Of all time-telling devices, the luxury wristwatch speaks with a voice close to none in declaring wealth, craftsmanship, and status. These are timekeepers who exude their creator’s precision, artistry, and, in many ways, human ingenuity right from the face. The year 2024 has been home to some of the most amazing watches that simply cannot be regarded as basic timekeeping devices but as works of art. Here is a look at the most expensive wristwatches of 2024—all of them miracles of horology and design.
Table of content
- Graff Diamonds Hallucination
- Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010
- Jaeger-LeCoultre: Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie
- Breguet Grande Complication Marie-Antoinette
- Chopard 201-Carat Watch
- Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman” Ref. 6239
- Richard Mille RM 56-02 Sapphire
1. Graff Diamonds Hallucination
Price: $55 million
Why It’s Special: More of an artwork at this price, the Graff Diamonds Hallucination is less a watch. Crusted into the platinum bracelet are 110 carats of rare, multi-colored diamonds. Each of these has been hand-picked and set in a bewildering display of color and dexterity to turn that wristwatch into a veritable treasure trove.
2. Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010
Price: $31 million
Why It’s Special: Dubbed the world’s most expensive wristwatch ever sold, the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime is a dual-dialed, fully reversible masterpiece of a watch that has 20 complications in addition to a minute repeater, perpetual calendar, and acoustic alarm.
It is crafted in stainless steel and was created especially for the Only Watch charity auction, hence, aside from being a luxury item, its value also came from a good deed in charity.
3. Breguet Grande Complication Marie-Antoinette
Price: $30 million
What’s So Special?
An 18th-century paramour of Marie Antoinette commissioned this Breguet watch, and it took more than 40 years for it to be completed. Made of 18-karat gold, the watch boasts a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and thermometer. This timepiece is invaluable in history—it was the peak of horological innovation during those days—and, of course, it holds the same value to this day.
4. Chopard 201-Carat Watch
Price: $25 million
Why It’s Special: The Chopard watch, named as such, is set with one carat of diamonds each. The centerpiece of the watch has a 15-carat pink diamond, a 12-carat blue diamond, and an 11-carat white diamond encased with clusters of yellow and white diamonds. Those who love making a statement wear this ultra-extravagant, over-the-top celebration of excess and luxury as a timepiece.
5. Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman” Ref. 6239
Price: $18 million
Why It’s Special: This watch, once owned by the iconic actor Paul Newman, is a rare vintage timepiece. It has become one of the most sought-after watches in the world.
Its unique dial and association with Newman have made it a prized possession among collectors, driving its price to astronomical heights.
6. Richard Mille RM 56-02 Sapphire
Price: $7 million
Why It’s Special: The Richard Mille RM 56-02 is simply a work in modern horology. Its case is cut out of transparent sapphire crystal, bearing an intricate tourbillon movement nakedly for all to see, and admire. This is proof of how the brand is working its way through the boundaries of watchmaking with transparency and vivid vision. This timepiece is truly the epitome of form and function.
7. Jaeger-LeCoultre: Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie
Price: $2 million
Why It’s Special: Technically superb, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie embraces over 1,300 different components and is, of course, one of the most complex watches ever made.
With a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar, and a tourbillon, all wrapped up in a platinum case, this timepiece falls just short of engineering magic and artistic elegance.
Conclusion
In 2024, wristwatches are more than just a time-telling instrument. It becomes a testimony to human endeavor, creativity, and obdurate, relentless pursuit of perfection. Each of these tells a story of exemplary workmanship, rare materials, and a determination in the art of watchmaking craft. These are not for people to afford; rather, they are investments, heirlooms, and place symbolsThe Most Expensive Wrist Watches in 2024 in the world. As the years go by, these watches, in their timelessness, can only appreciate further both in monetary value and cultural icon status.
