Top 20 Most Expensive Rolex Watches in History

One of the most coveted watch brands in the world is Rolex.

Rolex offers a wide variety of models, but which models are the most highly prized among them?

In this article, we would like to introduce some of the most valuable items among the world's most prestigious watch brand, Rolex.

We have compiled a list of the 20 most expensive Rolexes in history. Would you like to check out what kind of Rolexes you can find?

The new Rolex Submariner Date is priced from $13,337 at list price (2021).

The Rolex Submariner Date is a classic among Rolex watches.

When it first appeared in 1953, it made headlines as the first watch that allowed divers to dive to 330 feet.

The James Bond movie made it a big story, and it is interesting to note that there are numerous collections available with stainless steel, yellow gold, white gold, and more.

The new one is priced from $14,275 at list price (2021).

The Sky-Dweller Oyster steel and yellow gold is known as one of the very rare models.

It was developed for world travelers and pilots, as it allows the wearer to see two time zones on the face of the dial at the same time.

The "Oyster Steel and Yellow Gold" is a particularly rare and popular piece.

The selling price of a new watch is from $16,780 at list price (2021).

Many people may think of Rolex as the Cosmograph Daytona.

Developed in 1963 for professional racing drivers, it is a timeless classic loved by numerous celebrities.

It is no exaggeration to say that the Cosmograph Daytona laid the foundation of the sports chronograph, and it is still a highly popular and valuable series.

New watches are priced from $17,000 at list price (2021).

The Rolex Datejust is a popular series characterized by its elegant appearance.

This model was born in 1945 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Rolex, and it continues to reign as one of the most coveted watches by business people around the world.

The lineup that easily expresses individuality is also attractive, with a wide selection of bracelet threads, dials, and materials, as well as a 28mm ladies' model.

The new Rolex Day-Date is priced from $34,500 at list price (2021).

Among the many Rolex models, the Rolex Day-Date is said to be the most expensive.

Since its introduction in 1956 as the first wristwatch featuring display of not only the date but also the day of the week, it has been a favorite of dignitaries and leaders from all over the world.

The bracelet that creates an excellent wearing experience is called "President's bracelet," and it can be said that it is one of the most extravagant watches.

The new watch is priced from $87,000 at list price (2021).

The Rolex Pearlmaster Collection is a custom Rolex Datejust model studded with diamonds.

The price range depends on the market price of diamonds at the time, and is one of the most expensive Rolex watches available today.

This piece is packed with Rolex's engineering expertise, but the three bracelet options are the most noteworthy.

The two bracelet threads themselves are embedded with gemstones, and are considered to be more than just a wristwatch.

The new watch is priced from $173,999 at list price (2021).

The Rolex GMT Master II is popular for its unique coloring.

This model is a GMT Master equipped with a new movement, which became popular in 1955 for its ability to display two time zones at once.

In addition to its high functionality, the visual appeal of the Rolex GMT Master II has made it popular, and it continues to be a coveted item for Rolex fans around the world.

It was sold for $234,000 at an auction organized by Antiquorum (2009).

The Steve McQueen 1967 Rolex Submariner is also known as the spark that ignited the popularity of vintage Rolexes.

This item is classically styled and became a hot topic of conversation because Steve McQueen owned one.

It is also known as the first Rolex watch to be sold to the highest bidder, and the amount paid at the time was said to be $234,000.

This limited edition watch was released at list price of $277,850 (March 2011).

The Rolex Platinum Diamond Pearlmaster is a model from the Day-Date collection that is only available in limited editions.

It features a platinum case and two large diamonds placed at the 6 and 9 o'clock positions.

In addition, the bezel is equipped with 42 diamonds and has a meteorite diamond function, etc. It is known as a high quality watch that lives up to its name.

Sold for $365,000 at Phillips auction in Geneva (November 2015).

James Bond's 1972 Rolex Submariner is named after Sir Roger Moore, who wore the watch as James Bond in the 007 series of James Bond films.

It is known as one of the most coveted pieces by fans, with "Roger Moore 007" written on the back of the case.

It is a special edition Rolex for the movie, with a rotatable bezel and other functionalities just as in the movie scene.

It is a Rolex that can be expected to increase in price in the future, as it is packed with a number of special features in a classical design.

Listed at Sotheby's auction for $440,000 (2011).

Dr. Rajendra's Rolex is said to be the most exquisite Rolex ever made.

Manufactured for India's first president, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, it is a luxurious creation made of 18K gold instead of stainless steel.

It is also known for its playful touches, such as the map of India on the dial, which is engraved with a date such as January 26, 1950.

The value of this watch is also enhanced by its controversial episodes such as being stolen from Mr. Prasad's family.

The watch was launched at list price of $485,350 (in 2021).

The Rolex GMT Master II Ice was the talk of the town when Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world's greatest soccer players, wore it at the 14th Dubai International Sports Conference.

It is a rare Rolex GMT Master II that uses white gold sparingly, and is characterized by its extravagant specifications, including diamonds and gold.

Although the luxuriousness of the Rolex GMT Master II may make you think that its functions have been neglected, it has all the functionality of the base model, the Rolex GMT Master II.

Sold for $895,000 at Christie's Auction in Geneva, Switzerland in 2015.

The Rolex "Stelline" Gold was sold in 1950.

It was the fourth highest priced watch sold at the time and made headlines.

It has an Oyster case, triple calendar, and waterproof case with a moon phase function.

At the time, there were no self-winding watches equipped with these functions, and the rarity of this watch is the reason for its high value.

Sold at Phillips Auction for $1.22 million (December 2019).

The Jack Nicklaus Rolex Day-Date, a yellow gold day-date, was presented to the legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus in 1967.

He is known to have worn this Rolex the moment he won various titles.

It made headlines when it sold for $1.22 million at a Phillips auction in December 2019, with the revenue going to Nicklaus' charitable foundation.

Sold at Phillips Auction for $1.4 million (May 2015).

Rolex, Eric Clapton's Rolex "Oyster Albino" Cosmograph Daytona. is named after one of the world's most famous musicians, Eric Clapton.

Its value is enhanced by its one-of-a-kind existence as a white dial Cosmograph, featuring a non-black subdial.

Although the print itself is white in color, it has the same silver finish as the original dial, which is why it is also referred to as the "All White Cosmograph Albino."

The fact that Eric Clapton owned this watch continues to increase its value.

Sold at Phillips Auction for $1,952,000 (December 2019).

Rolex, "Marlon Brando's Apocalypse Now Rolex GMT Master" is named after Academy Award winner "Marlon Brando," who wore the watch in the movie "Apocalypse Now."

It features a simple yet stylish design with no bezel and a black rubber strap attached.

It is said that Marlon Brando offered to remove it during the filming of the movie to make the watch stand out more.

The watch is packed with details, including the luminous hour markers that shine more brilliantly with age, making it a must-have for Rolex enthusiasts.

The classic design of the Rolex, which follows the initial design of Rolex, is also a point that enhances the popularity of this watch.

Sold at Phillips Auction for $2.5 million (2016).

The Antimagnetique Reference 4113 from 1942 (Antimagnetique Reference 4113 ), a Rolex treasure from 1942.

The Rolex was given to racing drivers and teams to celebrate their victories, and it was also the talk of the town when the famous British racer, Sir Malcolm Campbell, wore a Rolex in competition.

Not only is it a limited edition model, but it also has the largest case in Rolex history, with a diameter of 44 mm, making it one of the most coveted pieces by enthusiasts.

Its price is also increasing year by year, and it is likely to be sold at an even higher price in the following year.

Sold at Phillips Auction for $5.1 million (May 2017).

The Rolex Bao Dai was first owned by the last emperor of Vietnam in 1952.

With its five diamond markers and yellow gold Oyster case, it boasts a high level of functionality unmatched by other Rolexes.

Although it sold for 370,000 Swiss francs when it was offered at Phillips Auctions in 2002, 15 years later, at Phillips' The Geneva Watch Auction Five, held in Geneva on May 13, 2017, the final bid price was approximately 22 times higher at 5,066,000 Swiss francs and it became a hot topic of conversation.

It was sold for 5,937,500 Swiss francs at the Daytona Ultimatum Sale, an auction held on May 12, 2018 for all 32 Daytonas of all time.

A rare example of a Rolex Daytona of incredible value, is the "1971 Rolex Daytona Reference 626 Unicorn.

It is known to have been owned by John Goldberger, one of the world's leading watch collectors, who also donated all the funds from the winning bid to Children Action, which supports children and youth around the world.

Since it was made by a German contractor in 1970, it features "white precious metal," which is very rare for a Daytona.

Since it is the only white gold Cosmograph ever manufactured by Rolex, it is known as one of the most coveted watches by Rolex enthusiasts.

Sold at Phillips Auction for $17.8 million (October 2017).

Paul Newman's Rolex Daytona, Paul Newman's Rolex Daytona, is now considered a legendary Rolex, having sold for $17.8 million at Phillips Auction House in 2017.

It is one of the hand-wound Daytona models produced in the history of Rolex, and is particularly popular for its unusual visuals.

It is an extremely rare and valuable Rolex that stands apart from other Daytona models, with its white-colored "exotic dial," which is different from the regular model.

It is named after the actor Paul Newman, who was a fan of the "exotic dial," and its owner can truly claim the name of the world's most successful man.

Rolex is by far the most valuable of all watch brands.

Why are Rolex watches said to be so highly valued?

The secrets are as follows.

I will explain each of them.

The reason why the value of a Rolex is as high as it has always been, is nothing short of technical excellence.

It is not because Rolex adds value to its own watches by adding jewels unnecessarily, manipulating the market, or adding some other kind of value, but because they are truly "top-quality wristwatches.”

Rolex is said to have laid the foundation for today's highly functional wristwatches, and the development of the following three mechanisms is said to have been a revolution.

The waterproof mechanism combines an Oyster case with a screw-in caseback and crown.

The Perpetual, a full-rotation mechanism with a 360-degree rotor, and the Datejust mechanism, which instantly changes the date at zero o'clock, are all Rolex inventions.

In addition, the development of the rotating bezel, the helium gas escape valve, the chronograph, and other mechanisms that are now commonplace were all created from scratch, a technological achievement unique to Rolex that no other brand can boast of.

A Rolex is not just an "ornamental watch" to be displayed.

Of course, some collectors may avoid wearing them because of their value, but all Rolex models are "practical" as well.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that practicality is the main reason why Rolex watches are manufactured, with models developed mainly for professionals who demand true functionality, such as racers, adventurers, golfers, and pilots.

Furthermore, Rolex does not use titanium or plastic, but always uses durable materials such as platinum, gold, or stainless steel for the case, sapphire crystal for the windshield, and ceramic for the bezel.

In other words, one of the reasons why the value of Rolex watches does not decline is that they remain timeless and can be utilized even if the model has passed through the ages.

Many people have the image of Rolex watches being sold at auctions around the world at amazing prices.

In fact, there are many Rolexes that sell for tens or hundreds of times the official price at the time they were sold.

To begin with, while Rolex is a highly practical watch, many people use it as a "high-value investment watch."

Rolex is a brand that is always in high demand in the pre-owned market as a high-value watch.

In addition, since the prices of rare and valuable models soar over time, some people collect and manage them for investment purposes, just as they do with real estate and stocks.

Rolexes that are no longer in production, have a much smaller circulation, or have become popular or talked about for some reason will see their prices skyrocket.

Sports models are particularly valuable, and their prices are notorious for rising year after year.

Overall, Rolex is a brand whose value does not decline easily, but the price varies greatly depending on the model, type, and timing.

If you are going to acquire a Rolex for investment purposes, you should thoroughly learn the value of "Rolex" and also learn about investmenting.

Rolex is the most valuable watch brand in the world.

Because of its wide range of variety, one of the key points is to know which models are gaining popularity.

Knowing the value of a Rolex can be useful for investment purposes as well.

If you want to learn about high-value Rolexes anew, this article may help you gain more in-depth knowledge.