Patek Philippe is synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and heritage in the world of horology. The brand, founded in 1839, has created some of the most exquisite and highly sought-after timepieces in history. Known for their intricate complications, timeless designs, and exceptional quality, Patek Philippe watches often fetch astronomical prices at auctions and in private sales. This article delves into the top 10 most expensive Patek Philippe watches ever sold, exploring the features, history, and significance of each piece.
1. Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010
Introduction
The Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 is currently the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction, fetching a staggering $31 million. This watch was created for the Only Watch charity auction in 2019, making it a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Design and Features
- Material: Stainless steel (a rarity for Patek Philippe)
- Complications: 20 complications, including a grande and petite sonnerie, minute repeater, perpetual calendar, moon phases, and more.
- Dials: Double-faced, one side featuring the time and the other displaying the calendar functions.
- Case Size: 47.7 mm
- Movement: Manual winding, Caliber 300 GS AL 36-750 QIS FUS IRM, consisting of 1,366 components.
Historical Significance
The Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 was produced to commemorate Patek Philippe’s 175th anniversary. Its extraordinary price is a testament to its complexity, craftsmanship, and the brand’s legacy.
Auction and Sale Details
- Auction House: Christie’s Geneva
- Sale Date: November 9, 2019
- Final Price: $31 million
- Significance: Highest price ever paid for a wristwatch at auction.
2. Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication
Introduction
The Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication is a pocket watch, not a wristwatch, but its historical importance and price make it a must-include in any list of Patek Philippe’s most expensive watches. It sold for $24 million in 2014.
Design and Features
- Material: 18-karat gold
- Complications: 24 complications, including Westminster chimes, perpetual calendar, moon phases, sunrise and sunset times, and celestial charts.
- Case Size: 74 mm
- Movement: Mechanical, highly complex with over 900 individual parts.
Historical Significance
Commissioned by American banker Henry Graves Jr. in 1925, the Supercomplication took eight years to design and build. It remained the most complicated watch ever created until 1989.
Auction and Sale Details
- Auction House: Sotheby’s Geneva
- Sale Date: November 11, 2014
- Final Price: $24 million
- Significance: The most expensive pocket watch ever sold.
3. Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 1518
Introduction
The Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 in stainless steel is another masterpiece, known for being the first perpetual calendar chronograph ever made. It was auctioned for $11.14 million in 2016.
Design and Features
- Material: Stainless steel (only four known to exist)
- Complications: Perpetual calendar with moon phases, chronograph.
- Case Size: 35 mm
- Movement: Manual winding, Caliber 13-130.
Historical Significance
Released in 1941, the Ref. 1518 is a landmark in horological history, representing the first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch.
Auction and Sale Details
- Auction House: Phillips Geneva
- Sale Date: November 12, 2016
- Final Price: $11.14 million
- Significance: The most expensive stainless steel watch ever sold at auction.
4. Patek Philippe Gobbi Milan Double Signed Ref. 2499
Introduction
The Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 is widely regarded as one of the most important vintage Patek Philippe references. The Gobbi Milan Double Signed version sold for $7.68 million in 2018.
Design and Features
- Material: 18-karat rose gold
- Complications: Perpetual calendar, moon phases, chronograph.
- Case Size: 37.5 mm
- Movement: Manual winding, Caliber 13-130.
Historical Significance
The Ref. 2499 is a highly coveted model, and this particular version is unique due to its double signature, with the Gobbi Milan name on the dial, adding to its rarity.
Auction and Sale Details
- Auction House: Sotheby’s Geneva
- Sale Date: May 12, 2018
- Final Price: $7.68 million
- Significance: One of the most valuable vintage Patek Philippe watches.
5. Patek Philippe Ref. 2523 World Time
Introduction
The Patek Philippe Ref. 2523 is a rare world time watch, particularly valued for its cloisonné enamel dial. A version of this watch sold for $7.5 million in 2021.
Design and Features
- Material: 18-karat yellow gold
- Complications: World time function.
- Case Size: 36 mm
- Movement: Manual winding, Caliber 12-400 HS.
Historical Significance
Introduced in 1953, the Ref. 2523 is celebrated for its artistic dial, featuring a cloisonné enamel map of North America, showcasing Patek Philippe’s mastery in both horology and decorative arts.
Auction and Sale Details
- Auction House: Christie’s Hong Kong
- Sale Date: May 22, 2021
- Final Price: $7.5 million
- Significance: One of the rarest and most beautiful world time watches ever made.
See Also: How Much Is A Patek Philippe 5711
6. Patek Philippe Ref. 5002P Sky Moon Tourbillon
Introduction
The Patek Philippe Ref. 5002P Sky Moon Tourbillon is an incredibly complex and highly coveted piece, selling for $5.6 million in 2008.
Design and Features
- Material: Platinum
- Complications: 12 complications, including minute repeater, tourbillon, perpetual calendar, retrograde date, sky chart, phases and orbit of the moon, and sidereal time.
- Case Size: 42.8 mm
- Movement: Manual winding, Caliber R TO 27 QR SID LU CL.
Historical Significance
Introduced in 2001, the Ref. 5002P was Patek Philippe’s most complicated wristwatch at the time, setting a new benchmark in haute horology.
Auction and Sale Details
- Auction House: Antiquorum Geneva
- Sale Date: October 10, 2008
- Final Price: $5.6 million
- Significance: A milestone in modern watchmaking with unparalleled complications.
7. Patek Philippe Ref. 5208T Titanium
Introduction
The Patek Philippe Ref. 5208T is a unique piece created for the Only Watch charity auction in 2017, achieving a sale price of $6.23 million.
Design and Features
- Material: Titanium (a rarity for Patek Philippe)
- Complications: Minute repeater, chronograph, perpetual calendar.
- Case Size: 42 mm
- Movement: Self-winding, Caliber R CH 27 PS QI.
Historical Significance
This watch is notable not only for its complications but also for being crafted in titanium, a material Patek Philippe rarely uses, making it an extraordinary collector’s item.
Auction and Sale Details
- Auction House: Christie’s Geneva
- Sale Date: November 11, 2017
- Final Price: $6.23 million
- Significance: A one-of-a-kind piece with unique material and high complications.
8. Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 First Series
Introduction
The Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 First Series is one of the most iconic vintage watches, with a version sold for $5.1 million in 2018.
Design and Features
- Material: 18-karat yellow gold
- Complications: Perpetual calendar, moon phases, chronograph.
- Case Size: 37.5 mm
- Movement: Manual winding, Caliber 13-130.
Historical Significance
Produced between 1950 and 1954, the First Series Ref. 2499 is highly regarded for its design, rarity, and historical importance in the evolution of complicated wristwatches.
Auction and Sale Details
- Auction House: Phillips Geneva
- Sale Date: May 13, 2018
- Final Price: $5.1 million
- Significance: A legendary reference in Patek Philippe’s vintage collection.
9. Patek Philippe Ref. 3974J Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar
Introduction
The Patek Philippe Ref. 3974J is a minute repeater with a perpetual calendar, known for its technical complexity and elegance. It was sold for $4.8 million in 2016.
Design and Features
- Material: 18-karat yellow gold
- Complications: Minute repeater, perpetual calendar, moon phases, leap year indicator.
- Case Size: 36 mm
- Movement: Self-winding, Caliber R 27 Q.
Historical Significance
Introduced in 1989 to celebrate Patek Philippe’s 150th anniversary, the Ref. 3974J was the most complicated wristwatch at the time of its release.
Auction and Sale Details
- Auction House: Phillips Hong Kong
- Sale Date: November 28, 2016
- Final Price: $4.8 million
- Significance: A hallmark of Patek Philippe’s modern complicated watches.
10. Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 in Rose Gold
Introduction
The Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 in rose gold is another variant of the first-ever perpetual calendar chronograph, selling for $2.9 million in 2011.
Design and Features
- Material: 18-karat rose gold
- Complications: Perpetual calendar, chronograph, moon phases.
- Case Size: 35 mm
- Movement: Manual winding, Caliber 13-130.
Historical Significance
As the first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, the Ref. 1518 is a cornerstone in the history of Patek Philippe and horology in general.
Auction and Sale Details
- Auction House: Christie’s Geneva
- Sale Date: November 14, 2011
- Final Price: $2.9 million
- Significance: A rare and historically significant watch with a timeless design.
Conclusion
Patek Philippe watches continue to dominate the luxury watch market with their unmatched craftsmanship, heritage, and innovative complications. The top 10 most expensive Patek Philippe watches represent not only the pinnacle of horological artistry but also a significant investment, with their values appreciating over time. Collectors and enthusiasts alike admire these masterpieces for their technical brilliance, rarity, and the stories they tell, ensuring that Patek Philippe remains a benchmark in the world of haute horology.
