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Top 15 Most Expensive Patek Philippe Watches in History

Images of the top 15 most expensive Patek Philippe watches in history
Patek Philippe is one of the most expensive watch brands in the world.
It is no exaggeration to say that wearing a Patek Philippe on one's wrist is proof of one's success.
Patek Philippe has many collections and models.
In this article, we have gathered the most valuable Patek Philippe among them.
If you are looking for an expensive and valuable Patek Philippe, why not take a look at them?
1. The world's highest quality standards
Patek Philippe's Grand Complication watches are considered to be the best in the world.
To begin with, Patek Philippe uses only parts that have been expertly crafted by the finest artisans, and each part is of the highest quality standards in the world.
Another of Patek Philippe's unique characteristics is its ability to repair any old model.
They have all the parts for every model they have ever sold, so there is no such thing as "it's too old to repair" or "There aren’t any parts available, so I cannot use it ".
Patek Philippe has been able to maintain the world's highest quality standards because of its "quality that never fades".
2. Works of Art to Dress Your Hands
Patek Philippe is often described as more than a wristwatch, it is a work of art.
This is because Patek Philippe's watches are finished with technical skills that other watchmakers cannot imitate, such as the craftsmanship that goes into each individual part, the movements that cannot be mass-produced, and the limited edition models that make generous use of rare materials.
Even a single dial is made entirely by hand, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that it is almost made-to-order.
The delicacy and precision of this technical skill is said to be a miracle beyond art.
3. Top 15 Most Expensive Patek Philippe Watches in History
Patek Philippe watches are all very expensive, and all are coveted by watch enthusiasts.
However, there are several Patek Philippe models that are particularly expensive, and these fetch prices that surpass even jewelry and historical paintings.
Here are 15 of the most expensive Patek Philippe watches.
TOP 15.The "Calatrava" Ref. 570
Sold for 3,297,000 Swiss francs at a watch auction in Geneva in 2021.
The "Calatrava" Ref. 570, a model created by Patek Philippe in 1942.
The model features a 37mm case and is known as a classic yet modern masterpiece with its simple two-tone dial, steel body, and railway track.
It is a must-have for any Patek Philippe enthusiast.
TOP 14. Split-seconds chronograph from 1945
Sold for 3.3 million Swiss francs at Phillips in Geneva.
The Split-seconds chronograph from 1945 combines sophistication with a timepiece that is hard to believe it was made in 1945.
While many models are made of yellow gold, rose gold, etc., this is a rare and highly valuable model with a stainless steel case.
The raised silver-colored hour markers are a distinctive feature of this model, and black enamel is used for the scale and other parts.
TOP 13. Eric Clapton Ref. 2499/100
Sold at Christie's in Geneva in November 2012 for 3.44 million Swiss francs. The Eric Clapton Ref. 2499/100 features the Geneva Seal, chronograph and perpetual calendar.
The models with a white metal case are very rare, and are known to have been loved by Eric Clapton and many other celebrities.
The same model with a white metal case is very rare and is known as a model loved by many celebrities such as Eric Clapton.
With no unnecessary decorations, it can be called the ultimate in elegance.
TOP 12. Ref. 2499 in Yellow Gold
Sold at Phillips Auction in 2021 for 3,539,000 Swiss francs.
Ref. 2499 in Yellow Gold" in 18-carat yellow gold.
This model was introduced in 1952, but made headlines in 2020 when it was discovered completely intact.
The yellow gold bracelet, manufactured and engraved by Gay Freres, the "1.57" engraving on the clasp, the square chronograph buttons, and the tachymeter scale are all known as a miracle piece that is still keeping time in perfect condition.
TOP 11. "J.B. Champion" Ref. 2458
Sold for 3.78 million Swiss francs at Christie's in 2012.
The "J.B. Champion" Ref. 2458 is known as a large vintage model with a size of 36 mm.
It is a rare platinum case version and is known as one of the legendary pieces owned by attorney J.B. Champion.
Despite his arrest for fraud, J.B. was an important client of Patek Philippe in the post-war period.
TOP 10. "Asprey" Ref. 2499
Sold at Sotheby's Geneva for 3,915,000 Swiss francs.
The "Asprey" Ref. 2499 is coveted by enthusiasts for its beautiful yellow gold, perpetual calendar, and its unique existence.
The silver dial with gold figures is a Patek Philippe masterpiece.
The initials of the first owner and the date of purchase are also key points that stir the hearts of fans.
TOP 9. Ref. 1526
Sold at Christie's on May 12, 2008 for 4.14 million Swiss francs.
Ref. 1526, a 34mm circular steel wristwatch manufactured in 1949.
It is a very rare model in Patek Philippe's history and features a very simple design with a silver-finished mat dial, black finish, and Arabic numerals.
The caliber functions include moon phase and perpetual calendar, and it is known as one of the rarest and most valuable watches.
TOP 8.Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018
Sold for approximately 5,986,000 Swiss francs from Philips in December 2021.
The Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018 is a rare model with an impressive Tiffany blue color.
It commemorates 170 years of collaboration between watchmakers and jewelers and is equipped with an in-house self-winding movement, caliber 26-330 SC, with center chord.
The luxury of the watch, with its "Tiffany & Co." engraving and 18-karat white gold, has thrilled fans around the world.
The story of the watch is also fascinating, with proceeds from its sale being donated to an organization that works to protect the entire planet.
TOP7. Ref. 1527
Sold at Christie's in 2010 for 6.26 million Swiss francs.
Although made in 1943, Ref. 1527 is a model with perpetual calendar, moon phase, and chronograph functions.
It was also the only one of its kind in the world with a 37.6 mm 18-karat yellow gold, tonneau-shaped case, three sub-dials and a 30-minute register.
The case, dial and movement are signed Patek Philippe.
TOP 6. Ref. 1415 "Heures Universelles"
Sold for CHF 6.6 million at the Hotel Richemond ( Antiquorum ) in Geneva in 2002.
Ref. 1415 "Heures Universelles", a rare model showing more than 41 cities, countries and regions of the world.
The world time system, invented before any other famous watchmaker, is one of Patek Philippe's legends.
The craftsmanship of the parts and mechanisms, as well as the luxury features such as the " Faust Coat " decoration and the 18 jewels, are also not to be missed.
TOP 5. "Silk Road" Ref. 2523
Sold by Phillips in May 2021 for 7,048,000 Swiss francs.
The "Silk Road" Ref. 2523 has an enamel disc engraved by watchmaker Louis Cottier.
The Croissonnay enamel dial and the two-crown world time, among other unique design features, are attracting attention.
It was also the world's most expensive yellow gold wristwatch ever sold on the auction market.
TOP 4. Ref. 5016A-010
Sold for 7.3 million Swiss francs at the Only Watch charity auction held in Geneva.
Ref. 5016A-010 is a model that has all the features of a highly functional wristwatch, including minute repeater, tourbillon, moon phase, and perpetual calendar.
It is the only model in the world made of steel and is known as one of the rarest of the brand's models, with a solid caseback and a sapphire crystal caseback that are interchangeable.
It also features 506 components.
Auctioned at the astonishing price of 7.3 million Swiss francs, it is a true miracle.
TOP 3. Ref. 1518 in Pink Gold from 1948
Sold at Sotheby's in 2021 for approximately 8.751 million Swiss francs.
Ref. 1518 in Pink Gold from 1948, a 35mm 18kt pink gold watch produced in 1948.
At the time, pink gold was known to be extremely valuable, as most had yellow gold cases.
The story behind this watch is interesting, as it was purchased by an Egyptian prince in 1951.
It is also said to be the only pink 1518 with original proof of origin.
TOP2.Ref. 1518 in Stainless Steel
Sold for 11 million Swiss francs at Phillips in Geneva in 2016.
The 1518 in Stainless Steel is known as the second most expensive watch in Patek Philippe history.
It is said that there were only four 1518s in steel at the time, and one of them belonged to the last king of Romania, making it a unique model with anecdotes as well.
Incidentally, the movement is a hand-wound 130Q movement, which was sold for 11 million Swiss francs at Phillips in 2016 and became a hot topic.
TOP 1.Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 ”Only Watch”
Sold for 31 million Swiss francs at the Only Watch charity auction held in Geneva. This is the world's highest price for a wristwatch as of 2023.
Patek Philippe, Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 "Only Watch", the world's highest priced watch.
The rarity and value of the Grandmaster Chime is unrivaled, including its being the only Grandmaster Chime model made of steel, the astonishing functionality of its integration of 20 complicated mechanisms, and its five acoustic functions.
Another unique feature is the ability to switch between dials through the use of a reversing mechanism.
Conceived exclusively for the 2019 Only Watch collection, it is the world's greatest treasure.
Conclusion
The beauty of Patek Philippe watches is that no matter how old they are, they still keep accurate time.
Also they all have a story to tell, a story that has lived with many owners over the years.
It is for this reason that Patek Philippe is highly valued, and not just overpriced.
When you own an expensive Patek Philippe watch, it means that you are added to the history of that watch.
Keep on following the appeal of Patek Philippe in the hope that one day, the time will come when you will be a part of it.

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