Every luxury watch brand has several timepieces in its collection to cost a fortune. Some watchhouses have pieces that cost millions while others might limit to several hundred thousand. If speaking about Rolex in particular, it is far from being the most expensive watch brand. Even though it takes pride in phenomenal popularity and high-level appreciation, some watch brands surpass it in terms of prices. Either way, some models explode in price when sold at auctions and we wanted to bring the list of the most expensive ones to you. We were curious to find out what Rolex models break into the millions and why.
Price comparison
Even though some brands are more expensive, it’s impossible to claim that Rolex has affordable prices. Not at all. On the contrary, these timepieces are expensive and few people can afford one. Well, I mostly refer to the general audience here, since every person with a medium income can hardly afford a Rolex timepiece, even if speaking about the cheapest model. Either way, the Rolex prices are always tricky; while the official boutique offers certain prices, the auctions look at Rolex watches as lucrative investments. As a result, the prices on auctions are simply cosmic. Only a few models come with a lower price than $20,000. As for the rest, this luxury brand has luxury prices.
If speaking about prices from the official boutiques, without the involvement of re-sellers, auctions, or other third parties, Rolex offers “medium” options. “Medium” because other brands require far higher prices for similar models and similar technical architecture, including the quality of materials. Therefore, some of the “medium” prices include:
The recently-released Day-Date comes at the price of $277,850. A GMT Master II 116769TBR straight from the boutique is $485,350. A Submariner 116659SABR is priced at $213,160, and a Pearlmaster 85405RBR is about $207,500.
These are the prices exposed directly in official stores. A curious thing is that if a watch is owned by a prominent figure, its price increases exponentially, reaching up to millions. So, here we are going to talk about such watches.
The 10 most expensive Rolex watches to date
#10
We will begin with the “cheapest version” which is no more and no less than $1,22 million. In fact, we talk here about 2 timepieces with the same price. The first piece was created in 1967 and it’s about a pretty simple Day-Date ref. 1803. The main characteristics of the watch included a champagne-colored dial and an 18k yellow-gold case. What made it famous was its owner. Rolex has issued this watch to the phenomenal golf player known as the “Golden Bear”. In fact, his name was Jack Nicklaus and he was wearing the watch for a long time. The curious thing is that when he received the watch, its retail price was about $300. But, when it was sold at the auction in 2019, this Day-Date was sold ao 1,22 million USD.
The second valuable timepiece dates back to 1949 and is about an Oyster Perpetual. The physical aspect of the timepiece is indeed captivating. To begin with, the watch comes with an enamel dial, which is quite unconventional to be sold at such prices. The gold case features bright and shiny stars instead of indexes also made of gold. This dress watch comes with a leather strap.
With their selling at 1,22 mln USD, these two models rank in the 10th position in the list of the most expensive Rolex watches.
#9
The next most expensive watch belonged to an iconic guitarist and soloist of the 70s, Eric Clapton. The artist opted for a phenomenal Cosmograph Daytona, otherwise recognizable by the “Albino” nickname. The vintage timepiece’s nickname refers to the watch’s clear white dial, making it remarkable in the multitude of black dials at auctions.
When the Eric Clapton watch underwent the first auction in 2003, it was sold at a half million US $. It took more the 10 years to increase in value and in 2015 the piece was reserved at the final 1,4 million US $.
#8
Since Rolex collaborates so tightly with celebrities from cinema, sports, and music, it is not surprising that many of them wear Rolex watches. As a result, these timepieces are sold at fantastic prices not only because of their design and functions, but because they are attached to celebrities’ feelings. This is the case of the following expensive Rolex watch, a traditional GMT Master that meant a lot for the Marlon Brando actor. This Hollywood star appeared in “Apocalypse Now” among other American blockbusters.
The piece was sold at a whooping 1,951,000 USD. Some might find it expensive. But those who value the emotional connection with certain things will find it priceless.
#7
The following watch can be easily confused with Newman’s watch. It’s about the Paul Newman Daytona Oyster Sotto. As a matter of fact, this watch is a “regular” Daytona featuring the same dial as Paul Newman’s watch. This timepiece is one of only 2 released and has been sold at 2 million USD. While the Newman’s watch comes with a white dial and black totalizers, this Daytona model has it reversely. This particularity sets them apart, even if many watch enthusiasts frequently confuse the both.
#6
The next watch on our ranking list is the Rolex Split-Seconds Chronograph ref. 4113. This model is a guilty pleasure for vintage chronograph fans. The first thing making it exceptional is its generous case size, featuring 44mm. Basically, this model is one of the largest watches from Rolex’s ever collection as it is not fond of creating large watches. Secondly, this line has been released in only 12 models, making them even more exclusive. Last, but not least, these watches were not meant to be ever sold. The brand created them to serve as special gifts.
In the end, they appeared in auction listings with their remarkable rattrapante mechanism. If you ask about the price, it is no more and no less than $2,5 million in the Geneva auction.
#5
Right in the middle of our top most expensive Rolex watches is the Rolex GMT Master from 1958. Unlike the other models that were closely associated with iconic celebrities, this one does not come from a famous person. Moreover, it does not feature any unconventional design patterns. Basically, it integrates into the series of most usually-designed timepieces, despite its astonishing price of 3.5 million USD. So, what makes it so surprisingly special and expensive?
As a matter of fact, it is manufactured by solid 18k yellow gold, but this can’t be considered something spectacularly unusual. Most Rolex watches are made of the same material. The element making this watch impressive is the Bakelite bezel in cognac color. But, again- Rolex has plenty of timepieces featuring this type of bezel. Either way, the watch looks indeed attractive, and such was its happy destiny to be sold at 3,5 million USD.
#4
The 4th most expensive watch ever met in the brand’s portfolio is the iconic “The Legend”. This is another “Paul Newman” Daytona catching the eye with its yellow gold chronograph. As a matter of fact, many watch enthusiasts don’t think that its beauty justifies its price. However, seasoned connoisseurs of the horology realm can spot the finesse of this watch, hidden in the tiniest details. The watch comes with an exquisite “lemon grene” dial, being one of the 3 ever released by the brand. “Grene” refers to a specific soft version of yellow only made by Rolex. As a result, the rarity of this model makes it special and the price of 4,18 million $ USD seems to be pretty reasonable for its refined beauty.
#3
Have you ever thought of paying about 5 million $ for a watch? What kind of watch should it be to convince you to pay such money for it? Well, if you don’t know the answer, take a look at the Rolex of the Last Emperor of Vietnam that was sold at 5.1 mln $.
Actually, this piece has all the features of the previous watches and a little bit more. It comes from a historical celebrity, features impressive materials from the quality perspective, and comes from a limited-edition line. The device was created in 1954 and watch enthusiasts recognize it by the name “Bao Dai Rolex”. As a matter of fact, this is one of the most expressive pieces, in comparison to the previous minimalist ones. Actually, we see a gold Oyster Perpetual with this watch, featuring a classic black dial. Instead of indices, it comes with elegant diamonds.
Among spectacular complications, the moon phase indicator and the annual calendar stand gorgeously on the dial, expressing their specific and dignified beauty. The alias name of the watch is pretty suggestive: the brand created it for the last Vietnam emperor. Therefore, apart from the impressive materials, the watch features a strong historical charisma.
The first auction valued the timepiece at 235,000 USD in 2002. 15 years later, the watch entered the top 3 most expensive Rolex pieces, being sold at the impressive 5,1 million USD.
#2
We gradually approach the 1st position in our chart. But meanwhile, let us introduce you to the watch costing 5.9 million USD and holding the 2nd position. It’s about the Rolex Unicorn. This watch is exclusive from any angle you look at it. Actually, it is a Daytona with a pretty interesting story. The first aspect making it special is that it comes in pure white gold, unlike the other models featuring traditional red or yellow versions. The second, and the most captivating of it is that the initial owner who sold the piece decided to donate the 5.9 million USD to charity, after selling it. Therefore, we have to deal here with a special watch. Thanks to it, a remarkable number of lives have significantly improved. Interesting, who was the mysterious person who made such a beautiful charity act?!
#1
Here we are welcoming the number 1 most expensive Rolex watch. It is Paul Newman’s Cosmograph Daytona that you might have confused with position no.7. This piece has been sold for no more and no less than 17.8 million USD and had formed a great “team” with the popular actor. At a given moment, the watch seemed to have disappeared from view. The actor received it from his wife as a special gift. After that, he decided to give the Daytona to his daughter’s boyfriend. In October 2017, the watch appeared in the auction’s listing, apparently placed there by James Cox, the famous boyfriend.
The auction debate for this timepiece was hot and tough. Finally, the last bid of 17.8 million USD resounded 3 times, turning it into the most expensive timepiece in Rolex’s history. The curious fact about it is that this watch doesn’t showcase any unconventional design or materials. Its value is encrypted in its history and this is what makes it so attractive for watch collectors.
Summing up
This list demonstrates once again how precious and remarkable is the Rolex brand in terms of designing phenomenal watches. We also can conclude that the real value of things is not always in their precious materials and diamonds. Simple and minimalist timepieces can have such a strong sentimental value that can cost millions.