Take a Look at The 11 Most Expensive Rolex Watches

Out of all the luxury brand watches, Rolex remains the most superior. Any collector of watches dreams about owning a Rolex in their collection. This brand is celebrated for its distinctive design, top-notch materials, and reliable performance. Rolex watches are also known for their astronomical price.

So, what makes Rolex watches very expensive among all? Besides quality materials and designs, the impeccable production process also has a role to play in making these watches expensive. Rolex watches guarantee precise and accurate performance, no matter what.

There is a lot more to this brand. Rolex watches are classic, elegant, and an object of desire for many.

What are the Most Expensive Rolex Watches? 

Rolex has always been one of the most luxurious names in the watch-making industry. The prices of the below-listed Rolex timepieces will surprise you. We promise you were not ready for this. Here are the costliest Rolex watches to ever exist.

1. Paul Newman’s Cosmograph Daytona

Paul Newman’s Cosmograph Daytona was sold for $17,752,500 at an auction. It was introduced in 1963 as a mark of celebration of the high-performance world of professional race car driving. Ever since its release, this model gained immense popularity.

The watch belongs to the sports chronographs category. The dial of this timepiece has become an icon. Many other brand manufacturers get inspired by this design. It also includes two small pushers on the right-hand side of the watch, allowing the wearer to activate the chronograph function.

2. Rolex Submariner 

As of 2021, the price of the Rolex Submariner range starts from $13,337, making it one of the costliest Rolex watches. It was firstly launched in 1953. Interestingly, it was created for the divers to take it to the depth of 100 meters. This Rolex was further made famous by the original James Bond movies. Today, it has become of the most famous models produced by the brand.

The price for the current Rolex Submariner depends upon the material you choose. You may pick from the different options like yellow gold, white gold, and even stainless steel.

3. Unicorn Daytona

Rolex Unicorn Daytona was made in 1970. This Daytona Reference 6265 earned its nickname, Unicorn, for it was the only model created in 18K white gold when the remaining models were made in stainless steel. The rarity of this watch made it a one-of-a-kind timepiece.

In 2018, John Goldberger put the watch up for an auction in Geneva. The price of it doubled the original price. The best thing to happen during the auction is that all the money was donated to the charity. The price of this watch is $5,900,000.

4. The Rolex Bao Dai 

Another Rolex watch to auction at the Philips Auction House in Geneva was the Rolex Bao Dai. The watch was sold at a whopping $5,100,000 in 2017, thus becoming one of the most expensive Rolex watches. This one remains one of the most popular and instantly recognizable watches.

The Rolex Bao Dai was sold to the Emperor Bao Dai of the Nguyen Dynasty in Vietnam in 1954, hence the name. During that time, it was the most expensive Rolex made by the watchmaker. It featured a black dial and an 18K gold case.

5. 1958 GMT Master Expensive Rolex 

This Rolex timepiece was auctioned in 2016 at the Philips Auction House at a price tag of $3,500,000; thus one of the most expensive Rolex watches in the world. The GMT model was made in 1958.

The watch is made in 18K gold and features a stainless steel case. It is unique as the cognac-brown Bakelite bezel, unlike the other GMT models created by the brand. This particular feature remains well-preserved and in prime condition.

6. Rolex Antimagnetique 

Another beautiful creation by Rolex, which also happens to be one of the most expensive timepieces, is the Rolex Antimagnetique. Only 12 of these Reference 4113 were made and as of now only eight of them exist, thus making this watch more unique than others. It was gifted to a select group of racing teams and drivers in the 1930s.

This Rolex watch is encased in stainless steel. It comprises a 44mm dial featuring raised pink gold Arabic and baton hour markers with subtle patina. The bezel features a mirror-polished finish, contrasting amazingly against the case. The price of this watch ranges up to $2,500,000.

7. Rolex Day-Date 

Another expensive addition to the Rolex watches is the Rolex Day-Date, the price of which starts from $34,500. Many people call it the pinnacle of a status symbol, for it is one of the most expensive timepieces in the current collection of the company. This watch was first launched in 1956 as the first-ever waterproof and self-winding chronometer wristwatch.

It was also the first watch to introduce the jubilee Rolex bracelet offering exceptional wear and comfort on the wrist. The current edition includes a caliber 3255 movement that promises superb reliability and matchless performance. You can choose from the colors like white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum.

8. Rolex Pearlmaster Collection 

Rolex Parlmaster Collection is grand, redefining luxury and speaking class in all its aspects. The watch retails for $87,000. However, its price may go up depending upon the market price. This watch has diamonds engraved on it. It comes in 34mm and 39mm caves, exclusively available in white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold options.

To describe Pearlmaster Collection more, the watch is a high-end customized version of the Rolex Datejust with finely carved previous gems. The brand has developed precise high-end techniques to align the position, height, and orientation of each stone present on its dial. The watch is waterproof up to 100 meters.

9. Eric Clapton’s Rolex Oyster Albino Cosmograph Daytona 

Another expensive Daytona is the Rolex’s collection of expensive watches is the Eric Claptons Oyster Albino Cosmograph Daytona. It has been brought under the hammer twice, and both times, the watch has managed to hold its own in the glittering world of auctions.

This Rolex possesses a price tag of $505,000. At first, it was sold at an auction organized by the Sotheby’s in New York in 2003. The watch was again auctioned in 2015 at the Philips Auction House in Geneva and sold at an astronomical price of $1,40,000. This watch was made in 1971 when it belonged to Eric Clapton. As of now, it remains a part of a limited edition series. Only four watches have been released by the brand in a single color from this edition.

10. 1950 Perpetual Sleeping Beauty Expensive Rolex 

1950 Rolex Perpetual ‘Sleeping Beauty’ came into being in 1950. When created, it was supposed to fetch a price tag of $250,000 to $350,000. But as of now, the price of this watch reaches up to a whopping $1,140,000, making it one of the most expensive watches on the planet today.

The watch was sold at a costly price at the Christie’s auction in New York in 2013. Such a high auction price of the watch was because of the hectic bidding between four people from different countries. They also nicknamed this watch Sleeping Beauty. This watch has been a part of the limited edition series by the brand. Only a hundred units of this watch were made 69 years ago. This stainless steel watch features a moon phase and triple date display.

11. Marlon Brando’s Apocalypse Now Rolex GMT 1675

This beautiful Rolex GMT reference 1675 was worn by Marlon Brando in his movie, Apocalypse Now. It was sold for $1,952,000, thus being one of the most expensive Rolex watches. Like all the auctions, this one took place in Geneva in December 2019. Little did anyone know that the price of this Rolex would rise to such high figures!

The Academy Award winner, Marlon Brando, wore this watch on a black strap with its bezel missing. Francis Ford Coppola had indeed asked him to remove the bezel as it would stand out too much in the movie. The watch has its unique feature as Brando carved his name on its back. When it was released for auction, the watch was sold after 15 minutes of bidding.

12. Rolex Datejust 

The beautiful and elegant Rolex Datejust was firstly introduced in 1945 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the company. Currently, the watch has become a predominant business watch for all the businessmen worldwide. The timepiece is versatile. One can wear it as a part of their business or even as a casual outfit. You can also choose from a large selection of dials, bracelets, materials, and the option of precious stones on its dial.

The price range of this attractive Rolex watch starts at $17,000, and it reaches up, depending upon the model you want to buy. There are many sizes to choose from – 31mm, 34mm, 36mm, and 41mm. Rolex Datejust also includes a special 28mm Lady-Datejust. You can buy it in different material options – white gold, rose gold, yellow gold, and stainless steel.

Rolex is not just a name; it is a legacy! The above-listed watches are premium, classy, and elegant. Which one is your favorite among them? Tell us in the comments below.

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