Established in Geneva in 1839, Patek Philippe epitomizes haute horlogerie. From the first keyless winding system in 1845 to the 1996 debut of the annual calendar wristwatch, the brand has consistently pioneered complications and design elements that have shaped the entire watch industry. Patek Philippe watches are among the most sought-after in the world, regularly achieving record-breaking prices at auction. Nine of the top 10 most expensive watches ever sold, and 14 of the top 20, are Patek Philippe creations. What makes these timepieces so extraordinary, and what astronomical sums have they commanded? Join us as we explore the 10 most expensive Patek Philippe watches ever auctioned, culminating in the single most expensive watch ever sold.
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Patek Philippe Gold Chronograph Ref. 1527 ($5.709 million, 2010, Christie’s)
Patek Philippe Gold Chronograph Ref. 1527
This rare yellow-gold tonneau-cased perpetual calendar chronograph shattered pre-auction estimates when it sold at Christie’s in 2010. Its refined matte silver dial showcases applied Arabic numerals, a tachymeter scale, and three subdials indicating chronograph minutes, running seconds, date, and moon phases. The movement bears the prestigious Geneva Seal, a testament to its exceptional finishing and chronometric precision.
Patek Philippe Titanium Ref. 5208T-010 ($6.226 million, 2017, Christie’s)
Patek Philippe Titanium Ref. 5208T-010
This unique piece achieved the second-highest price ever at the Only Watch charity auction. It represents the sole example of the Ref. 5208 “Triple Complication” crafted in titanium. The R CH 27 PS QI movement powers a minute repeater, a monopusher chronograph, and an instantaneous perpetual calendar. Patek Philippe further elevated this timepiece with a black rhodium finish on the bridges and guilloché detailing on the platinum rotor.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018 “Tiffany & Co.” ($6.5 million, 2021, Phillips)
Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018 “Tiffany & Co.”
Following the announcement of the Nautilus (Ref. 5711) discontinuation in 2021, demand soared. Patek Philippe then surprised collectors with a limited edition for Tiffany & Co., featuring the iconic Tiffany Blue dial. Of the 170 pieces produced, one was auctioned at Phillips, fetching $6.5 million, with proceeds benefiting the Nature Conservancy. This watch, inscribed with a 170th-anniversary commemoration, further cemented the Nautilus’s legendary status.
Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 5016A-010 ($7.259 million, 2015, Phillips)
Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 5016A-010
This understated 37mm steel Patek Philippe, sold for over $7 million at the 2015 Only Watch auction. It boasts three high complications: a minute repeater, a tourbillon, and a perpetual calendar with a moon phase. The 506-part manually wound movement also features a retrograde date hand. This combination of complexity and refined design makes it a highly desirable collector’s piece.
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Patek Philippe Two Crown Worldtime Ref. 2523 “Eurasia” ($7.682 million, 2021, Phillips)
Patek Philippe Two Crown Worldtime Ref. 2523 “Eurasia”
Nicknamed “The Silk Road,” this yellow-gold Ref. 2523 set a record price for a world-time watch in 2021. Its cloisonné dial depicts the Eurasian continent, a testament to Patek Philippe’s artistry and horological mastery. This sale also marked the highest price ever achieved for a yellow-gold watch.
Patek Philippe Gobbi Milan “Heures Universelles” Ref. 2523 ($8.967 million, 2019, Christie’s)
Patek Philippe Gobbi Milan "Heures Universelles" Ref. 2523
This exceptionally rare 1953 world-timer, one of only seven produced, became the most expensive watch auctioned in Asia when it sold in Hong Kong in 2019. Featuring the “Heures Universelles” function by Louis Cottier, this rose-gold watch with a blue enamel dial bears the signatures of both Patek Philippe and the renowned Milanese retailer Gobbi.
Looking for the most expensive watches in the world for men? Explore our curated selection of exceptional timepieces.
Patek Philippe “Prince Mohammed Tewfik A. Toussou” Ref. 1518 ($9.570 million, 2021, Sotheby’s)
Patek Philippe “Prince Mohammed Tewfik A. Toussou” Ref. 1518
This 35mm rose-gold perpetual calendar chronograph boasts a remarkable provenance, having belonged to Prince Mohammed Tewfik A. Toussou of Egypt, a descendant of Muhammad Ali. One of approximately 340 pieces of Ref. 1518 produced, this version with its rare copper-pink dial, sold for over $9.5 million in 2021.
Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 1518 ($11.137 million, 2016, Phillips)
Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Ref. 1518
This 1941 perpetual calendar chronograph briefly held the record for the most expensive watch ever auctioned. One of only four known examples in steel, this Ref. 1518 represents a remarkable feat of watchmaking during wartime. Its 35mm case houses a modified Valjoux caliber with exquisite Patek Philippe finishing.
Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication Ref. 198.385 ($24 million, 2014, Sotheby’s)
Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication
Commissioned by banker Henry Graves Jr., this gold pocket watch became the world’s most complicated watch in 1933, boasting 24 complications. Its features include Westminster chimes, a perpetual calendar, sunrise/sunset times, and a celestial map of New York City. This unique timepiece has broken auction records twice, solidifying its place in horological history. Explore our list of the most expensive watches in the world 2024.
Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 ($31.19 million, 2019, Christie’s)
Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010
This unique stainless steel Grandmaster Chime holds the record for the most expensive watch ever sold at auction. With 20 complications, including two world-firsts – an acoustic alarm and a date repeater – this reversible wristwatch represents the pinnacle of Patek Philippe’s technical and artistic prowess. The proceeds from its $31 million sale contributed to research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
These ten exceptional timepieces illustrate Patek Philippe’s enduring legacy of innovation, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance, solidifying its position at the apex of luxury watchmaking.
