10 of the most expensive watches you can buy right now
Watch enthusiasts of the world – now might be a good time to crack open your wallets and peruse Sotheby’s auctions. In the early weeks of October, the auction house will have three major sales of rare, luxurious, and high quality watches.
On October 4, Sotheby’s Hong Kong will hold its Important Watches 1 auction; a Fine Watches auction will also begin on the same date, in Paris, and last through October 16. There will also be a second Important Watches auction in Hong Kong that will run from September 30 through October 9.
Among the timepieces on sale are a special edition Richard Mille watch that was created in collaboration with Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh, an elegant Patek Philippe world time watch, and a unique Cartier (CFRHF) bangle watch that appears to resemble a hawk.
Collecting exquisite watches, like the ones available at this auction, can be an immensely satisfying hobby – though admittedly not one without its pitfalls.
It’s easy for watch enthusiasts to become fascinated with timepieces from afar – prompting watch collector and cofounder of the Armoury, Mark Cho, to educate new collectors on common pitfalls to avoid. This summer, Cho shared what he described as his “12 Principles of Watch Collecting,” in an effort to guide amateur horology enthusiasts on their journey.
“I am a firm believer in developing taste and appreciation through ownership. You can pore over articles and analyze spec sheets to the nth degree, but nothing beats what you can learn by actually owning and wearing a piece,” Cho wrote for the Robb Report in 2022, in an essay explaining why he decided to part ways with a number of watches.
Among Cho’s tips: Rare watches are not always great, great watches are not always rare; Unpopular watches may become popular but rare watches will always remain rare; and expensive watches can be worth the cost. Cheap watches are not always worth the savings.
Continue reading to learn more about the 10 most expensive watches available at Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches auction.
10. Patek Philippe Reference 3974
Estimated Value: $359,372 to $513,389
Sotheby’s Lot Description: “A yellow gold minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, 24 hour and leap year indication, Retailed by Gübelin, Made in 1990.”
9. Patek Philippe Reference 5275
Estimated Value: $359,372 to $513,389
Sotheby’s Lot Description: “A limited edition platinum chiming wrist watch with digital jumping hour, jumping minutes and seconds, engraved dial and case, Made to commemorate the 175th anniversary of Patek Philippe in single factory seal, Circa 2015.”
8. Cartier No. 1/1, Piece Unique
Estimated Value: $385,041 to $641,736
Sotheby’s Lot Description: “A magnificent and unique white gold, diamond, yellow and brown diamond-set bangle watch in the form of a falcon, Circa 2010.”
7. Patek Philippe Reference 5213
Estimated Value: $385,041 to $641,736
Sotheby’s Lot Description: “A white gold minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, retrograde date and leap year indication, Circa 2015.”
6. Patek Philippe Reference 1518
Estimated Value: $577,562 to $898,431
Sotheby’s Lot Description: “A yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, Made in 1950.”
5. Patek Philippe Reference 2499, 4th Series
Estimated Value: $513,389 to $1,026,778
Sotheby’s Lot Description: “A yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, Circa 1985.”
4. Patek Philippe Reference 2524/1
Estimated Value: $577,562 to $1,026,778
Sotheby’s Lot Description: “A yellow gold minute repeating wristwatch, Made in 1955.”
3. Patek Philippe Reference 5531
Estimated Value: $641,736 to $1,283,473
Sotheby’s Lot Description: “A brand new pink gold minute repeating world time wristwatch with cloisonné enamel dial, Circa 2022.”
2. Richard Mille, Tourbillon Serpent, Reference RM026
Estimated Value: $705,910 to $1,026,778
Sotheby’s Lot Description: “A unique white diamond and ruby-set semi-skeletonised tourbillon wristwatch with power reserve indication, Circa 2011.”
1. Richard Mille Special Edition Michelle Yeoh, Reference RM051
Estimated Value: $705,910 to $1,026,778
Sotheby’s Lot Description: “A unique white gold, diamond, black diamond and emerald-set semi-skeletonised tourbillon wristwatch with power reserve indication, circa 2011.”
