8 million
Amelia Earhart’s one-of-a-kind Patek Phillip sold for more than $1.8 million at Monaco Legend Group’s exclusive watch auction on April 23. The Patek was originally commissioned by Harry Gordon Selfridge, founder of London-based department store Selfridges, in 1928 and gifted to record-breaking land and sea pilot Sir Henry Seagrave. After a boating accident killed Seagrave, the watch was returned to Selfridge, who gifted it to Amelia Earhart.
Patek Philippe by Eric Clapton Watch Ref 2499/100, $3,635,808
At an auction in Geneva, Christie’s sold a rare Patek Philippe Ref. 2499/100 watch from guitarist Eric Clapton’s personal collection for $3,635,808 on November 12, 2012. The watch features 23 jewels, matte silver dial, baton of applied gold and golden dauphine hands.
Emperor of China Patek Philippe Ref. Quantieme Lune 96 Watch, US$6.2 million
A Patek Philippe Ref 96 Quantieme Lune watch that belonged to the last emperor of China’s Qing dynasty, Aisin-Gioro Puy, sold at a Phillips Hong Kong auction for US$6.2 million in May 2023. The watch features an intricate dial Adorned with a small moon phase painting.
Prince Mohammed Tewlik A. Toussou’s Patek Philippe Ref. Watch 1518, $9.57 million
At an auction in New York, Sotheby’s sold a Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 watch belonging to Prince Mohammed Tewlik A. Toussou for $9.6 million in December 2021. Although nearly 300 models of the watch were originally produced, only one fifth of these were released in rose gold, with the majority in yellow gold.
Jacob & Co. yellow diamond watch, $20 million
Jeweler Jacob Arabo produced a custom Jacob & Co. watch adorned with 216 carats of Asscher-cut yellow diamonds, which he revealed cost $20 million. “What you don’t see is a lifetime of energy, patience and investment behind this piece,” Arabo said on Instagram. “I have spent my entire career pushing boundaries, refusing to conform to industry norms. This watch is the tireless pursuit of pursuing the impossible.”
Patek Philippe Ref. 6300A-010 Grandmaster Chime, US$31 million
At a Christie’s charity auction in Geneva, a Patek Philippe Ref. Grandmaster Chime watch 6300A-010 sold for $31 million in 2019. The watch is the first and only Grandmaster Chime model produced in steel, an unusual metal used by the manufacturer.
Graff Diamonds hallucination watch, $55 million
The 2014 Graff Diamonds Hallucination watch was estimated to be worth $55 million, according to the jewel brand. Not available for sale, the watch is made up of 110 carats of rare and colorful diamonds.
Princess Diana’s Cartier Tank Française gold watch, priceless
Princess Diana’s iconic gold Cartier Tank Française watch was inherited by her son, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, who gifted it to his wife Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. The value of the watch has not been estimated, but it is considered priceless by many fans of the late princess. The Tank Française model retails for US$22,300.
The best of WWD
