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The 11 most expensive men’s watches in the world

These are the best watches to invest in to upgrade your collection — if you're a millionaire, of course

Man wearing Tissot watch
Austin Lowman / Unsplash

If you want to get an insight into a man’s status without delving deep into his finances or work history, or without asking any awkward questions, look at his wrist. Men’s watches are the easiest way to show class, elegance, style, and status. While there are a wide variety of brands, price points, and styles to choose from, only a few watches can instantly elevate a man’s status the moment he slaps it on his wrist. Though Rolex and Cartier watches are easily recognizable and suggest sophistication and class, you might be surprised to find out they don’t dominate our world’s most expensive watches list.

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If you’re ready to drop the kind of money needed to buy a private island, here are the most expensive men’s watches that will put you in the rarified status of having only nine other men on your level. These aren’t watches you can purchase by walking into a jewelry store and pointing at the glass counter. These are watches you can only get by putting on your best tux, grabbing a number, and bidding against wealthy competitors.

Collection of Patek Phillipe watches
Patek Phillipe

Patek Philippe 5004T – $3.9 Million

Patek Philippe is a crowd favorite because of the brand’s strong market position, excellent reputation, and a dazzling array of beautiful and unique models. This is a name you will see multiple times on this list, so it’s only fitting that we start with this charming piece. Produced specifically for the Only Watch Auction in Monaco in 2013, this titanium model is one-of-a-kind by the watchmaker. To make things even more special, the cool nearly $4 million it fetched at the auction was donated entirely to charity.

Louis Moinet Meteoris watch
Louis Moinet

Louis Moinet Meteoris Collection – $4.3 Million

Out of everything on this list, this has to be the craziest idea. Louis Moinet — who is credited with inventing the chronograph and making extravagant clocks for those little-known figures like Napoleon Bonaparte and Thomas Jefferson — has created a set of truly unique watches. This is a set of four timepieces containing minerals from — you guessed it — space. Tourbillon Mars, Tourbillon Rosetta Stone, Tourbillon Asteroid, and Tourbillon Moon are used in four unique pieces of this set that is truly out of this world.

George Daniels Yellow Gold Space Traveller’s II
George Daniels

George Daniels Yellow Gold Space Traveller’s II – $4.5 Million

Speaking of out of this world, George Daniels created this beauty after being inspired by the 1969 moon landing. He created this divine piece featuring a dial that shows two different times: mean solar time — the time apparent from the Earth’s rotation in relation to the sun, which we read on clocks and sundials — and sidereal time, which corresponds to the Earth’s orbit around the sun. This $4.5 million piece of time-telling perfection is so lauded that it was on display for three years at the London Science Museum, thanks to the generosity of the buyer who believed we should all get the chance to lay our eyes upon it.

Patek Philippe Gobbi Milan Heures Universelles
Patek Phillipe

Patek Philippe Gobbi Milan Heures Universelles – $9 Million

A “world time” clock wasn’t new when this 70-year-old masterpiece came about in the 1950s, but it had never been mastered like this. Not only is this one of the only seven dual-crown wristwatches known to ever exist, but it’s also believed to be one of only two to carry the dual signatures of both Patek Philippe and retailer Gobbi. Note that the outer dial is complete with dozens of cities from around the world, allowing you to change the time locally with ease — a true innovation in wristwatches.

Patek Philippe Stainless Steel
Patek Phillipe

Patek Philippe Stainless Steel – $12 million

We hope you’re not sick of seeing Patek Philippe’s name, because he isn’t finished yet. This beautiful work of art is valuable, arguably because it is less valuable. Stick with us here. Most high-value luxury pieces are made with gold, but Philippe decided to build this case out of stainless steel. Rarity sometimes out values, value. Not to mention, this watch was the first to carry a perpetual calendar. That’s a lot of history and uniqueness in this stellar pick for the collector in you.

Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch
Jacob & Co.

Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch – $18 million

Precise time is a science, and tourbillion is what you need from your watch to ensure that you get the accurate time. It “controls gravity.” If you’ve ever lost or gained a few minutes on your watch, it’s because gravity pulled the mechanisms out of place. Tourbillion counteracts that to keep you always on time. Of course, Jacob & Co. can’t be expected to do that without diamonds covering every speck of real estate on its watch. Also, if you’re on a budget, the Billionaire II is also available for just under $3 million. You know, if you need to save money.

Jacob & Co. Billionaire Timeless Treasure
Jacob & Co.

Jacob & Co. Billionaire Timeless Treasure – $20 million

Speaking of Jacob & Co., this awe-inspiring Billionaire Timeless Treasure is an extraordinary retail watch that boasts an opulent display of precious stones adorning every inch. Prepare to be enchanted by the allure of over 425 Asscher-cut yellow diamonds and 76 emerald/kite-cut tsavorite gems gracefully embellishing both the case and bracelet. This exquisite timepiece that nearly exhausted the global market for high-quality yellow diamonds captures the essence of magnificence, as each angle reflects a mesmerizing play of light. A first-ever colored Billionaire watch, the Billionaire Timeless Treasure showcases an astounding collection of 482 yellow diamonds, with a total weight of 216.9 carats. Quite impressive.

Paul Newman's rolex on a wrist
Rolex

Rolex Paul Newman Daytona – $18.7 million

Don’t be confused; the Paul Newman Daytona is a name that gets slapped on a lot of Rolex watches in three separate lines, called Series One, Series Two, and Series Three. However, this watch is the one designed for and worn by the legendary actor himself. Developed at the same time as the Rolex Submariner, this watch was developed for working men. While the Submariner was designed to withstand the pressures of underwater depths, the Daytona was meant to live its life a quarter mile at a time, counting every millisecond.

Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication
Patek Phillipe

Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication – $26 million

Patek Philippe is at it again. When this watch fetched $24 million at auction back in 2014, it broke its own record by more than double, as it was the most expensive watch in 1999 at $11 million. This was the most anyone had ever paid for a watch, whether on the wrist or in the pocket. What makes this watch legendary is the overabundance of complications (which in the watch world means functions) — it boasts 24 of them, hence the title of Supercomplication. The result is a two-sided pocket watch that remains one of the most legendary in the industry.

Breguet Grande Complication Marie Antoinette
Brequet Grande

Breguet Grande Complication Marie Antoinette – $30 million

When you can say that Marie Antoinette loved your work, you know you’re the best in the field. She acquired many Breguet watches in her time, but this particular one was commissioned for her anonymously. It was said that they only had two requirements: one, wherever possible, gold should replace all other metals, and two, it should have as many complications as possible. If there was a watch function available at the time, it was to be included. When a secret admirer commissions the world’s greatest watchmaker to make the world’s most fabulous watch for the last queen of France, you know the result will be special. Hence the reason this watch of love fetches such a hefty price.

Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime
Patek Phillipe

Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime – $31 million

If you’re surprised at the name of the number-one most expensive watch in the world, you haven’t been paying attention. In a competition to become the most expensive and revered chronographer in the world, it seems Patek Philippe is primarily competing with himself. The newest watch on the list, the Grandmaster Chime, was crafted in 2014 to celebrate Patek Philippe’s 174th anniversary, and it did so with a bang. With more than 20 complications, it’s the most intricate wristwatch ever created. It even holds six patents within its casing. It is most certainly the watch to beat.

Of course, if you’re an everyday man, there are more attainable options in brands like Movado, Cartier, and Bulova. They’re investment pieces that can and will last your entire lifetime and become heirlooms for the next generations. However, if you want the kind of watch that will anchor a collection, elevate your status, and maybe even create generational wealth, these are the watches to bid on at the next auction.

Mark D McKee
Mark is a full-time freelance writer and men's coach. He spent time as a style consultant and bespoke suit salesman before…
Hublot launches Big Bang Unico Summer 2025 in orange ceramic
Summer vibes: Hublot's orange ceramic big bang unico evokes sunset and ocean waves
Hublot big bang summer range

Hublot introduces the Big Bang Unico Summer 2025, a limited edition of 100 watches. It features a micro-blasted orange ceramic case and a sky-blue bezel, evoking the look of summer light on the sea. Priced at $31,300, the watch highlights Hublot’s expertise in coloring high-tech ceramics and its innovative strap systems.
The orange ceramic case represents a significant manufacturing achievement, requiring precise temperature control and material blends to achieve its deep, golden sunset-like color. Drawing on two decades of ceramic expertise, Hublot uses zirconium-based compounds baked at high temperatures to create scratch-resistant cases with vibrant colors.
Measuring 42mm across and 14.5mm thick, the watch maintains the bold yet wearable proportions typical of the Big Bang line. The micro-blasted finish gives texture to the bright orange case, while the sky-blue ceramic bezel offers a striking contrast. Six H-shaped titanium screws secure the bezel, emphasizing the watch’s structural design. Two dark blue case elements, with matching screws, complete the three-color scheme.
The open dial reveals the technical details of the HUB1280 Unico Manufacture movement. White Super-LumiNova coats the Arabic numerals and hour markers, which sit above the date wheel. A yellow central chronograph seconds hand adds a fourth color. The movement’s main plate, bridges, and date wheel are dark blue, and the 60-minute subdial at 3 o’clock is sky blue.
The column wheel chronograph is visible at 6 o’clock, showcasing Hublot’s in-house movement expertise. This movement consists of 354 parts, runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and offers a 72-hour power reserve. It features a silicon escapement and flyback function, allowing the chronograph to be reset and restarted with a single push. The transparent case back displays the dark blue movement against the orange case.
Hublot’s One-Click system allows users to change straps easily without tools. The watch comes with three rubber straps—orange, dark blue, and sky blue, each with a white lining—enabling quick changes to suit different moods and occasions, from beach outings to formal events.
While the color combination recalls Gulf Oil’s racing cars, Hublot states that the inspiration comes from summer, not motorsports. This mix of colors is more dynamic than the single-tone 2023 Sky Blue model, demonstrating how thoughtful color pairing can elevate a design.
The watch is water-resistant to 100 meters, making it suitable for swimming and water sports, even with the chronograph in use. Both the front and back sapphire crystals have anti-reflective coatings. Two chronograph pushers and a large crown ensure reliable operation near water.
With only 100 pieces available, the Summer 2025 edition appeals to collectors who appreciate Hublot’s mastery of materials and seasonal themes. The $31,300 price reflects the complexity of ceramic manufacturing and positions the watch among luxury sports chronographs.
This release reinforces Hublot’s commitment to bold colors and advanced materials, proving that summer inspiration can lead to serious watchmaking.

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Frederique Constant unveils new Healey limited editions in pale blue
Racing heritage: Frederique constant's healey collaboration shifts to pale blue inspiration
Frederique constant's healey editions

Frederique Constant has extended its partnership with British carmaker Healey, marking two decades of collaboration. This year, two new limited editions have been introduced, departing from the traditional British Racing Green. Instead, they feature pale blue dials inspired by early 1960s Austin-Healey 3000 MKII models. Priced at €1,695 and €3,395, these timepieces continue an unusual collaboration that began in 2004.
At the heart of the partnership is a single historic vehicle: the ex-Works 1953–55 Austin-Healey 100S Special Test Car, registration NOJ393. This car competed in the World Sports Car Championship and was sold unrestored at Bonhams in 2011 for £843,000 ($1,000,000). Since then, it has been restored to its 1955 Le Mans specification.
Unlike typical automotive collaborations that focus on brand logos and color matching, Frederique Constant’s approach is different. The brand aims to capture the essence of this specific car and also supports Healey classic car rallies and community programs. Over 20 years, the partnership has produced many timepieces, most featuring the 100S’s distinctive green livery.
This year’s editions take a new aesthetic direction. The pale blue sunray dials with metallic coloring are inspired by the early 1960s Austin-Healey 3000 MKII, moving away from the traditional green to reflect the broader Austin-Healey palette while maintaining a connection to racing heritage.
The three-handed automatic variant features a curvaceous 36mm polished steel case, incorporating both Frederique Constant and Healey dial elements. Applied hour markers, including an oversized 12, are hand-polished silver with white luminous material. The bright red central seconds hand adds a sporty, dashboard-inspired touch, while the dark blue minute track flange matches the co-signing.
The chronograph edition measures 41mm and has a polished steel case with a two-counter layout. Bright red accents appear on both the central chronograph hand and the 30-minute subdial, which sits opposite the small seconds display. This color coordination visually connects to automotive instrumentation while maintaining horological function.
Both models are paired with blue leather straps and closed case backs engraved with the historic 100S. Each is limited to 1,888 pieces, emphasizing the partnership’s exclusivity while still offering reasonable availability for enthusiasts.
The automatic model costs €1,695, making it an accessible entry point into the collaboration. The chronograph is priced at €3,395, targeting collectors seeking additional complications. These price points are competitive with similar Swiss offerings and provide a sense of automotive provenance.
Frederique Constant has also reintroduced the 40mm 2023 Classics Vintage Rally Healey Automatic, featuring a steel case and British Racing Green dial. This model becomes a core collection piece, losing its limited edition status to broaden accessibility.
This partnership demonstrates how authentic collaborations can move beyond typical co-branding, emphasizing genuine community engagement and respect for automotive heritage. The result is a series of distinctive timepieces that appeal to both watch and car enthusiasts

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Citizen celebrates 40 years of aqualand with limited anniversary edition
Four decades deep: Citizen's limited aqualand edition celebrates electronic depth-sensing innovation
Citizens aqualand 40 years

Citizen celebrates 40 years of underwater innovation with the Promaster Aqualand 40th Anniversary Limited Edition, a tribute to the 1985 model that introduced electronic depth meters to professional diving. This $595 limited edition retains the iconic design elements of the original while incorporating modern materials and a commitment to environmental responsibility.
The first Aqualand was a breakthrough in 1985, being the world’s first diver’s watch with an electronic depth meter. This innovation transformed professional diving by providing real-time depth data alongside standard timekeeping functions, setting a new standard for underwater instruments.
The anniversary edition closely mirrors the distinctive look that made the original famous. The crown is positioned at 4 o’clock, three push buttons are thoughtfully placed, and the round depth sensor at 9 o’clock echoes the original’s signature feature. The updated model uses a gray, brushed stainless steel case with gold accents, lending a celebratory feel for the 40th anniversary.
Technically, the new Aqualand maintains the pioneering spirit of its predecessor. The digital display shows time, calendar, alarm, and chronograph functions, and in dive mode, it measures depth and dive time. The ascent rate alarm warns divers if they ascend too quickly, enhancing safety during decompression.
The BENEBiOL™ polyurethane strap is made from plant-based materials, offering durability in water while reducing environmental impact. This eco-friendly approach underscores Citizen’s commitment to responsible manufacturing without sacrificing performance in marine environments.
Powered by the Cal.C520 movement, the watch operates within ±20 seconds per month and supports full digital functionality. The watch meets ISO standards for 200-meter water resistance, making it suitable for professional diving. It features luminous hands and markers, a unidirectional rotating bezel, a screw-down crown, and a 1/100-second chronograph with a 100-minute counter for precise underwater timing.
The case back features a special design inspired by the original sensor, adding a unique touch exclusive to this anniversary edition. Limited to 5,800 pieces and launching in July 2025, the watch is aimed at both diving professionals and collectors who appreciate technical innovation in timepieces.
At $595, the Aqualand 40th Anniversary Edition offers a chance to celebrate the history of electronic diving watches while delivering modern performance, proving that thoughtful evolution keeps classic technologies relevant and reliable. Find out more at www.citizenwatch.com.

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