The history of watches dates back to the reign of Elizabeth I. In 1571, Earl of Leicester presented the Queen of England with a watch bracelet, which was entirely decorated with pearls and diamonds. Over time, wrist watches have become a daily necessity, and now exclusive watches are a sign of wealth and social status. Turn the hands a little back and imagine the most expensive watch in the history of mankind. We place the clockwork in increasing cost.
List of the most expensive watches in the world:
15
Vacheron Constantin Tour de l’Ile - $ 1.5 million
A well-known brand of Swiss watchmakers has long established itself in the world market, and specifically this model was released on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of Vacheron Constantin.
Masters spared no effort and time, putting their souls into the clockwork, using all their skills and knowledge. Swiss watchmakers spent a total of 10 thousand hours at work. It was worth it, because it turned out a stylish, beautiful watch.
A total set of exclusive Tour de l’Ile watches includes 834 parts. Specialists unequivocally recognize them as the most complex mechanism among watches.
14
Patek Philippe. Model 2499 - $ 2.12 million
The company launched a series of elegant and stylish watches at the end of the twentieth century. For all this time, 349 copies of reliable and beautiful watches were released from the hands of trusted Swiss craftsmen.
Only 9 watches from that series have a rose gold case. These include the model with the number "2,499", sold for 2 million 120 thousand dollars. Such watch movements with a luxurious design as precious metals over the years only increase in price.
For each model of the famous series, a unique dial design is created. It is like a business card along with the reliability of a Swiss watch.
13
Patek Philippe Model 2523 Heures Universelles - $ 2.89 million
A copy of a series of elegant watches from the Swiss watch company “Patek Philippe” under the number “2523” was included in the Top 15 most expensive watches on the planet. They have a gilded case, and the internal parts and enamel card on the dial are handmade. On the dial is a map of the globe, which emphasizes the style and functionality of the watch. Around the map are the names of the largest world capitals.
One of the connoisseurs of watchmaking and an avid collector spared no money and acquired this copy for almost $ 3 million. The presence of such watches on the wrist significantly increase the status.
12
Patek Philippe Platinum World Time - $ 4 million
The watch mechanism of the famous world brand is capable of simultaneously showing time in all time zones of the globe. They are distinguished by reliability and elegant external design.
The model became famous in 2002, when they were purchased at one of the exhibitions for a record price at that time of $ 4 million. The stylish case design, reliable mechanism and beautiful dial design make them one of the most expensive, as well as the most elegant watches in the world.
The masters still could not resist, and with all the rigor of design, they made the case gilded. Along with the reliability of the mechanism, all this together amounted to such a high cost.
11
Louis moinet meteoris - $ 4.6 million
From the name it becomes clear that this watch is connected with the Cosmos. Indeed, in a set of four hours small fragments of meteorites are inserted.
Louis Munare went down in history as the great watchmaker and inventor of the chronograph. Collaborating with another illustrious watchmaker from France, Abraham-Louis Breguet, Louis gained invaluable experience in the manufacture of watch movements.
His reliable watch flaunted on the wrists of US President Thomas Jefferson, Napoleon Bonaparte, who praised the quality of the products. But even today the watches of this brand are genuine works of art, which have a place in the museum expositions.
10
Hublot Big Bang - $ 5 million
In 2005, this watch received the prize of the prestigious exhibition Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix. The case, in which reliable mechanisms function, is fully encrusted with diamonds.
Diamonds were searched around the world for a whole year, and then a New York jeweler from Wesselton carefully handled every diamond. In total, they turned out 1,230, and each weighing 3 carats.
All diamonds are perfectly matched, creating a harmonious overall picture.
It turned out a gorgeous product that can decorate the collection of a true connoisseur of beauty. Of course, subject to the availability of 5 million dollars.
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9
Patek Philippe Caliber 89 - $ 6 million
This chronometer is also worthy of getting into the list of expensive watch movements. It is made of 1,728 parts that fit in an elegant case.
The high price is due to rarity, since in the world there are no more than 10 copies of a unique chronometer. The cost was affected by the complexity of manufacturing. Watchmakers have been making such a masterpiece for 9 years.
It is unlikely that you can see a competition judge at the stadiums who will measure the running time of athletes with such an expensive stopwatch.
8
Vacheron Constantin 57 260 - $ 8 million
Immediately, we note that, along with the model at number 15 ↑, today it is the most complex clockwork on the planet. Hence, such a high cost. And they are also golden.
The watchmakers decided to make a multifunctional reliable watch movement with a unique design. The case is made of white gold, because it is stylish and durable. The body is concentrated about 800 parts.
Three watchmakers worked on them for 8 years, and managed to sell for the figure 8. A private collector bought them for 8 million, who wished not to disclose his name.
7
Patek Philippe - Ref. 1,518 - Wristwatch - $ 11.14 million
In the second half of November 2016, at the famous Phillips exhibition in Association with the Bacs & Russo Geneva Watch Achievement, where you can buy unique watches, they presented luxury men's watches from Patek Philippe.
They were immediately bought for 11 million Swiss francs. Quite a high price for a stainless steel case, because usually Patek watchmakers use gold. There is no precious jewelry on them, which is why such a deal was quite unexpected.
The price was influenced by prestige, reliability and rarity. On the back of the watch under the series you can see the number “1”, which means that this is the first copy from a set of four stylish watches.
6
Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch - $ 18.27 million
It looks less like a watch and more like a crown. Jacob & Co Miller watches are by far one of the most luxurious watches in the world.
They are adorned with diamonds with a total size of 260 carats. The mechanism consists of 167 parts, in which there are also fragments made of precious stones.
The company was not joking when it stated that it was a millionaire’s watch. Bankers immediately calculated that if you put them on deposit, each year this masterpiece of watchmakers will bring an approximate annual income of $ 1.3 million simply in percentage terms.
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5
Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication - 24 million
This chic watch movement was made by the Swiss company Patek Philippe, which began producing watches back in 1839.
The watch was made to order by a banker from New York, Henry Chravez. His dream was to have the most complicated watch movement, and the Swiss watchmakers easily made his dream a reality.
History did not save the data for how much they went to the banker in 1932. In 1999 they were valued at $ 11 million, and after 15 years, in 2014, they went under the hammer of an auction for a record amount of $ 24 million.
4
Chopard - $ 25 million
At the sight of these watches, it is difficult to say that this can, rather a skillfully executed piece of jewelry art by jewelry masters. The product of the famous Swiss brand is one of the most expensive women's watches. A unique watch movement surrounded by precious stones and diamonds.
Three gems in the shape of a heart were inserted into the bracelet. All of them are of different colors: white, red and blue. Precious hearts are surrounded by diamonds, weighing 38 carats.
The total weight of all the jewelry of the bracelet watch is 200 carats. The price, of course, is amazing, but the appearance of the product is fascinating. Such a masterpiece will not stand the heart of any woman in the world.
3
Breguet Grande Complication Marie-Antoinette - $ 30 million
Breguet has been known since 1775 and rarely let its customers down. It so happened that the watch, named after the Queen, became the most expensive pocket watch in the world.
Work on their creation began in 1782, and ordered their alleged lover of Marie Antoinette. The queen herself greatly appreciated the products of Breguet watchmakers, and in her collection there were many products with such a stamp.
The son of the famous master Abraham-Louis Breguet finished the work on luxury watches in 1827. The watch was stolen around 1990, and was found only in 2007. Now they are estimated at $ 30 million, and you can see and enjoy their beauty in the museum of L. A. Mayer.
2
Graff Diamonds The Fascination - $ 40 million
Chopard has expanded its horizons and opened the door to new watch manufacturing technologies. From the hands of masters come true works of art.
“Graff” has become the most famous brand, using reliable watch movements in the synthesis with precious stones. The harmonious combination of beautiful design and reliability has become the key to success and high price.
The watch uses white diamonds with a total size of 156 carats. In the center is a large 38.18 carat colored diamond. The pear shape gives sophistication and brilliance to the entire product.
1
Graff Hallucination - $ 55 million
And here is the first number on our list. Today, the Graff Hallucination, with an estimated price of $ 55 million, is considered the most expensive watch in the world.
In 2015, they were presented at the prestigious Baselworld jewelry and watch exhibition. From the very beginning of their creation, the masters conceived to create the most expensive clockwork ever created in history. They succeeded.
Colored diamonds with a total weight of 110 carats are inserted in a platinum bracelet. Bright pink diamonds frame the quartz dial. The high price is due to the skillful work of the craftsmen and the rarity of colored diamonds.
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Finally
Such watches have a place in museum display cases, and not on the wrist. Summing up, we note that now wristwatches are gradually losing their relevance, because the main function has passed to smartphones. But tradition remains, and beautiful, reliable expensive watches remain an integral accessory in the image of a respectable, successful man or a successful lady. Thebiggest is hoping you enjoyed spending a few minutes reading our article. We are waiting for your comments.