Luxury watches and especially Patek Philippe can never go light on the pocket. But how expensive can they get? We were equally curious as you are and decided to dig into the details. We went back through time to find the most expensive and rare Patek Philippe watches that helped the luxury brand make history!
Patek made its debut in 1839 in Geneva and became known for its outstanding wristwatch caricature that delivers an amazing return on investment. You can sell luxury watches at an unimaginable value.
Simply put, Patek owners are well aware that they have one of the best timepieces in the world that stand out in heritage, craftsmanship, innovation, and design. The brand offers nine exclusive watch collections in the following ranges:
- Complications
- Grand Complications
- Golden Ellipse
- Calatrava
- Aquanaut
- Gondolo
- Nautilus
- Twenty~4
- Pocket Watches
But which are the oh-so-expensive models that captivate everyone’s attention?
Patek Philippe defeats all other luxury watch brands in high-value auctions. Find out the models that secure the tag of achieving record-setting prices.
7 Most Expensive Patek Philippe Models
1. Patek Philippe Split-Second Chronograph
Making its debut in 1947, the Ref. 1563 Split-Second Chronograph is one of three references 1563 to exist. The watch is a chronograph with two sub-dials and has a waterproof screw-in case back like 1436. The only difference is the split-seconds chronograph mechanism that is most difficult to produce and assemble.
The luminous Breguet numerals and sword hands make this reference so unique. Another most astonishing feature is that the watch has the stamp of 1436 on the inside of the case back. The reason for this is still unknown in Patek’s documents.
We feel that the watch’s beautiful dial layout, balanced complication and timeless appeal, which is sportier, make the timepiece highly desirable.
2. Calatrava
The Calatrava Ref. 570 that came out in 1942 is an extraordinary Patek timepiece most popularly known as the ‘Calatravone’. The watch has a very well-preserved case of 37mm, offering a modern outlook. The real catch is that it is one of only two Ref. 570 models with a two-tone dial. Additionally, the railway track and the Breguet numerals enhance its appeal.
Even after being almost 80 years old, the watch looks great, and the dial nearly retains its original condition. Patek sold the Ref. 570 at a whopping price at the Geneva Watch Auction, which broke the world record for the reference and other stainless steel watches.
3. Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar
Over the centuries, Patek has manufactured a wide array of fantastic timepieces. The Ref. 1591 is yet another watch that encompasses various special characteristics. It was on the cover of Wrist Watches Catalog and Christie’s Geneva Pocket watches.
The Ref. 1591 flaunts a special blend of complex inner workings with stunning aesthetics that immediately makes it desirable. If that’s not enough to grab your attention, remember that Patek made only two of these amazing watches.
According to Patek’s reports, the brand sold the watch to an Indian Maharaja who took great pleasure in wearing the robust timepiece while playing polo. Today, you can glimpse this astonishing piece at the Patek Philippe Museum.
4. Grand Complication Patek Philippe
There are numerous things for which Patek enjoys its fame and popularity. One of them is the First-Ever Grand Complication watch, the brand’s first recorded grand complication. It was made in 1898 and sold in 1900 to one of the greatest business leaders, Mr Stephen S. Palmer.
Some of the most notable features of this pocket watch include the perpetual calendar, minute repeating, split-seconds chronograph, moon phase and petite sonnerie. It is one of the finest examples of Patek’s brilliant craftsmanship and is in the most stellar condition.
Also, the price at which the Grand Complication Patek was sold by Christie’s proves that someone literally cracked one hell of a deal!
5. Patek Philippe World Time Ref. 2523
So far, we have opened you to complicated Patek Philippe watches. However, this one stands out from the rest with its unique characteristics. The Ref. 2523 World Time watch came out in 1955 and received no flattering importance on making its debut. 2523 was quite an odd piece with the world-time disc system invented by Louis Cottier in 1931.
Over the years (or centuries), the world time Patek Ref. 2523 has become one of the most desirable timepieces popular amongst collectors. The dial shows a hand-painted map of North America that was again sold by Christie’s at an alarming price!
6. Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010
This is it! The most expensive watch ever sold at an auction is the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime with Ref. 6300A-010 at the Only Watch Auction in 2019. Patek Philippe created the watch specifically for charity purposes, and it is the first and the only Grandmaster Chime in stainless steel. Steel is a material that the luxury brand rarely uses.
The spectacular watch piece features 20 astounding complications. Apart from the striking stainless steel case, the Ref. 6300A-010 watch makes the heads turn with its golden opaline and ebony black dial. The dial has the words ‘The Only One’ written to live up to its hype.
7. Patek Philippe ‘Heures Universelles’
The Patek Ref. 1415 ‘Heures Universelles’ model in a 31mm platinum case is another wonder from 1946 that reflects the brand’s exquisite watchmaking skills. The stunning tool indicates 41 cities, regions, and countries. Louis Cottier introduced the unique ‘World Time’ mechanism in 1931, which Patek and other notable brands soon adopted.
The Ref. 1415HU features a three-part case with brushed finishing and has a hand-engraved bezel that revolves bearing the names of cities. You literally need to see it with your eyes to embrace its exclusivity.
CONCLUSION
This was our favourite list of the rarest and most costly Patek Philippe timepieces that we hope you found interesting and useful. These iconic watches are difficult to get your hands on but are definitely worth the value.
All the watches are unique creations by the watchmaker that sets the brand apart from others. Patek Philippe has soared to the top of the list of every investor's watch list with their stunning designs.
If you are interested in selling your luxury watch, get in touch with the experts at The Luxury Hut to get the best price. The in-house expert team holds over 40 years of combined experience in the field and has valued numerous rare and exquisite luxury watch models to quote the best competitive price.
Start by filling in their easy online form to get an INSTANT QUOTE!
Also Read: What Are the Most Expensive Watches in the World?
