Why Rolex watches and what creates these watches so special? The grade of its designs.
The rarity of its materials. And, most importantly, the brand’s impeccable exhibition process warranties precise and accurate performances.
Rolex is a world-famous Swiss indulgence watchmaker, Presently headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the private firm was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis.
It is learned for its lineup of uber-expensive watches, Rolex is the go-to brand for people interested in putting on sumptuous timepieces for their wrists.
However, in this article today, Let’s check out the top 10 most expensive Rolex watches in the world and see for yourself to give a classy treat on your wrists.
Top 10 Most Expensive Rolex Watches
1. Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona
2. Rolex Daytona Reference 626 Unicorn (1971)
3. Rolex Bao Dai
4. Antimagnetique Reference 4113 (1942)
5. Marlon Brando’s Rolex GMT-Master
6. Eric Clapton’s Rolex “Oyster Albino” Cosmograph Daytona
7. Jack Nicklaus Rolex Day-Date
8. Rolex GMT Master II Ice
9. James Bond Rolex Submariner (1972)
10. Rolex Platinum Diamond Pearlmaster
1. Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona – $17.8 million
Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona is not only the greatly expensive Rolex ever sold, but it’s also the most expensive watch ever traded in the world.
It easily beat the prior record set by a 1943 Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph that vends for $11 million in 2016.
The opening bid for Paul Newman’s Daytona commenced at $1 million but was directly raised to $10 million by the first bidder, stunning the unbroken auction room at Phillips.
Only two bidders then fought for the watch to finally resolve its price at $17.8 million.
2. The 1971 Rolex Daytona Reference 626 Unicorn – $5.9 million
Uniqueness and rarity justify the price of this 1970 Rolex Daytona which was sold for $5.9 million in 2018.
The Reference 6265 is the only model obtainable in 18-karat white gold, hence its “Unicorn” nickname.
The vast preponderance of Rolex Daytona produced at the time was in stainless steel.
Besides its lovely material, the story of the watch is itself interesting.
3. The Rolex Bao Dai – $5.1 million
The Rolex Bao Dai is undoubtedly one of the most instantly recognizable models among watch fans.
Based on the Rolex consideration 6062, this watch was initially traded to the last emperor of the Nguyen dynasty in Vietnam in 1954.
The Rolex Bao Dai was vend for over $5.1 million at auction at Phillips in Geneva in 2017.
The watch had already been traded through auction before.
The Nguyen family first traded it for $235,000 in 2002, which was the elevated price ever paid for a Rolex at that time.
4. Antimagnetique Reference 4113 from 1942 – $2.5 million
The 1942 Antimagnetique Reference 4113 is the oldest Rolex on our list after peddling for virtually $2.5 million during a Phillips auction in Geneva in 2016.
It comes in an incredibly large case considering its production year, at 44 mm.
Interestingly, this respective model had been sold just three years before, in 2013, for $1.16 million at Christie’s.
It’s another example of the abrupt price increase for rare Rolex models.
5. Marlon Brando’s Apocalypse Now Rolex GMT-Master – $1.952 million
This Rolex GMT ref. 1675 worn by Marlon Brando in the movie Apocalypse Now was traded for $1.952 million at a Phillips auction in December 2019.
The auction suitably named the Phillips Game Changers event, saw the Rolex GMT-Master manufactured in 1972 sell generously above the expected price.
6. Eric Clapton’s Rolex “Oyster Albino” Cosmograph Daytona – $1.4 million
Eric Clapton’s Daytona anointed the Rolex “Oyster Albino” Cosmograph, sold not once but twice for substantial portions during public auctions.
The first time was in 2003 in New York, where the watch was purchased for $505,000 during an auction arranged by Sotheby’s.
Twelve years later, in May 2015, Eric Clapton’s Daytona was bartered once more, but this time for $1.4 million at a Phillips auction in Geneva, nearly three times its prior price.
7. Jack Nicklaus Rolex Day-Date – $1.22 million
Rolex gave this yellow gold Day-Date to mythical golfer Jack Nicklaus in 1967.
He pretty much wore it every day since then. Jack Nicklaus, learned as the Golden Bear, wore this Rolex when he won 12 of his record 18 professional major crown titles.
The watch was also often photographed when Nicklaus thrust up the championship trophy following his victories.
The watch vend for $1.22 million at a Phillips auction in December 2019.
All of the auction profit went to Nicklaus’ unselfish Foundation that cares for children in need around the world.
8. Rolex GMT Master II Ice – $485,350
This Rolex GMT-Master Ice is the watch that football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo unraveled during the 14th Dubai International Sports Conference.
It is the most expensive new Rolex you can buy.
It retails for $485,350, but its expense might vary depending on the demand price for diamonds at the time of your purchase.
9. James Bond’s 1972 Rolex Submariner – $365,000
Yet another Submariner in our index of the most expensive Rolex watches ever sold.
This one is the actual watch worn by Sir Roger Moore while playing James Bond in Live and Let Die in 1973.
However, The watch was vend for $365,000 at a Phillips auction in Geneva in 2015.
10. Rolex Platinum Diamond Pearlmaster – $277,850
Unlike its contemporary sibling, the Rolex Platinum Diamond Pearlmaster is based on the Day-Date collection rather than the Datejust.
Also, The limited-edition watch is made from meteorite diamonds and totals 42 diamonds on its custom bezel.
Similarly, The 39mm dial watch was first released in 2011 for $277,850.
Also Read: Most Expensive Restaurants in the World
Bottom Line
However, in this article above, we shared the most expensive Rolex watches of 2023, Beyond timekeeping, a Rolex watch is a forte of desire and aspiration, An emblem of achievement and success, and A gratifying luxury indulgence.
However, It’s time to wrap up this article covering the most expensive top 10 Rolex Watches.
So, hope you find this article worth it, feel free to share your recommendations and reviews on it, we would be pleased to get your views on this.
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