7 Most Expensive Watches Ever Sold At Auction As of 2022-2023

7 Most Expensive Watches Ever Sold At Auction As of 2022-2023

The most expensive watches in the world in 2022-2023 tend to also be among the rarest watches in the world, including watches ranging from vintage pocket watches to luxury wristwatches. While high-end watches are generally a good investment, they can cost tens of millions of dollars to get your hands on. 

The global market value of luxury watches in 2022 was $28.43 billion compared to $27.19 billion in 2021. This rise is largely due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Because of these crises (Covid-19 pandemic, war in Ukraine), rich people prefer to use luxury watches as a store of wealth and an alternative to investing in stocks. 

The Most Expensive Watch In the World Sold In 2022

 In 2022, some of the world’s most expensive watches were sold at auctions around the world. Here is a list of some of the most notable luxury watch sales.

1. Patek Philippe ref 5217 Grand Complication: $2,28 million

Starting our list with the Patek Philippe, one of the most expensive watches in the world sold in 2022 is the Patek Philippe ref 5217 Grand Complication. It boasts several coveted complications, including a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar and a tourbillon. 

The pedigree of the watch is complemented by a perpetual instantaneous calendar, thanks to which the calendar works simultaneously. This watch was sold for $2.28 million on Sotheby’s, one of the world’s largest brokers of fine and decorative art, jewelry, and collectibles.

2. Rolex ref. 6062 Rose Gold Moon Phase

The Rolex watch ref.6062 Pink Gold Moonphase is one of the most expensive Rolex watches ever sold. Most people covet this rare piece because it is one of the few intricate

Rolex watches that was produced for a short period in the 1950s. 

People are fascinated by how a complex caliber can fit into the iconic Rolex Oyster case – the combination of a durable water-resistant case and moon phase represents Rolex at its most elegant and sporty. Legends of Monaco sold this watch for $2.2 million in April 2022.

3. London Cartier Crash Watch

This is one of the most beautiful watches in the world. The discovery of an original London Crash model from the 1960s and 1970s at the Loupe online auction was exciting as only a few such models are known. 

What’s more, it has specs dating back to 1967, making it probably one of the earliest Crashes. 

In May 2022, the Cartier London Crash watch was put up for auction and sold for $1.7 million.

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4. Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref. 2499 Luminous

Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref. The 2499 Luminous is arguably the most complex watch ever made. It is also among the most expensive Patek Philippe watches sold in 2022. 

This watch is the only known example of the second series ref 2499 with a luminous dial. 

What’s more, of the 349 reference 2499s with striking dials, only five exist, making them a rarity. In April 2022, this expensive watch was sold for $2.98 million at Sotheby’s on the auction.

5. Gerald Genta’s Personal Royal Oak

Gerald Genta’s personal Royal Oak is one of the most expensive men’s watches in the world, sold in 2022, and will go down in history as one of Karl Lagerfeld’s best works. Crowning his accomplishment is Gerald Genta’s personalized Royal Oak, perhaps the only watch that can fit the definition of sculpture. 

The gold bezel on Genta’s Royal Oak, the first stainless steel 5402 to feature a gold bezel, adds intrigue to the watch. 

This watch was sold for $2.1 million on Sotheby’s.

6. Rolex Daytona ref. 6239 “Crazy Doc”

The only known 6239 with a pulsing dial is the Rolex Daytona reference 6239. Renowned collector and famous singer, Eric Clapton, originally purchased this watch but then sold it at auction in 2003. Collectors love the classic Rolex Daytona. 

In addition, Rolex is among the 2022 most expensive watch brands. 

Therefore, it is not surprising that this item was sold for $1.7 million at an auction in Geneva Philips.

7. Patek Philippe ref. 1503 ‘Wiesenthal’

Another most expensive watch on this list is the Patek Philippe ref. 1503 ‘Wiesenthal’. This watch is known as the “Wiesenthal” because it was once owned by Holocaust survivor and human rights activist Simon Wiesenthal. 

The Wiesenthal is one of only two examples of the Reference 1503 with Breguet numerals and a black lacquered dial, making it the most elusive and perhaps most beautiful model. 

This further emphasizes the exceptional rarity of this example, given that it was used only from 1941 to 1944. Wiesenthal sold for $1.36 million in Geneva .